Printed 2024 Cleaning Calendar now available | Get them HERE

Kids

Gen Z Files: Things to Think About When Moving Out

May 16, 2023

If you have a young adult ready to fly the nest and it’s been a hot minute since you were in the rental market, we’ve got you. Share this article with your child and start making your checklists to set them up for success. If you’re the one who is about to get out on your own, congrats! Moving out is a huge milestone and the #cleaningarmy is here for it.

We have quite a few Gen Z’ers on the team @GoCleanCo who have recently gone through this and learned a lot along the way.  Here are some really important points to consider:

Location

Location is a HUGE factor when deciding where you want to live. What is important to you? Being close to your parents, friends, work, or school? Check out where the closest grocery store, pet store, restaurants and urgent care/hospitals are. Do you drive/have a vehicle or use public transit? If you use public transit, you will want to make sure you are close to a train or bus stop. Choose somewhere that is convenient and works for your lifestyle.

Roommates

Are you living alone or splitting the rent with someone? Friendships can quickly sour in roommate situations if you don’t learn to communicate with each other. One of the biggest complaints roommates have with each other is that the other is a slob and not pulling their weight around the house. Don’t be that person. Before you move in, sit down and discuss expectations. Set up a cleaning rotation and schedule for shared areas like the kitchen, livingroom, entrances and bathroom(s). Who is responsible for unloading the dishwasher? Taking out the garbage? Everyone has a different level of cleanliness. It’s great to say “when the garbage is full the first person who notices has to take it out”, but we all know how that turns out. The next thing you know, you have a leaning tower of garbage escaping the bin. Get on the same page before it becomes an issue.

Another common roommate issue is buying communal supplies like food, toilet paper and cleaning supplies. Decide in advance how these costs will be split and purchased.

Safety

Safety is especially important whether living with roommates or living alone. First, you should see how safe the neighborhood itself is. If you aren’t sure, look it up online and look at the crime rate in the area. If you are moving into an apartment building check how secure the building is. Are there deterrents like cameras or onsite security? How well lit is the street, parking lot or parkade?  

When looking at the rental unit itself ensure there are working locks on the doors and windows. Living on the first floor or a basement suite does enhance the risk of break ins. This isn’t certain, but it is something to think about. If the unit has security bars on the windows be sure that they can be opened easily from the inside incase of a fire or emergency.

When you’re moving in, make sure to get a fire extinguisher and first aid kit so you’re prepared in case of an emergency.

Important Amenities / Must Haves

Before you look at places, think about what is important to you. Make a list of must-haves and deal-breakers.

Examples:

  • Washer & Dryer (in unit or shared onsite)
  • Garage/Parking
  • Balcony/Yard
  • Pet Friendly
  • Roommates
  • Number of rooms/bathrooms
  • Gym
  • Secure storage (bike lock up)
  • Etc.

Moving in

Consider how easy or difficult the move is going to be.  Is it far from your current address? Are you moving to a new town or city? Will you need to rent a truck? Is there an elevator for moving in and out? Do you need to book the elevator to move in/out? Moving is a lot of work, plan it out and pack smart to make it easier for yourself. 

Cleanliness and Condition of the Property

Before you sign any leases, tour the home and inspect it to see the overall quality of the home including the appliances, floors, cabinets, etc. You want to know that it’s been taken care of and that everything is in working order. So keep your eyes sharp when viewing any property and don’t be afraid to point things out that may be damaged or need to be repaired. This should be documented and you should receive a copy. Keep this document somewhere safe so you can refer to it when it comes time to move out. This is where your damage deposit comes in. You do not want to be on the hook for damages that were there when you moved in. 

Landlord

If you are renting, you want to know who you are renting from. Is it privately owned/maintained or is there a property manager? Your landlord can make or break your renting experience. Ask about maintenance on the property and how that is handled. Get contact information incase of an emergency. You should receive a copy of the tenant rules and responsibilities. There are rules for landlords and tenants. Know what is allowed and what your responsibilities and rights are as well as theirs.

