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Moving out made easy

Coming to the end of your tenancy? Here’s everything you need to know to leave your student house stress-free and get that all-important deposit back.

Around 40,000 students move out in Sheffield each summer - beat the rush with these simple steps for a smooth move. 

Tips for a stress-free move

1. Plan ahead:

Start preparing at least two weeks before your move.

2. Ask for help:

Friends or family can make the process quicker and less overwhelming than doing it all yourself.

3. Stay flexible:

Unexpected delays or challenges will probably pop up - try and flex your plans around any issues to reduce stress.

4. Follow our guide:

The following guide covers all aspects of moving out, from decluttering and packing to cleaning and inspecting.

1. Declutter and organise

Start by sorting through your belongings and organising them into five groups:

Keep, Donate, Recycle, Sell, Dispose

Two young female students smiling and holding up sweatshirts while organising clothing at a clothing rack.

Keep

These are the things you’ll take with you to your next home. Make sure they’re clean, in good condition, and still useful!

Examples:

  • Clothes you still wear
  • Toiletries and bathroom items
  • Kitchenware you regularly use (e.g. pots, plates, cutlery)
  • Important documents (e.g. ID, contracts, prescriptions)
  • Electronics (e.g. laptop, phone, chargers)
  • Sentimental items (e.g. photos, gifts)

Top tips:

  • Be realistic if you haven’t used it in months, consider donating or selling
  • Pack these items carefully and label them clearly
  • Set aside essentials (e.g. change of clothes, meds, charger) in a separate bag or suitcase
Donate

Why donate?

  • Cut down on waste: Donating keeps your stuff out of landfill and helps reduce your environmental impact (see our sustainability policies).
  • Keeps streets clean
  • Keep student areas clean: Avoid leaving unwanted items on the street - donations help keep your community tidy and welcoming.
  • Support good causes: Charities turn your pre-loved items into funding for vital services and life saving research.
  • Make moving easier: Fewer things to pack = less stress on moving day. You’ll thank yourself later!

Donate, don't waste:

Donate, don't waste provides on-street donation points in student areas across Sheffield. Just bag up reusable items in a strong/heavy duty bin bag and drop them at one of the designated donation points - they'll be collected and either sold in British Heart Foundation shops or recycled.

This scheme is run in partnership with Sheffield Hallam Uni, Hallam SU, the Uni of Sheffield, Sheffield SU, Sheffield City Council, and the British Heart Foundation.

If a donation bank is full, don’t leave bags on the ground. Try another donation point, charity shop, or return later.

Find your nearest donation point

What to donate:

Items that are suitable for donation:

  • Clothes and shoes
  • Accessories (e.g. bags, belts, jewellery)
  • Books and board games
  • Small electricals (e.g. TVs, speakers, games consoles)
  • Furniture (in good condition)
  • Household items (e.g. kitchenware, decorations)

Please make sure everything is clean, usable, and not broken - no one wants mouldy shoes or a toaster that doesn’t work!

What not to donate:

Items that are not suitable for donation:

  • Toiletries
  • Food and drink (unless sealed and non-perishable – see Community Fridge info)
  • Used pillows, duvets, or quilts
  • Cushions and covers (unless they have fire safety labels)
  • Knives or anything that could be considered a weapon
  • Personal electricals (e.g. shavers, toothbrushes) — unless new and sealed
  • Prescription glasses

If you wouldn’t use it yourself, it’s probably not suitable to donate.

Charity shops:

Plenty of other charity shops across Sheffield also accept donations. Check their websites to see what items they’re currently taking, as this can vary by shop.

Find your nearest charity shop

Community fridge:

You can donate sealed/unopened, non-perishable foods (e.g. tins, cans, and packets) to our Community Fridge. Simply drop your items off at the Students' Union (HUBS) and we'll offer these items for free to students who may need them.

Most supermarkets also have food donation points, so make sure you check your local stores.

Recycle

Recycling items:

 

Recycle as much as you can! Use your kerbside collections to recycle household materials:

  • Blue bin (paper and card)
  • Brown bin (glass, tins, and plastic bottles only)

Only put the correct items in each bin, otherwise collection may be refused. If your recycling is contaminated by other waste, the entire load could be sent for incineration.

Contact your landlord if you don't have the correct bins or if your bins are damaged.

Most supermarkets also have collection points for more hard-to-recycle items like soft plastics (i.e. crisp packets and bread bags) and batteries.

Find your nearest recycling points

Sell

Want to turn your unwanted items into cash?

Platforms like:

offer a great way to give your pre-loved items a new home while boosting your bank balance. It's a win-win!

Dispose

Disposing of items:

For anything that can’t be reused, donated, or recycled, use your black bin as normal. Check your bin schedule, and put bins out the night before collection (don’t forget to bring them back in after).

If your black bin is full, no stress - Sheffield City Council will run extra waste collections from 20 June to 7 July 2025 in student areas for excess rubbish.

Council excess waste collection

If your street is on a collection route, securely tie your waste in large bags and leave them outside your property - usually be collected within three days. If you're not located on a collection route, put your bags out on your normal (black) bin day.

Only leave bags out on the scheduled days to avoid fines for fly-tipping.

