When we go to move out of an apartment, the biggest concern that we all have is that we get our security deposit back in full so that we can hand it over once again to our new apartment. Not many people, however, understand what they have to do to their old apartment to help get it in tip top shape. Here are a few basic tips you can follow.

First, grab some spackle and give yourself a tour of all of the small holes you’ve put in the wall since you moved in. Fill those holes, and then wait for the spackle to try so you can apply a small amount of paint to ensure that the walls look as good as new when you move out.

If the walls of your apartment have black streak marks and scuff marks on them, make sure you buy one of those Magic Eraser cleaning pads to get those scuff marks off. Your landlord will likely be impressed that you did some of the grunt work for them and they will be much more likely to give you back your security deposit in full.

Finally, if your lease doesn’t already ask you do, make sure you get your carpet professionally cleaned before you leave. If you have had pets, this is especially important since it can erase signs of pet stains. Most professionally managed apartment complexes will require this, but even if they don’t it is a great way to ensure you get your deposit back in full.