Aerial view of Sandburg Hall and the surrounding UWM campus.

Move-Out

As the academic year draws to a close, we aim to help you prepare for a proper move-out.

To ensure a smooth and easy check-out process, we have compiled a list of essential tips and tricks. These guidelines will help you organize your packing, complete necessary paperwork, clean your living space, and handle any last-minute tasks efficiently. By following these steps, you can transition out of university housing with ease and confidence.

Timeline

December 1st is the deadline to request Contract Cancellation for the Spring Semester.

Housing Contracts entered into for the Fall are for the full Academic Year. If you have a need to move out of University Housing after the first half of your Housing Contract, you will first need to request a Contract Cancellation through the Housing Portal. Please review the Mid-Contract Cancellation information and the Cancellation section of your Contract and Guidebook before making your decision.

In November, all residents receive an email containing detailed instructions regarding Mid-Contract Cancellation and Mid-Year move-out. Residents not returning to UWM in the Spring must move out within 24 hours after their last final, or by 12PM on the last day of finals. (Those graduating will be allowed to remain until 12PM on graduation day.

The Express Check-Out process in December does not require residents to sign up or schedule a Move-Out appointment. Simply make sure you’ve completed the cleaning checklist and all personal items have been packed and loaded into a vehicle (see Move-Out Preparation below). Then bring all University Housing-issued keys to your Service Desk to check out with a staff member.

Residents are required to schedule a checkout time for their move-out process.

By mid-April, all residents will receive an email containing detailed instructions and a link to sign up for their preferred checkout date and time. It is crucial to select a time that fits your schedule and to complete the sign-up process promptly to ensure a smooth transition. This organized approach helps avoid congestion and ensures that everyone receives the necessary assistance and resources during their checkout. Be sure to check your email regularly and follow the provided guidelines to secure your preferred time slot.

Preparation

Packing

To assist with Move-Out, it’s often easier to start moving items home in smaller loads during the weeks leading up to final exams. On the day you move out, it is best practice to have all of your belongings packed and ready to go before your family and friends come to pick you up. Have everything packed in containers that are easy to stack, and do as much cleaning in advance as you can.

Extra cardboard boxes are available in designated bins in each Residence Hall lobby. Some boxes may be broken down, so you will need packing tape to reassemble them.

Cleaning

Make sure to thoroughly clean your room BEFORE your Move-Out appointment. Please see University Housing postings, or read below, for a suggested cleaning checklist.

There are limited cleaning supplies available in lobbies of all buildings. These are first-come, first-served and we appreciate a quick return so others can use them. We recommend furnishing your own so you do not have to wait for availability.

Assistance

Residents are permitted as many helpers to assist them with their move-out as they need.

Carts will be available in building lobbies throughout Move-Out. Please return them as soon as you are able so others may use them.

Donations

Donate any unwanted food, clothing, household items, or furniture to the donation bins located in the lobby of each building. (Note: Donations benefit Goodwill and other local non-profits; some donations may be utilized by University Housing to outfit tour spaces.)

Policies

Important Dates

Cambridge Commons, RiverView, and Sandburg Hall will close at 12 PM on the last day of final exams.
Kenilworth contracts end at 12 PM on May 31.

Residents must sign up for a checkout time via signupgenius.com (at the Service Desk for Kenilworth residents) using their UWM e-mail address by May 1. All residents will receive an email with a reminder and details by mid-April.

Quiet Hours: 24-hour quiet hours will be in effect starting May 11th at 10:00pm. In addition, all policies related to behavior expectations and guest visits will still be in place (unless during active Move-Out times). Individuals who violate rules and regulations will still go through the behavior process.

Check-Out Steps

Follow these four steps to have a “proper” check-out:

  1. Sign up for a check-out time with a University Housing staff member using the proper procedure for your location.
  2. Clean your room and suite/apartment PRIOR to your Move-Out appointment (follow the checklist below).
  3. Complete your forwarding address information in your PAWS account, empty your mailbox, and pick up your packages.
  4. Show up on time for your check-out appointment with a University Housing staff member.

Failure to do any of the following may result in an improper checkout charge of $100.00:

  • Sign up for a check-out appointment
  • Show up on time for your check-out appointment
  • Check out with a University Housing staff member

Parking

  • All metered parking must be paid for. If you do not hold a parking permit, use the ParkMobile app or pay stations for the Sandburg, Cambridge Commons or Kenilworth garages; find street parking; or utilize short-term parking in Sandburg Circle Drive or RiverView back-in spaces.
  • Overnight/Guest permits will not be sold during move-out days.
  • Parking-level doors in the Sandburg Hall garage will only be open for limited hours during move-out days.
  • Trailers of any kind are not allowed in any parking structure.
  • Designated “loading zones” will be available and marked during move-out days. These spaces are for loading of vehicles only and not meant for any extended parking use.

Cleaning Checklists

Your room must be in the condition it was in when you checked in. To avoid possible damage or cleaning charges, make sure the following are taken care of:

  • All of your belongings are out of the room (double-check dresser, desk, closet, drawers, bathroom, and behind and under furniture).
  • Desks, dressers, and shelves are dusted and disinfected.
  • Room and suite hallway have been vacuumed and/or swept.
  • Everything has been removed from the walls, doors, and windows, and sticker residue has been removed.
  • All lofts are taken down and loft pieces placed underneath the bed.
  • Housing-provided (loaned) equipment such as bed shakers, doorbells, etc. should be consolidated and left on your mattress.
  • Move furniture as indicated on your checklist and clean all common spaces (as indicated below), even if your roommates and/or suitemates are staying longer than you.
  • All trash cans in the suite and bedrooms have been emptied and washed out.
  • All trash is taken to the designated dumpster outside of your building.
  • Bathroom sink and vanity have been cleaned.
  • Bathroom floor has been swept and mopped.
  • Toilet has been cleaned.
  • Rented Micro-Fridge units have been defrosted, cleaned, and wiped dry. Leave door propped open. (Defrosting your freezer can take up to 24-hours, so start this process early.)

For Cambridge Commons / East Tower:

  • Refrigerators and freezers have been emptied and cleaned out. (No need to defrost.)
  • Microwaves and microwave plates are clean (where present in suites).
  • Stovetop has been wiped clean (where present in suites – DO NOT use SELF-CLEAN option on oven).

Your room must be in the condition it was when you checked in. To avoid possible damage or cleaning charges, make sure the following are taken care of:

  • All of your belongings are out of the room (double check dressers, desk, closet, drawers, bathroom, and behind and under furniture).
  • Desks, dressers and shelves are dusted and disinfected.
  • Room and apartment common areas have been vacuumed and/or swept.
  • Everything has been removed from the walls, doors, and windows, and sticker residue has been removed.
  • Housing-provided (loaned) equipment such as bed shakers, doorbells, etc. should be consolidated and left on your mattress.
  • All trash cans in the common areas and bedrooms have been emptied and washed out.
  • Shower and shower curtain have been scrubbed clean.
  • Bathroom sink and vanity have been cleaned and disinfected.
  • Bathroom floor has been swept and mopped.
  • Toilet has been cleaned and disinfected.
  • Refrigerators and freezers have been emptied and cleaned out.
  • Microwaves and microwave plates are clean (where present).
  • Stove top has been wiped clean (where present – DO NOT use SELF-CLEAN option on oven).