Lease

Signing a lease is a big deal. You need to read it over thoroughly before you sign it. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. The lease should be made to protect both you and the landlord. Things to look for in your lease:

  • When is the rent due? How is payment expected to be made? Post dated cheque, e-transfer or venmo.
  • Landlord inspections – How often and how much notice must be given before entering the property. This will vary by state and province.
  • Who is responsible for utilities, lawn care and snow removal, etc?
  • How can the lease be terminated if needed and what will it cost?
  • What is the term of the lease? (1 year, 6 months, etc)
  • How much is the security/damage deposit?
  • What is the condition of the home – is there any pre-existing damage? Make sure there is a written document of any damages so you won’t be charged for them when you move out.

Renter’s Insurance

Renter’s insurance is a must. It’s an inexpensive way to cover yourself and your possessions in case of a fire, break-in, flood, etc. It’s usually around $20-$30 a month and well worth it. 

Moving out is a big step in life and we’re confident you’ll thrive! If you are feeling uneasy about cleaning some areas of the home, check out the rest of our blog. Or better yet, grab a copy of our handbook to keep in your new home. 

-Georgia @GoCleanCo

Recent Posts

Thank you! A confirmation email will be sent to your email

Clean up your inbox.

News, ideas, and recommendations delivered to your inbox. Absolutely zero trash piling up in the corner.

We're big on Instagram.

Follow @GoCleanCo for seriously satisfying videos and top-secret tips. Don’t be shy, come say hi.

gocleanco
Nov 18
8312

I circled rollerblades in the Sears Wish Book every year…and every year my mother would patiently explain that we lived on an acreage with gravel roads and rollerblades do not work on gravel…and every year I would be so disappointed when they didn’t show up under the tree. 🤣🤦🏼‍♀️ #nostalgia #christmastime

gocleanco
Nov 15
8602

PSA: A lot of people don’t know you can do this when you order a gift off of Amazon. At check out, you can select that the item is a gift and then choose the option to add a gift bag and a custom message and this is how it is delivered! You don’t have to worry about the surprise being ruined if they open the box because it’s already wrapped and they can plunk it under the tree. Perfect if you have family far away that you won’t be seeing this holiday season. Saves ya time and energy in the chaos of the season. 🎁🎄🎅🏻🕰️🕰️🕰️ #christmastime

gocleanco
Nov 13
5813

Nostalgic Christmas!!!! Bring on the tinsel and the garland. I can handle it. 🤭We have some fun things planned to take you back to the days when we made ornaments outta fishhooks, so STAY TUNED ya filthy animals! 🎄🎁 ⛄️ 🎅🏻 🤶🏻❄️ ☕️

gocleanco
Nov 12
8438

Best part of getting my hair done is hanging with sister @hellohairhouse the results aren’t too shabby either

gocleanco
Nov 9
14529

Just out here doing the lords work. meganrreed_

gocleanco
Nov 4
5918

Okay my DM’s are full of people asking for this to live on the feed. Brew a cup of coffee. I use a @nespresso pod but any regular cup java will do. Add in one scoop of your fav protein powder (or do half if you find this too sweet). This-is-a-wing-it-to-how-you-like-it-recipe as most cups of coffee are. I used vanilla protein powder here with a sprinkle of cinnamon, tastes a Christmasy! My go to is usually chocolate protein because it tastes like a mocha. Froth it with frother and drink it hot or over ice. This gets me 26 grams of protein right in the morning which helps cause I’m not a breakfast person. I’m trying y’all. 💪🏻 🍑

gocleanco
Nov 1
13231

You asked and I delivered! You have been requesting I test the viral Tineco floor washers forever so here they are! Full break down of the S5 and S3 model in my stories plus they are both on sale at Canadian Tire and Amazon! @tinecoglobal #sponsored #floorcare #evolutionofclean

