Moving Out

• Give notice: Check your lease for notice to vacate clauses to determine when to contact your landlord about your move-out plans. If you have a month-to-month lease, you must provide 30 days’ notice in writing.
• Subletting soon? Use our helpful guide to make sure you are ready to sublet.
• Following cleaning guidelines: Read your lease for move-out date and cleaning specifications.
• Create a trash and recycling plan. Use our resources below to dispose of items responsibly.
• Schedule a final walkthrough: Conduct a joint inspection with your landlord to determine if any damage occurred and ensure your security deposit will be returned.
• Provide your forwarding address for your security deposit. Security deposits must be returned within 30 days after your lease ends. Deductions can only be made for damages or unpaid rent in Massachusetts. View the MA Security Deposit law. 
• Reserve movers and make a storage plan as needed.
• Contact utilities: Notify your cable/internet company and electric/gas company about your move-out date.
• Complete a Change of Address form with the post office so your mail does not get lost.
• Plan ahead: Determine move in date and time of your new apartment. Leading up to September 1st, follow our posts at #NUmoveinSept1 on social media (@NUoffcampus)!

Mattresses must be recycled in Massachusetts. Schedule a free mattress pick-up in advance via the City of Boston!

Find a donation center near you. During fall and spring semesters, drop off items for Northeastern’s Trash2Treasure. Throughout the year, you can access the donation resources below.

Clothing and Household Items

• Goodwill – donation sites in Roxbury and in JP.
• GreenDrop
• Big Brother Big Sister – schedule a pick-up!
• H&M – Clothing only
• Rosie’s Place – Create a care package with items you no longer need.
• Second Chances – Clothing, footwear, accessories.
• Vietnam Veterans of America – Will also take small appliances and small furniture.
• Buffalo Exchange where you can turn in certain clothing items for store credit or cash.

Food

• Greater Boston Food Bank – Drop off non-perishables any weekday.

Furniture Pick-Up

• Habitat ReStore

Other Resources:

• Free Cycle
• Trash Nothing!
• Craigslist

Join your local “Buy Nothing” group on Facebook or explore re-sale/donation apps. Always use caution when communicating with those you do not know online.

Consider recycling options. The City of Boston has information on electronic recycling and clothing/textile recycling too! Not in Boston? Check your local government websites for more tailored info.

• Follow trash and recycling guidelines. Download the Boston Trash App or review the City of Boston guidelines.
• The City has information on electronic recycling and clothing/textile recyling too!
• Report issues to City of Boston by dialing 3-1-1. You may also report issues via BOS:311 app or tweet @BOS311 for assistance.
• Avoid moving things you don’t need. It’s time consuming and physically demanding. Donate or sell items in good condition.

Remember that your security deposits are an upfront cost that you paid at the beginning of your lease term. Security deposits must be returned to you within 30 days of you moving out. Make sure that your landlord has the right forwarding address as this may come in the form of a check. Visit our Upfront Costs page for more information.