MOVE-OUT GUIDE

Everything you need to prepare your apartment for a smooth, low-stress move-out.

From cleaning checklists to supplies, tips, and vendor resources.

Cleaning Guides

  • WHAT TO CLEAN

    Completing this cleaning checklist does not guarantee exemption from potential cleaning charges. Final decisions are made at the discretion of management.

    General Cleaning

    • Wipe down doors and thresholds

    • Clean all surfaces and countertops

    • Clean light fixtures

    • Dust thoroughly

    Bathroom

    • Clean and disinfect toilet

    • Remove all soap scum, dirt, and residue from the shower

    • Clean mirrors with a non-streak cleaner (e.g., Windex)

    • Wipe down sink, faucet, and chrome finishes

    • Remove all trash and wipe the interior of bathroom cabinets

    Furniture

    • Wipe down exterior surfaces

    • Clear drawers and storage furniture of all debris

    • Clean underneath all furniture

    Flooring

    • Remove visible debris

    • Sweep or vacuum thoroughly

    • Mop hard floors (do not mop carpeted areas)

    • Bedroom carpet must be professionally cleaned — a receipt must be submitted at move-out, or charges will apply

    Windows

    • Clean glass with a non-streak cleaner (e.g., Windex)

    • Dust and close blinds

    • Wipe window sills

  • WHAT TO CLEAN

    Completing this cleaning checklist does not guarantee exemption from potential cleaning charges. Final decisions are made at the discretion of management.

    General Cleaning

    • Wipe down doors and thresholds

    • Clean all surfaces and countertops

    • Clean light fixtures

    • Dust thoroughly

    • Remove all personal belongings and trash before departure

    • Clean the exterior of HVAC air intake

    Kitchen

    • Clean vent hood and screens

    • Replace drip pans if not cleanable

    • Clean exterior of the dishwasher

    • Remove shelf paper from all shelves and cabinets

    • Clean and polish sink and faucet

    • Clean interior and exterior of all cabinets and drawers

    • Remove all items from the tops of cabinets

    Laundry Room

    • Clean floor and walls around washer and dryer

    • Remove all items from racks

    • Check behind washer and dryer for personal belongings

    Appliances – Kitchen & Laundry

    • Refrigerator/Freezer – Clean interior and exterior, wipe up spills

    • Oven/Stove – Clean interior and exterior

    • Microwave – Clean interior, exterior, and underneath

    • Dishwasher – Clean interior and exterior

    • Washer – Clean interior, exterior, underneath, and clean any detergent buildup

    • Dryer – Clean interior, exterior, underneath, and clear the lint trap

    Furniture

    • Wipe down exterior surfaces

    • Ensure interior spaces (e.g., storage compartments or underneath cushions) are free of debris and wiped clean

    • Clean underneath all furniture

    • Remove and vacuum all couch/chair cushions

    Flooring

    • Remove visible debris

    • Sweep or vacuum thoroughly

    • Mop hard floors (do not mop carpet)

    • Common area carpet must be professionally cleaned — a receipt must be submitted at move-out, or charges will apply

    Windows

    • Clean glass with a non-streak cleaner (e.g., Windex)

    • Dust and close blinds

    • Wipe window sills

    Balcony/Patio

    • Sweep balcony or patio thoroughly

    • Remove any visible stains from concrete

    • Clean balcony or porch light globe

    • Clean sliding glass door with a non-streak cleaner (e.g., Windex)

  • WHAT TO CLEAN & ORGANIZE

    Completing this cleaning checklist does not guarantee exemption from potential cleaning charges. Final decisions are made at the discretion of management.

    General Cleaning

    • Wipe down all surfaces and countertops

    • Dust thoroughly

    • Remove all trash and debris

    • Sweep, vacuum, or mop floors as needed

    • Make space for your new roommate’s belongings

    • Clear hallways of personal items to ensure walkways remain accessible

    • Clean the exterior of HVAC air intake

    Kitchen

    • Clean vent hood and screens

    • Replace drip pans if not cleanable

    • Clear sink of any dishes

    • Wipe interior and exterior of cabinets

    • Remove all items from cabinet tops (including empty alcohol containers)

