Whether you email it, drop off a hard copy or mail it in, creating the paper trail helps protect you when you're ready to go. The best way to do this is with a letter. Standard practice is to give a 30-day notice to your landlord when you decide to move. Not only do you have to find a new place, pack up and finalize moving plans, but you also need to communicate your intentions to your landlord. When you decide you're ready to move out of your rental home, there's a lot of preparation.