Don’t include food waste, as it may attract vermin and smells. Food can be donated (if appropriate) or put in your black bin.

Waste collected this way is sent to an Energy Recovery Facility to be turned into energy, so please use this service only if necessary.

View excess waste collection routes

2. Pack your belongings

Everything must be removed from the flat or house when you move out - yes, everything!

Use the right containers:

  • Choose sturdy cardboard boxes or plastic crates
  • Ask at local supermarkets (they often have free spare boxes)
  • Reusable shopping bags work well for clothes and shoes

Pack smart:

  • Label boxes and bags by category to make unpacking easier
  • Protect fragile items using bubble wrap or soft clothing
  • Pack a separate bag or suitcase with essentials (toiletries, a few outfits, chargers)

3. Prepare your flat/house

Before you hand in your keys, make sure your house or flat is left in great condition. Many students lose part or all of their deposit due to issues with cleaning or damage. Follow this guide to avoid unnecessary costs.

Deep clean everything

Before you move out, give the property a thorough clean. Even if the property wasn’t spotless when you moved in, your landlord will likely expect it to be when you leave.

Work through the following checklist to make sure you cover all bases:

General areas

These are the areas everyone tends to overlook, but they can make a big difference to your final inspection. Make sure you give them attention throughout the whole house or flat.

  • Cupboards - including inside and on top
  • Floors and skirting boards
  • Work surfaces and shelves
  • Walls and tiles
  • Windows - don’t forget window ledges
  • Curtains and blinds
  • Furniture - including underneath and behind
  • Radiators
  • Outdoor/garden area - de-weed, remove litter, tidy up

Kitchen

Kitchens are one of the most commonly scrutinised areas during move-out checks. Clean every appliance thoroughly (even if you didn’t use it much).

  • Refrigerator and freezer - defrost, empty and clean
  • Oven, hob, and extractor fan - remove grease and burnt-on food
  • Microwave - clean inside and out
  • Washing machine - wipe drum and drawer, leave door open to dry
  • Work surfaces and cabinets - clean inside and out
  • Sink - scrub and clear any blockages

Bathroom

Bathrooms need to look and smell fresh. Take your time here—grime in the bathroom is an easy reason for a landlord to make deductions.

  • Toilet - clean bowl, seat, and base
  • Sink - scrub and polish taps
  • Bath and/or shower - remove soap scum, hair, and limescale
  • Cabinets and cupboards - empty and wipe inside
  • Mirror(s) - streak-free polish
Empty bins and appliances

Overflowing bins or leftover food are quick ways to lose your deposit and leave a bad impression. Make sure everything is emptied, cleaned, and left hygienic.

  • Empty all bins, including food waste, recycling, and outside bins
  • Empty and clean the vacuum cleaner
  • Remove food from the fridge and freezer

Tip: Defrost your freezer at least 24 hours before moving out (some landlords specifically require this).

Remove wall fixings safely

Blu tack, command strips, and tape might seem harmless, but they can damage walls and paintwork. Removing them properly could save you money.

  • Remove all blu tack, sellotape, and command strips from walls
  • To avoid damaging the paintwork, use a hairdryer to gently heat command strips - this softens the adhesive for easier removal
  • Fill any small holes (from nails or tacks) if possible and appropriate
Check fixtures and fittings

Landlords often deduct from deposits for things as simple as missing bulbs or minor damage. Double-check that everything is working and in its place.

  • Replace any blown light bulbs
  • Report or fix minor damages (like a loose door handle) where possible
  • Ensure all furniture provided by the landlord is back in its original place
Inspect and document the property

Photos and videos are your best protection if there’s a dispute over the deposit. It’s quick to do and could save you a lot of hassle.

  • Take detailed photos or a video of each room after cleaning
  • Focus on any areas you’ve cleaned thoroughly or items that were already damaged when you moved in
  • This can be important evidence if there are disputes about the deposit

Important: If you're moving out before your housemates, document the state of shared areas to protect yourself in case of mess or damage caused after your departure.

Final meter readings and utilities

Don’t risk being charged after your tenancy ends. Let your providers know you've left, and make sure accounts are closed or transferred.

  • Take final gas, electricity, and water meter readings
  • Send these to your utility providers to close your accounts and avoid being billed beyond your tenancy
  • Make sure your name is removed from bills if housemates are staying longer

Also inform (if you haven't done so already):

  • Internet provider
  • TV licence
  • Any postal forwarding services

Person wearing rubber gloves cleaning a kitchen worktop with a spray bottle and cloth.

4. Move out

Every housing provider has a slightly different process for moving out, so make sure you’re checking emails, texts, or any online portals for the latest instructions.

  • 1.

    Check for instructions

    Review any emails or messages from your landlord or housing provider.

  • 2.

    Secure the property

    Close and lock all windows and doors. Don’t forget garden gates or sheds.

  • 3.

    Return keys

    Follow your landlord's or agent’s instructions. Usually it’s a dropbox or office handover.

  • 4.

    Update your address

    Let your university, bank, doctor, and friends know your new address.

  • 5.

    Redirect your post

    Use the Royal Mail redirection service to ensure important letters find you.