Moving Out

Mindful Move Out

Prepare for Move Out

Moving out at the end of term? Staying on, but expecting new roommates? Let’s make the transition smooth, fair and sustainable—for everyone! 

Here are four steps to help you avoid last-minute moving chaos and ensure that rooms and shared spaces are left as clean as you’d want them if you were moving in.

Prepare for Move Out Weekend

Find out everything you need to know if you’re moving out on Move Out Weekend: April 24–April 26, 2026. Reminder, your room must be clean and vacated by 12 pm on April 26.

1. Sort

  • Keep, donate or recycle. Organize your belongings into these three categories for maximum efficiency—and sustainability!
  • Donate items at your residence donation zones starting in early April.
  • Return your Friendlier containers. Return your containers to the Friendlier collection bins in residence commonsblocks in April. Make sure to scan your containers to collect your deposit!
  • Big Brothers Textile Bins. Donate unwanted but still usable clothing and other items in our new textile donation bins in residence waste rooms.
  • Remember, some items actually belong in the garbage: broken, soiled or ripped items that can’t be recycled and half-eaten or used foods that can’t be composted belong in the garbage.
Items you can donate

At your donation zone, you’ll see bins where clean and functional items can be donated into the following categories:

  • electronics
  • textiles (sheets, clothing, etc.)
  • household items (small appliances, kitchen things, dishware, storage containers, mini fridges, shoe racks, lamps, etc.)
  • non-perishable food (not expired, doesn’t require a fridge)
  • books and school supplies

We’re featuring these items to help keep them out of the waste stream and make sure they can find a new home at UBC or in the community. Circular economy for the win!

Please make sure items are clean and in good condition before donating. Thanks!

Where can I donate or recycle a used bike?

You can donate your used bike to The Bike Kitchen, located in the Life Building (Room 36). They’ll either refurbish or recycle your old bike and bike parts.

Learn more on the Campus and Community Planning cycling page and the Bike Kitchen donations page.

Where can I recycle used batteries?

While we don’t accept used batteries in the donation zones, you can recycle yours at convenient locations across campus!


2. Pack

  • Don’t leave it until the last minute!
  • Pack a little bit every day. You’ll be surprised how many things you can pack up in advance.
  • REMINDER: You must clean your unit and move out BEFORE 12:00 pm on Sunday, April 26.
Pro tip: If you need to store any of your belongings for next year, you might want to consider a local mini-storage company. Look into a company that will best suit your needs. Whatever option you choose, be sure to book early—and ask if they offer student discounts!

3. Clean

  • It’s time to clean! Every space needs to be cleaned, whether you’re moving out or getting a new roommate.
  • Leave the room the way it was when you moved in. This means wiping down everything and vacuuming. 
  • Your room will be inspected after you move out. If it is not cleaned well enough or there is damage, you will be charged. Visit the cleaning and departure checklist webpage for an overview of what is expected.
  • Be thorough, respectful and leave nothing behind.
Pro tip: Check out some great de-cluttering tips at @GoCleanCo on Instagram

4. Check out!

  • You must clean your unit, remove all of your items and move out BEFORE 12:00 pm on Sunday, April 26.
  • There are usually lineups, so arrive by 11:30 am to ensure that you can complete the check out process by noon.
  • Set up mail forwarding in the Student Housing Online Service Centre. (Fairview Crescent residents: contact Canada Post to forward mail.) Note: This service is not available for packages.  

    If you do not set up mail forwarding, any mail or packages that we receive after you check out will be returned to sender. 

  • Check out at your residence check out area.
  • Ensure you have everything taken with you.

 

Please note that all parking rules and signage are in effect. Parking in fire lanes or “authorized vehicles only†spaces and roads may result in a ticket if you are moving out any day other than April 26.  

Cleaning & departure checklists