How Can I Get All or Most of My Deposit Back?

It's expensive to move and getting most or all of your deposit returned can help defray all those costs associated with moving.  Check your rental agreement to see if you are required to give notice when vacating.  If organization is not your forte and you can't put your hands on it ask your landlord for a copy.  Usually you cannot use your deposit as last month's rent and must give 30 days' notice when vacating.  Prior to vacating ask your landlord for a pre move out walk through where he can tell you what he's looking for as far as returning your deposit.  Minor repairs may be needed and leaving the place as clean as when you moved in is prudent.  If there are carpets have them professionally cleaned and save the receipt.  After vacating your landlord must provide you with receipts for any work done that he's deducting from your deposit.  Some items are normal wear and tear and you cannot be charged and other items, like paint and floor covering are prorated over the term of your tenancy.
Most states have a certain number of days after the lease ends when the deposit must be returned.  Your landlord may have estimates for some repairs if the actual work hasn't been done yet and then provide you with invoices later down the road when the work has been done and make any adjustments in your deposit return. 
Before moving in your landlord may have provided you with photos or videos of the move in condition.  He will compare those to the move out condition when determining deposit return.