gocleanco
Oct 28
78365

Best one yet. 🤣😂🤣🤣 I told you guys he looks like @mrclean

gocleanco
Oct 25
3069

I have shared my new BLANCO sink and faucet but let’s talk about accessories, did you know BLANCO also has under sink organization systems? I completed my BLANCO UNIT with the BOTTON II, it tidies up the mess under your kitchen sink and it pulls out like a drawer; you can store your cleaning supplies in it and also has a handy dandy little handle so you can take your supplies with you around the house. I have a post up on their blog that goes into depth about BLANCO maintenance and care, and more tips in my stories so make sure you check them out. You folks had lots of questions about BLANCO last round and I am happy to help. Plus BLANCO customer service can answer any maintenance questions you might have. #sponsored @blancoamerica1

gocleanco
Oct 22
30164

You can’t win them all. 🐷🩰

gocleanco
Oct 20
4738

Ghosts have chores too! #happyhalloween

gocleanco
Oct 13
18775

It’s a blessing and a curse, really. #housework

gocleanco
Oct 9
8805

It is the final week of the Fall Cleaning Challenge which means we are cleaning the Common Area’s in our homes (that’s hallways, closets, mudrooms, porches and laundry rooms) we are ALSO taking our buckets, Aquablades, power washers and shop vacuums outside to clean up our outdoor spaces before the ❄️ hits. This is a big week. What’s the biggest disaster area that you need to tackle this week? I’ll go first. It’s my scary linen closet which currently it has a sign on on it that says CAUTION ⚠️ 😂 I also got a new leaf blower that I am very excited to blast some dirt and 🍂 with. Pace yourselves, WE GOT THIS! 👊🏻 #cleaningtips

gocleanco
Oct 8
17386

If you are sick of doing dishes, we got this off Amazon for Stella’s apartment cause she didn’t have a dishwasher and she would not stop complaining about it. The little window is so cute, you can watch everything that happening in it, it’s almost as dramatic as and episode of Love is Blind. 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️ from Stella! #amazonfinds

gocleanco
Oct 7
33040

Hiiiii 👋🏼 Sarah here. I’m the one behind the cleaning hacks, motivation, business tips, home design, decor and sometimes fashion advice and sassy commentary. Oh and I wrote some books in the early days too 🤓 How long have long have you been following along for the ride? Thanks for sticking with me 💕💕💕

gocleanco
Oct 6
7794

Takes me just as long to pick a blanket as it does a pillowcase. 🫠🤣 Everything is linked up in my Amazon Store front! Link is in my bio. Reminder it’s Prime Deals Days next week so expecting lots of stuff to be on sale next week! My rug is from @ruggable and is 9x12 and called the Kamran Hazel. #falldecor

gocleanco
Oct 4
16964

Entering spooky season but it’s just a regular Wednesday for us. Today I learned not everyone pronounces it 👻—GUR 🤣🤣🤣 #happyhalloween

gocleanco
Sep 24
9797

Heya. 👋🏼 Sarah here. We are wrapping up Week One (Kitchen Week—the most overwhelming) of the Fall Cleaning challenge. How is it going? What have you got done? My job during these Challenges is to motivate and help educate you on the most efficient and effective ways to clean so you feel confident about moving onto the next week with us! The Cleaning Challenges get easier each time we do them as it’s a scheduled, routine deep clean that helps you stay on top of things before they get out of hand. If you deep cleaned in the Spring Challenge with us, I know (based on the hundreds of DM’s🤣) that this week felt easier because you lined the tops of your cupboards with parchment paper in the Spring! I find it hard to put into writing how cleaning can make you feel SO GOOD, satisfied and proud of your home. I can’t explain the feeling feeling until you roll up your sleeves and get to work and feel it yourself. Once one room is done, please stop and stand back and survey your work. Take a minute to feel the accomplishment in your bones. This is hard but rewarding work and you CAN do it—I will cheer you on the entire way. Keep sending me your before and afters! They make me so happy and proud of each you, I feel like I am helping clean millions of homes around the world and that’s honestly pretty cool. 😎

©2023 Bleach Pray Love | Designed by Canned Spinach | Built by Oracast