Move Out Information
Explore this page to find all the information you need to know to move out of your residence hall, including check out instructions and move out steps. Did you know about our Don't Throw It, Donate It program? Have items you don't plan to take home or don't have use or space for anymore? Don't trash it, donate it during Finals Week!
2026 Spring Move Out Important Dates
- All residence halls close: May 15 at 10 a.m.
- Exam quiet hours: Sunday, May 10 at 1 a.m.-Friday, May 15 at 10 a.m. Courtesy hours each day from 1-3 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.
- Mail: The last day of operation for the Hathorn Mail Center will be Thursday, May 14, from noon-8 p.m. Summer mail center operations will begin Monday, May 18.
Check Out Instructions
Please note: If you don't properly check out, you could be assessed additional charges, including a $25 improper checkout fee.
Express checkouts available upon request and if emergency situations apply.
How to check out of your room
- When you are ready to check out, go to the Hall Hub during "checkout hours."
- Monday, May 4-Sunday, May 10: 6:30-10 p.m. (Call RA on Duty or pre-arrange a time with a member of hall staff.)
- Monday, May 11: 4-10 p.m. (Hall Hub)
- Tuesday, May 12: 4-10 p.m. (Hall Hub)
- Wednesday, May 13: 2-10 p.m. (Hall Hub)
- Thursday, May 14: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. (Hall Hub)
- Friday, May 15: 9-10 a.m. (Hall Hub)
- If you cannot check out during these days/times, talk to your Resident Assistant (RA) to schedule a checkout time.
- During your check out appointment, a staff member will review your room for cleanliness and damages. If they find cleanliness issues, they will have you address them and then recheck your room.
- Spring-only check outs: If you are the first roommate to check out, it is helpful to arrange to have your roommate present at your check out time to help determine who is responsible for any damages that may be found.
- The staff will take your key and lock your space at the end of your check out. Failure to return your key at check out will result in a re-key charge.
- If you rented a bike locker, you will return your key at this time.
- Once your checkout is completed, sign the checklist on your door.
- After all students have checked out, staff will go through all rooms for a final review. Any significant damage found after further investigation could be considered billable damage and added to your eSIS account.
Staying for Summer?
If you are approved for a Summer Housing Contract, please review the Summer Housing page for details regarding checking out of your spring room and checking in to your summer room.
Move Out Steps
After receiving approval to move out, complete the following steps:
Prepare to Check Out
Students who don't properly check out following the listed steps will be assessed an improper checkout fee of $25, in addition to any room damage/cleaning charges.
Do the following to prepare for check out:
- Remove all personal belongings. Moving bins will be in the hall lobby.
- Take your bike home.
- If you rented a bike locker, turn in the bike locker key when you check out with a hall staff member or via the express check out envelope.
- Remove all items from your mailbox.
- Return all university property to its original order and location (see room diagrams).
- Complete the required cleaning.
- Return room key to the staff member completing your check out inspection. If you rented a bike locker, also return the key to the staff member completing your check out inspection.
Room Cleaning Guidelines
- Defrosting your freezer takes 24 hours! Turn temperature control dial to the “0” position. Unplug the unit and leave both doors propped open. Remove all food and beverages.
- IMPORTANT: Do not use any object to remove the frost/ice, as this will cause a puncture of the unit that can't be repaired and you'll be charged for replacement cost of the unit ($300+). Put a large towel in the freezer to absorb the water while ice is melting (towels will be available at the Hall Hubs).
- Refrigerator: Dry out and wipe clean the inside of the fridge and freezer. After it is defrosted and cleaned, leave unplugged and prop the door open.
- Microwave: Clean the inside walls and the plate. Wipe the outside clean.
- Furniture: Clean and wipe down all furniture surfaces, including the inside of drawers. There should be no stains, black smudges, tape or sticky spots.
- Walls/Ceiling/Mirrors: Remove all posters, tape, stickers and adhesives. Clean marks and adhesive residue off all surfaces.
- Door: Remove all door decorations, message boards, stickers and tape from both sides. Clean all writing, marks and adhesive residue off both sides.
- Windows and Screens: Remove all tape, stickers and adhesive residue. Close both sets of windows. Close blinds or roller shades.
- Floor: Sweep then mop or vacuum the floor. Do not sweep anything into the hallway.
- Wastebasket and Recycling Bin: Take out ALL trash and recycling. Clean trash and recycling bins
Ames and South Fork Suites common area guidelines:
If there are any cleaning or damage charges for the common areas, the charge will be split evenly amongst all the residents.
- Living Room: Vacuum furniture under and between cushions, as well as the floor.
- Windows: Must be free of any signs, stickers and tape. Remove and clean all adhesive residue. Shut the window and blinds.
- Kitchenette: Clean out all cabinets, cupboards and counters. Remove all food from refrigerator and freezer. Clean the fridge and freezer. Remove all trash and recycling.
- Bathroom: Remove all belongings from cubbies/vanity area. Clean all cabinets, shelves, countertop, sink, shower, shower curtain and toilet. There should be no stains, hair or debris left on any surface. Sweep and mop floor.
- Closets/Hallway/Suite Door: Vacuum floors, clean shelves in closet. Clean both sides of the main suite door. All surfaces should be clean of any residue, stains or marks. Peephole should be present in the door.
Hall staff will come to your room with you present to complete an inspection of the space for any cleanliness issues or damages.
Damages
Any damages or cleaning charges will be applied to your eSIS account.
A Residence Life staff member will check to ensure that you have cleaned the room and will document the condition of the room, the resident of the room must be present during this time. An Assistant Director of Residence Life will use this information to assess for cleaning charges and/or damages found in the room. Staff members will not check the room until you have finished cleaning the room and removed all your belongings.
If applicable, you'll receive an email to your UWRF email account outlining any charges.
Please note, if hall staff do not receive your room key(s) back, we won't accept the return through the mail and there will be a charge issued to re-core the door.
Bike Lockers
- If you rented a bike locker, you must remove the bike from the locker. Bikes left behind will be donated.
- If you rented a bike locker, turn in the bike locker key to the hall staff member at the same time as the room key.
- If you do not return the bike locker key, a fee will be added to your eSIS account.
Don't Throw It, Donate It
Each year Residence Life, the Sustainability Office and the UWRF Green Team partner together to accept donations for local businesses including Our Neighbor's Place, Second Chances, Freddy's Pantry and more! Want to donate? Visit your residence hall lobby beginning May 8 to place items in the donation bins!
Place your reusable items in the boxes located in your residence hall lobby during Finals Week.
What can we accept?
- Gently used and clean clothing
- Household items (such as small shelves)
- Books
- School supplies
- Non-perishable foods
- And even large furniture!
Have larger furniture items to donate?
Larger furniture can be donated on Tuesday, May 12, from 4-6 p.m. Meet staff at one of four locations:
- Between McMillan Hall and Grimm Hall
- Between May Hall and Prucha Hall
- Hathorn Hall - G Lot near the dumpster
- South Fork Suites Conference Room
Residence Life
Monday-Friday, 7:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m.