A Guide to Moving Out of a Shared Rental

Housemates: they’re there for you through thick and thin. Whether you need to borrow some clothes, ‘borrow’ some food from their shelf, or snag a last-minute ride to the airport, they’ve got your back. Living in a shared rental in Sydney can be a fantastic experience, but when it’s time to move on, navigating the logistics of a shared exit can feel daunting.

This guide of shared rental moving tips equips you with essential strategies for a smooth transition, from planning and move-out packing to cleaning and saying goodbye.

Understanding Shared Rental Dynamics

Shared rentals come with unique dynamics, and acknowledging these from the outset sets you up for success. Here are key areas to consider:

• Shared Furniture and Belongings: Inventory furniture and appliances at the beginning of your tenancy. If something breaks or goes missing, determine a fair approach to replacement or repair costs with your housemates.
• Dividing Costs Fairly and Efficiently: Bills, internet, and cleaning supplies – it all adds up. Establish a clear system for dividing shared costs upfront to avoid confusion later. Consider using a shared budgeting app to streamline the process.
• Managing Communal Spaces and Responsibilities: From chores to grocery duty, establish a cleaning and maintenance schedule that ensures a fair and hygienic living environment.

Planning Your Move

A well-organised plan is critical for a smooth exit. Call a house meeting, pour yourselves a glass of wine, and start planning. Here’s how to tackle the pre-move phase:

• Creating a Comprehensive Moving Out Checklist: Find a moving checklist online or create your own. This helps prevent last-minute scrambling and ensures everything gets done.
• Finding Cheap Moving Boxes and Supplies: Smoothmoves offers various moving box options, including high-quality cardboard boxes and reusable plastic bins. Consider second-hand options, such as asking local businesses for spare boxes.
• Scheduling Your Move and Coordinating with Others: Give your housemates ample notice (refer to your tenancy agreement) and choose a date that minimises disruption. Coordinate with them for access and ensure shared items like furniture dollies are available.

Efficient, Effective Move-Out Packing 

Since sharehouse living is so communal, packing for a shared rental requires some special considerations:

• Labelling and Organising Your Belongings: A good labelling system saves time and reduces the risk of unpacking someone else’s belongings. Categorise by room and prioritise essentials you might need first at your new place. Use different coloured markers or tape for easier identification. Pack shared items separately and agree on a proper storage or disposal system.
• Dealing with Shared Items and Furniture: Communicate clearly with housemates about the fate of shared furniture. If you’re selling or donating items, make sure everyone is on the same page and divide the cash fairly.

Moving Day Essentials

Just like for the packing process, a little prep goes a long way to keep things smooth and stress-free on the actual moving day.

• Must-Have Items for Moving Day: Pack yourself an “essentials” box with everything you’ll want easy access to right away—think toiletries, meds, phone chargers, a change of clothes, and, of course, snacks. Nothing soothes moving day chaos like having your favourite snacks on hand.
• Tips for a Stress-Free Moving Experience: Hydrate, stay organised, and make a game plan with your helpers. Delegate roles like truck loader, box wrangler, and hallway navigator—each task makes a difference, and every hand helps keep things on track (and your sanity intact!).

Cleaning Up and Returning the Property

Parting on good terms with your landlord and getting your bond back all comes down to a thorough clean:

• Deep Cleaning Your Shared Space: Divide your move-out house cleaning responsibilities with your housemates and tackle communal areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and hallways. Schedule a professional cleaning service for a deep clean if needed.
• Returning the Property to the Landlord: Review your tenancy agreement for specific cleaning requirements. Conduct a final inspection with your landlord or their representative, documenting any pre-existing damage.
• Conducting a Final Inspection: Take photos of the property in its cleaned state as evidence for the bond return process.

Additional Shared Rental Moving Tips

Communication and a positive attitude are key for a smooth exit:

• Communicating Effectively with Your Roommates: Keep your housemates informed throughout the process. Discuss move-out packing schedules, cleaning plans, and any shared furniture arrangements clearly and openly.
• Resolving Conflicts Amicably: Small disagreements are common in shared living situations. Address them promptly and respectfully to maintain a positive atmosphere.
• Seeking Professional Help if Needed: When the moving process feels overwhelming, don’t hesitate to seek help. Smoothmoves offers a range of services to make your move easier, from expert packing to professional removalists.

Living in a shared rental in Sydney can be a fantastic experience – it’s affordable, social, and offers a great way to meet new people. But saying goodbye to your roomies and navigating move-out stress can be overwhelming. Remember, clear communication and solid planning can go a really long way.

Need more help? Contact Smoothmoves today.