Moving Out

The 5 Steps

Moving out at the end of term? Let’s make the transition smooth, fair and sustainable—for everyone! Here are 5 steps to help you avoid last-minute moving chaos and to ensure that rooms and shared spaces are left as clean as you’d want them if you were moving in.

1. Plan

  • Start early. Make a list, and spend some time each day planning, organizing and cleaning to avoid last-minute chaos and pesky housekeeping assessments.
  • Think about what you plan on keeping, donating and recycling. Items like printers, bookshelves, mini-fridges, sports equipment, mirrors or kitchen gear can be donated if they are in good condition. See below for more information about donating.

2. Sort

  • Put your plan into action. Moving out sustainably means recycling or donating your unwanted belongings. Organize your items into four categories – keep, donate, recycle, or waste. Take items you no longer need now to the garbage, recycling or donation bins outside your residence, or the donation room (which will be set up in Nechako Residence Commonsblock).
  • Is it trash? Remember, some items do belong in the garbage, like broken, soiled or ripped stuff & half-eaten/used foods that can’t be recycled or composted.
Donating, selling and consigning your gently-used items

Keep your stuff out of the landfill by selling or donating gently used items you don’t plan on keeping.

  • Find your residence donation zone and donate gently-used books, electronics, clothing, household items and non-perishable food right here on campus through our partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Not sure where your donation bin is? Ask your RA! (this year it will probably be in Nechako in early April).
  • Take your unopened non-perishable food or hygiene products and toiletries to the Pantry Student Food Bank. More info here.
  • Join a Facebook buy-and-sell group, list you item for sale, and make money!
  • Consign gently-used sports equipment at Play It Again Sports.
  • Donate your personal items at Value Village, and receive a coupon for future purchases. 

3. Pack

  • Pack a little bit every day. You’ll be surprised how many things you can pack up in advance.
  • Don’t leave it until the last minute! Remove all your belongings, garbage and food.
  •  Tip: If you need to store any of your belongings for next year, consider renting a storage locker.

4. Clean

  • It’s time to clean! Create a cleaning plan. If you have roommates, make sure you create a plan and schedule together. Complete our detailed cleaning checklist to avoid a housekeeping assessment.
  • Be thorough, respectful and leave nothing behind.

5a. Redirect and Disconnect

  • Redirect your mail with your new address. If you believe you’ll be receiving a parcel following moving out, you can authorize another person to pick it up for you. Please send an email to: information@housing.okanagan.ubc.ca with their name, your name, and your student number. Any unclaimed mail will be returned to sender.  
  • Disconnect any service providers you have contracted. Think: Shaw, Telus, Rogers, etc.

5b. Check out!

  • Shut off lights, turn down heat/AC, close your windows and blinds, lock all windows and doors.
  • Drop off your Check-Out Envelope (with your keys enclosed) to the Nechako Housing Office.
Cleaning & departure checklists