Moving Info

Before You Move Out

Our "Before You Go" checklist outlines resident responsibilities to be met before leaving campus.  The list also provides practical information about storage options, donation and recycling options, mail, and PennCard, as well as other service reminders

To avoid damage and cleaning charges, review guidelines for returning your room to Move-In room condition as well as tips on how to avoid late Move-Out fees and what to do if you forgot to return your keys (if applicable) and how to forward mail.

The Packing Process – How to Start

  1. Gather packing supplies
  2. Decide what to pack, what to donate, and what to dispose
  3. Label your boxes 
  4. Pack non-essential items first 

 

Packing tip: In need of packing materials? Order from Amazon and have them delivered to the Amazon@Penn store in 1920 Commons. 

 

Packing tip: Residents can use the University's PersonalShip program, allowing them to ship express mail packages via UPS and DHL at Penn's discounted rates.  PersonalShip is easy to use.  For more information, visit the PersonalShip webpage.

 

The Packing Process – Next Steps 

  1. Organize and pack by room 
  2. Clean spaces and appliances  

 

Packing tip: Make sure you know where your trash and recycle rooms are in your College House. Take items there early and often! During spring semester mouve-out, you can also put aside items that you want to donate to PennMOVES. 

 

Packing tip: If you’re traveling, pack your overnight or travel bag as you prepare to move-out to ensure that you have your essential items with you! 

 

Move-Out Day 

  1. Remove final trash and recyclable items 
  1. Take items to PennMOVES (spring semester move-out only)
  1. Final cleaning of spaces and appliances 

 

  1. Know and plan for your contract end date and be ready to move out and check out of your room and apartment by that time.
  2. Remove all personal belongings, including carpets and personal furniture.
  3. Remove all trash and recyclables and place in the appropriate receptacles.
  4. Make sure all University furniture found at Move-In is in your room.
  5. Close and lock all windows in your room or suite.
  6. Sweep the floor.
  7. If you have a private bathroom, clean the bathroom.
  8. Go to Penn In Touch to update your temporary mailing address so we can forward first class mail.
  9. Visit your mail or package room staff to arrange summer holding if you will be traveling abroad over the summer.
  10. Make appropriate plans for storage if needed.
  11. Donate unwanted furniture, clean clothing, unused school supplies, and books. PennMOVES accepts these items and more to support the West Philadelphia community.
  12. Make one FINAL check of closets, drawers, cabinets, back of doors. 
  13. Lock your door (bedroom and suite/apartment) upon exiting your room.
  14. Utilize self-checkout to check yourself out of your spring 2024 room assignment

Residential Services staff will be checking rooms to insure that they are vacant. Residents found remaining in their spaces after they have checked out will be charged late move out penalties.

  • Seniors graduating in May or August 2024 will automatically receive an extension.
  • The Undergrad Move-Out Deadline for spring semester is May 15 at 5 pm.

To have mail forwarded, you must enter or update your Temporary Address in Penn InTouch.  Residential Services will use the Temporary Address you have registered in Path@Penn to forward all mail.  However, if there is no Temporary Address listed, we will use your permanent address.  Mail is not forwarded to points outside of the U.S., per U.S. postal code. If forwarding requires additional cost, Housing Mail will reach out to you via your Penn email address. 

Housing Mail will forward items to residents who recently graduated for up to 6 months. 

If you are traveling over the summer or leaving the U.S., consider registering for our Summer Hold Program.(available for spring semester move-out only).

 

Residential Services does not provide storage but works with College Butler to provide storage options to Penn students. If you need summer storage, please contact College Butler via their website. 

 

Any College House resident can use the University's PersonalShip program, allowing them to ship express mail packages via UPS and DHL at Penn's discounted rates.  PersonalShip is easy to use.  For more information, simply visit the PersonalShip webpage.