Moving Out of Journal: A Step-by-Step Guide for Residents

Moving out can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time renting or checking out of student accommodation. To help you feel prepared and confident, we’ve put together a clear, step-by-step guide to the Journal move-out process.

Whether you’re already packing or just starting to plan, this guide walks you through what to do, when to do it, and how to avoid unnecessary stress or charges.

Step 1: Know Your Move-Out Date and Time

You must vacate your room by 10am on the final day of your booking.

If you expect any delays, it’s important to let the Journal team know as early as possible.
Late departures are managed on a case-by-case basis and may result in additional charges.

 

Step 2: Prepare Your Room Before You Leave

Before checking out, make sure you’ve completed the following:

• Clean your room thoroughly
• Remove all rubbish
• Empty and clean the fridge
• Take all personal belongings
• Collect all mail and parcels
• Return all keys (*Lost keys may incur a fee)
• Ensure all rent and charges are fully paid

This checklist is one of the most important steps in ensuring a smooth departure.

Step 3: Request a Pre-Departure Inspection if You’re Unsure

Not sure whether your room meets the required standard?

You can request a Pre-Departure Inspection before you leave.

A team member will walk through your room with you and provide feedback on:

• Cleaning standards
• Room condition
• Any areas that may need attention

This gives you time to make changes before the Final Inspection and is the best way to reduce the risk of unexpected charges!

 

Step 4: Understand the Final Inspection

After you move out, a Final Inspection will be completed within 48 hours.

During this inspection, we assess:

• Cleanliness
• Furniture and fittings
• Overall room condition

Cleaning or damage charges may apply depending on the condition of your room.
Normal reasonable wear and tear is acceptable and will not be charged.

If you would like an estimate for exit cleaning costs so you don’t have to do it, you can ask the team in the pre-departure inspection.

Step 5: Bond Refund Process

Once the Final Inspection is complete, you will receive one of the following:

• Full bond return
  You will receive an email from RTBA confirming your refund.
• Partial bond return
  You will receive an email explaining any charges, along with an RTBA bond claim link.

Bond deductions may include cleaning, repairs or unpaid rent.
If you have questions about your bond, our team is always happy to help explain the process.

Step 6: Building Access After Check-Out

Once you have checked out:

• Your room and building access will be deactivated
• Any parcels delivered after your departure will be returned to sender
• Please make sure you’ve collected all belongings before returning your keys.

 

Step 7: Redirect Your Mail and Update Your Address

Before you move out, remember to:

• Collect all parcels from reception
• Redirect your mail if required
• Update your delivery address on online shopping and subscription services

This step is often overlooked and can save you a lot of hassle later!

Shared Apartment Responsibilities

If you live in a shared apartment:

• You are responsible for ensuring the vacated bedroom is cleaned and ready for inspection
• Your flatmates will receive a notice about the inspection even if they’re not leaving regarding the shared areas
• Shared areas such as the kitchen and lounge must be cleaned to a move-in standard by all residents
• Working together helps ensure a smooth transition for incoming residents.

 

A Final Note

Thank you for being part of the Journal community.
We hope your time here has been filled with learning, growth and great memories.

If you have any questions during your move-out process, please speak with the reception team. We’re always here to help.

Wishing you all the best for your next chapter!

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