UCLA Move-Out Checklist: A Comprehensive Guide for Students

Moving out of student housing at UCLA, whether from on-campus residences or university apartments, requires careful planning and execution. This guide provides a detailed checklist to ensure a smooth and stress-free move-out process, helping you avoid unnecessary charges and ensuring you leave your space in good condition. Whether you are an undergraduate student in on-campus housing or a graduate student in family housing, this guide will help you navigate the move-out process.

Understanding Move-Out Dates and Deadlines

UCLA undergraduate housing students have specific move-out dates and times, which vary depending on their housing facility. It is essential to consult the On-Campus Housing or University Apartments links for instructions specific to your location. Graduate, family, and faculty housing tenants must submit a Notice of Intent to Vacate (NITV) a minimum of 30 days before their intended check-out date. The NITV can be accessed through the housing portal by selecting “Manage Housing” from the top blue menu bar or via a direct link on the MyHousing page under the "Other Services and Information" header.

Pre-Move-Out Preparations

Moving out can be overwhelming, especially when faced with piles of belongings accumulated throughout the semester or year. Starting early and organizing your belongings into categories can significantly reduce stress. Here’s how to prepare:

Decluttering and Sorting

Begin decluttering one to two weeks before your move-out date. Sort your belongings into the following categories:

Pack: Items you need to take with you.
Toss: Items that are no longer useful or worth keeping.
Donate: Gently used items that can benefit others.
Sell: Items of value that you can sell to other students.

Coordinating with Roommates

Communicate with your roommates to avoid duplicate packing or missing shared items. Coordinate who will take which shared items, such as kitchenware or furniture.

Cleaning Your Unit

Most landlords, including UCLA Housing, require that you clean your unit before moving out. This includes wiping down surfaces, vacuuming floors, and taking out all trash. Ensure that you return the apartment to its original condition, excluding normal wear and tear, to avoid deductions from your security deposit.

What to Pack (Take It With You)

These are the essential items you will need, regardless of your next destination.

Important Documents

Passport, ID, driver’s license, student ID
Lease agreement, financial aid documents, transcripts
Medical insurance cards and prescriptions

Pro Tip: Keep these documents in a separate, clearly labeled folder or zip pouch that remains with you during the move.

Electronics and Chargers

Laptop, phone, headphones, tablets
Power strips, charging cables, portable battery banks

These items are expensive to replace and are crucial for school, work, and travel.

Clothing

Pack only seasonally appropriate and versatile clothing. Donate or toss anything you haven’t worn in the past six months.

Read also: Navigating Tech Breadth at UCLA

Daily wear
Workout gear
One business outfit (for interviews or presentations)
Jackets or weather-specific items

Personal Items

Toiletries (if still good)
Makeup or skincare products
Prescription medications
Towels and bedding (if in good condition)

Ensure liquids are sealed and stored in leak-proof bags if you are traveling.

School Supplies

Laptops, tablets, notebooks
Textbooks you'll reuse or resell
Flash drives or hard drives

If you're continuing classes, these items will be necessary. If not, donate or sell what you can.

What to Toss (Let It Go)

Some items are not worth packing or donating. Discarding these items will save space and energy.

Old Toiletries

Dispose of used shampoo bottles, half-empty toothpaste tubes, and expired medications.

Broken or Outdated Electronics

Recycle damaged, outdated, or unused electronics responsibly. Many campuses and local stores offer e-waste drop-offs.

Read also: Understanding UCLA Counselors

Worn-Out Bedding or Pillows

Discard old sheets, torn comforters, and flattened pillows, especially if you can replace them affordably.

Paper Clutter

Toss or recycle notes from classes you no longer need. Digitize any important information before discarding the paper.

What to Donate or Sell

Gently used items can be donated or sold to students staying on campus or to local charities.

Clothing You Don’t Wear

If the clothing is clean, in good condition, and hasn’t been worn this semester, donate it to a local shelter, thrift store, or clothing drive.

Extra Kitchenware

Keep only one of each item: one bowl, one plate, one set of utensils. Donate duplicates or unused appliances like toasters or coffee makers.

Furniture or Storage Items

If you cannot take your desk chair, cube shelves, or bed risers with you, consider donating or selling them.

Specific Instructions for UCLA Housing Residents

University Apartments North (UAN) Residents

If you are a resident at Hilgard, you must return your parking permit to the UAN Administration Office. If you are a resident of Weyburn Terrace, return your parking permit and proxy card to Transportation Services. When using the drop box for after-hours check-outs, place the items in a completely sealed envelope and clearly print your full name, building, and apartment number on the envelope. Note that parking is not allowed in front of the UAN Administration Office at any time.

Notice of Intent to Vacate (NITV)

Remember, NITVs require a minimum of thirty days’ notice. Rent will be prorated to the exact date of your NITV. Your initial payment was applied to your first month's rent, and your account must be current when you move out.

Pre-Inspection

Residents have the right to a pre-inspection of their unit within two weeks (ten business days) before the lease or rental agreement termination. This inspection allows you to repair any damages to the unit and avoid deductions from your security deposit. Contact the University Apartments North Administration Office at 11020 Weyburn Drive, Los Angeles, California 90024 for assistance.

A required pre-inspection of your apartment will be performed by Facilities Management within 72 hours of receipt of your NITV. You do not need to be present during this inspection.

End-of-Year Move-Out (Example: 2025)

All students must vacate their room by the specified date (e.g., Friday, June 13, 2025), unless they have an approved late departure. Before leaving:

Place all work orders for any needed repairs. Charges for room damage discovered after check-out will be divided equally among all roommates.
Clean the microfridge (if rented), leave it plugged in, and keep it in your room.
Clean and vacuum your room and remove all trash. Additional vacuums and trash bags are available with your RA and at the Front Desk.
Arrange all furniture as you found it when you moved in to avoid fines.
Note that commercial storage bins may not be delivered or picked up at any housing facility.

What to Bring (For Future Reference)

When preparing to move into UCLA housing, remember that rooms are furnished with a bed, desk, desk chair, and storage space for each resident. Residents need to bring their own towels, pillows, and linens to fit an extra-long twin bed (36" x 80"). Students also provide their own toiletries, soap, shampoo, laundry supplies etc. Residents may also wish to bring a stereo, television, clock, fan, computer, power strip/surge protector. There are printing kiosks available on and off-campus, so students may not need to bring their own printer. Vacuums are available to borrow from the front desk, but students may want to bring a mini vacuum or other cleaning supplies for their room. Trash and recycling bins are provided. While freestanding microwaves are not allowed, students may want to rent a combination microwave and mini-fridge (microfridge) through Housing.

Final Move-Out Checklist

Before you officially move out, ensure you complete the following steps:

Pack important documents: Keep them in a safe, accessible place.
Donate extra clothes and items: Give them to local charities or thrift stores.
Toss expired toiletries and unwanted items: Dispose of them responsibly.
Sell furniture or kitchen extras: Use online platforms or campus marketplaces.
Clean the apartment: Wipe surfaces, vacuum, and remove all trash.
Return keys and parking permits: Follow the specific instructions for your housing location.
Take move-out photos: Document the condition of the apartment for deposit proof.

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