    Laundry Room

    • Make space on shelves for your new roommate’s items

    • Check behind washer and dryer for personal belongings

    Appliances – Kitchen & Laundry

    • Refrigerator/Freezer – Wipe up spills, remove old food, and clear space

    • Oven/Stove – Wipe surface and clean interior to a reasonable standard

    • Microwave – Clean interior and exterior

    • Dishwasher – Run an empty cycle if not used recently

    • Washer – Wipe top and clean any detergent buildup

    • Dryer – Wipe surfaces and clear the lint trap

    Furniture

    • Wipe down exterior surfaces

    • Remove all food waste and personal clutter from shared spaces

    • Ensure interiors (e.g., ottomans, under cushions) are free of debris and wiped clean

    • Remove and vacuum all couch/chair cushions

    Flooring

    • Remove visible debris

    • Sweep or vacuum thoroughly

    • Mop hard floors (do not mop carpet)

    • Common area carpet must be professionally cleaned — a receipt must be submitted to avoid charges

    Windows

    • Clean glass with a non-streak cleaner (e.g., Windex)

    • Dust and close blinds

    • Wipe window sills

    Balcony/Patio

    • Sweep balcony or patio thoroughly

    • Clean balcony or porch light globe

    • Clean sliding glass door with a non-streak cleaner (e.g., Windex)

As a reminder, per your lease, you’re expected to return your unit to its original clean condition and follow the provided instructions. If the apartment isn’t left in satisfactory condition, charges may apply for cleaning, repairs, or missing items. Please review all sections carefully and reach out if you have any questions.

Apartment Supplies

The items below are commonly required at move-out. Please use the exact links provided to ensure correct replacements. Substituting different sizes or styles may result in charges.

*Not sure how to install something? No worries — just leave the item in your unit at move-out and we’ll handle the installation for you.

CLEANING Supplies

These are general suggestions—products are not required and may be substituted with similar items available in your area.

General Cleaning

Kitchen Cleaning

Bathroom Cleaning

TIPS & TRICKS

These quick how-to videos cover the most commonly overlooked tasks. They're here to help you finish strong and leave your space in great shape.

Painting Your Unit

Paint must be purchased at the local Sherwin Williams store: 108 E Mountcastle Dr, Johnson City, TN 37601.

Bedroom & Common Area Wall Paint

  • Product: Painters Edge Flat

  • Color: University Edge "New Wall Color"

Kitchen & Bath Area Wall Paint

  • Product: ProMar 200 Eggshell

  • Color: University Edge "Kitchen & Bath"

Ceiling Paint

  • Product: Painters Edge Flat

  • Color: University Edge "Flat White"

Trim/Door Paint

  • Product: ProMar 400 Semi Gloss

  • Color: University Edge "Trim"

IMPORTANT:

  • Walls must be returned to their original condition to avoid charges.

  • Use a roller when painting—brush-only application may result in uneven texture or spotting, which could still result in repainting charges.

  • Watch: How to Paint a Room

CARPET Cleaning

University Edge requires that all bedroom and common area carpets must be professionally steam cleaned at the end of each lease term, regardless of whether you’re moving out or renewing.

To fulfill this requirement, residents have two options:

  1. Use an Approved Vendor

    • Hire a professional steam cleaning service and submit your receipt using the form below.

      • Must be professionally steam cleaned — rental machines (like Rug Doctor) are not accepted

      • A valid receipt must be submitted by your move-out date to avoid the following charges:

        • $100 bedroom carpet fee if no receipt is provided for move-outs

        • $200 common area carpet fee, split among all bedrooms in the unit each lease term

      • See approved vendor below

  2. Let University Edge Handle It

    • Choose to have University Edge coordinate carpet cleaning on your behalf.

      • A $100 bedroom carpet cleaning charge will be added if you move out and do not submit a receipt from an approved vendor

      • A $200 common area carpet cleaning charge will be split evenly among all bedrooms and applied at the end of the lease term if you do not submit a receipt from an approved vendor

Required by Lease:

  • Resident must use an approved professional carpet cleaning vendor.

  • Receipts must be submitted for all cleaned areas or fees will apply.

  • Common area carpet is cleaned annually regardless of move-out status.

  • Bedroom carpet cleaning is required if you are vacating.

Let Us Know Your Plan

Please complete the form to indicate how your carpets will be cleaned:

Approved Vendor:

Still unsure about something?

Just call the office — we’ve got you.

(423) 933-1757