When you’re preparing to leave for the spring, summer, or winter break, especially if you need to vacate your apartment, your schedule can be frantic. Even so, there are some quick steps you can take to avoid theft or damage and to make the whole process easier.
Organizing Your Move
- Make a checklist of all you need to do prior to your scheduled move out date.
- Update your mailing address with the US Postal Service. Doing so may prevent you from becoming the victim of identity theft. Learn more on protecting your mail.
- Update your address with the DMV.
- Cancel newspaper/magazine subscriptions.
- Donate your unwanted items. Near the end of the spring semester, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and USC Housing have teamed up with American Textile Recycling Service and Goodwill to accept used clothing, shoes, and bedding items. Donation bins are located on and near university housing and throughout the surrounding community.
Packing Your Vehicle
- Do not pack your vehicle then leave it parked overnight. Thieves are familiar with the “move-out” season and they target property left in vehicles parked overnight, especially in subterranean garages.
- Lock your vehicle after every trip when loading your vehicle. Also lock your residence door during each trip to the car. Valuable items can be stolen quickly while your residence or vehicle are left momentarily unlocked and unattended.
- If you see anyone suspicious hanging around your building or parking lot, contact DPS immediately.
Leaving Town
- If you’re leaving your residence temporarily unoccupied, ask your property manager or a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on your apartment or house while you are away.
- Stop all mail and subscriptions, or make sure someone picks your mail up for you, to avoid mail piling up. Stacks of mail, newspapers, door hangers and flyers on your door signal that your apartment is unoccupied, making it an easy target for criminals.
