Moving out from your residence center or apartment is bittersweet—while it's one of the final tasks to signify the end of an academic year, it can also require a lot of planning.
Don't worry, we've got you covered! Check out our move-out tips below.
Preparing to move out
Move-out tips
- Plan ahead: Start packing early! Cleaning out your room and packing all of your belongings can take longer than you'd expect. Closing checklists will be placed on your door starting three weeks before the end of the semester. You do not have to vacate your space if you are returning for the next academic term. If you need summer housing, please complete the summer housing application.
- Prepare for the end-of-year inspection: Make sure your room is clean and ready to be checked before inspections begin.
- Empty, unplug, and appropriately defrost your fridge. Bedloft microfridges should remain in your room.
- Take trash to the trash room or outside dumpster
- Remove everything from your walls
- Empty and unplug Bedloft microfridges
- Update your mail forwarding addresses: Don't forget to forward your mail! Visit Student Central's website to learn how to submit your forwarding address. If you use Amazon, don't forget to update your "ship to" address on your order profile as well. Check your mail one last time before you go!
- Return your microfridge and bed setup: To return your microfridge and bed setup from Bedloft, select your state, school, rental period, and residence hall from the list on Bedloft's website and follow the instructions for furniture rental and refrigerator rental. Please note that removal is scheduled based on IU Housing's official move-out date. Failure to follow return instructions may result in a $50 improper return fee or a $400 replacement fee.
- Check out with desk staff: When you're ready to leave, remember to check out at the center desk between 8 a.m.–10 p.m. and inform them that your room is ready for cleaning. Do not leave Bloomington without checking out of your room! If you're checking out after hours, fill out this form to let us know you've left.
Spring 2026 move-out timeline
As a general rule, residents should be out of their rooms by Saturday, May 9, at 10 a.m. when the residence halls close.
- Graduating seniors are permitted to stay in their rooms until Sunday, May 10, at 12 p.m.
- Students with a housing contract for the summer term will be assigned a room in Walnut Grove and may stay in their spring semester room until Monday, May 11, at 12 p.m.
Spring 2026 apartment move-out
Moving out of your on-campus apartment? Check out the information below. There will also be a detailed closing checklist posted outside your door on Monday, April 27. Please leave the checklist on the exterior of your room door for us to know when you have left.
- Go to your center desk to check out once all items are removed from the apartment. Bring your CrimsonCard and all access items (room key, mailbox key, etc.) with you. At checkout, you will be asked to confirm that all personal items have been removed and your mail forwarding information has been updated. Our staff will complete your checkout through the housing system.
- If the office is closed, you may use the QR code posted on the office door to complete checkout. These submissions are reviewed daily.
- As you prepare to move out, remember other students are still studying for final exams and 24-hour quiet hours will be enforced by staff. Students not in compliance may be asked to vacate their room prior to the Saturday, May 9, at 10 a.m. closing deadline and/or charged with a policy violation via the Office of Student Conduct.
- Submit your mail forwarding address by following the instructions on Student Central's website. Don't forget to check your mail one last time before you go! Mail and packages that are received after you move out will be returned to sender.
- Donate gently used, non-perishable items. Donation boxes will be placed in the building beginning Monday, April 27. See the center desk for exact locations.
- You are responsible for leaving your room in the same condition it was in when you moved in. Cleaning supplies will be placed in your mailbox, or available at the center desk. Be sure to empty drawers, wipe down furniture, vacuum, take your trash out, and remove everything from the walls. You can leave adhesive or Command strips.
- Graduating seniors or residents assisting with graduation can be granted a move-out extension until 12 p.m. on Sunday, May 10.
- Residents with contracts for summer housing moving into Walnut Grove are approved to remain in their current residence hall room until Monday, May 11. All summer housing students are required to check in at the Walnut Grove Center Desk Monday, May 11, between 9 a.m.–1 p.m. They also need to check out of their original center.
Unfurnished apartment move-out procedures
In addition to the apartment move-out procedures above, residents of Campus View, University East, Tulip Tree, and Third and Union should also review and complete the following:
Remove all belongings, clean all spaces, close windows, leave the air conditioning on in buildings with centralized air conditioning (Tulip Tree, Third and Union, Campus View), and turn off the lights.
Campus View and University East residents must return keys directly to the Campus View office. If the office is closed, please use a key return envelope and place it in the drop box. University East residents may also use the University East key drop box.
You remain responsible for the keys until they are officially received. A $200 lock charge will apply for lost or unreturned keys.
If you are the sole resident of the apartment moving out:
- You are responsible for the condition of the entire apartment.
If one resident is moving out and one is staying:
Damages
- Damage to common areas will be shared equally between both residents.
- Damage to the vacating resident's bedroom will be charged to that resident.
Cleanliness in common areas
- The remaining resident will have one opportunity to clean before re-inspection
- If standards are not met, professional cleaning costs will be split between both residents
After inspection
- The remaining resident becomes solely responsible for the apartment until a new roommate moves in.
- If a new roommate is unable to move in due to the unit's condition, the remaining resident may be responsible for the full apartment rent until the issue is resolved, in addition to any other applicable actions.
If all residents are moving out:
- Residents are individually responsible for their bedrooms and jointly responsible for common areas
If one resident is staying and another is moving out, we strongly recommend coordinating in advance to clean shared areas. Residence Life staff will not mediate disputes between residents. Charges will be assigned based on the conditions outlined below.
Apartments should be left in a clean and sanitary condition with all personal property removed. Please note if you do not complete the tasks below yourself, there will be a charge of our labor rates listed below. Charges will be placed on your bursar account.
Labor rates
- Custodial cleaning: $42.75/hour
- Maintenance labor: $71.94/hour
Living areas
- Sweeping, mopping, vacuuming
- Carpet cleaning/shampooing
- Wall washing
- Removing wallpaper/contact paper
- Removing adhesive/marks
Kitchen
- Floor cleaning (sweeping and mopping tile)
- Cabinet/drawer cleaning or replacement
- Countertop and sink cleaning or replacement (up to $800 in charges)
- Refrigerator cleaning (inside and out)
- Stove/oven cleaning (top, oven, drip pans, etc.)
Bathroom
- Floor cleaning and disinfecting
- Wall and vent washing
- Door cleaning or replacement (up to $400+ in charges)
- Sink, tub, shower, and toilet cleaning and disinfecting
- Medicine cabinet cleaning
Bedroom(s)
- Sweeping and mopping (if applicable)
- Carpet cleaning/shampooing
- Wall washing
- Removing adhesive/marks
- Door cleaning or replacement (up to $400 in charges)
Miscellaneous
- Entry door cleaning
- Entry door/lockset replacement
- Balcony cleaning (sweeping, picking up trash)
- Repairs and replacements (cost and labor)
- Smoke detector replacement
Avoid these high-cost charges:
- Countertop replacement: Up to $800
- Door replacement: $400+
- Lock change (lost key): $200
- Abandoned property removal: One hour of labor rate and truck charge if necessary
Please remove all personal property when moving. Contact the center desk immediately if property is accidentally left behind. Personal property that is left behind may be disposed of after seven days.
The listed charges are the typical cost. Actual charges could be more or less depending on the degree of cleaning that is necessary. This list is not intended to be comprehensive. Other charges not on this list could apply.
Hoosier to Hoosier donations
Moving out? Consider selling or donating items you no longer need or can't take with you. Hoosier to Hoosier bins will be located in residence halls starting Monday, April 27.
Recovered items will be made available to incoming students, community organizations, or IU programs for reuse.
Find out more information on the IU Sustainability website.