Seller's Moving Checklist
Selling a home is an exciting but often overwhelming process. As a seller, not only do you need to focus on getting your home ready for sale, but you also have to plan for the big move once it’s time to relocate. At Home Grounds Real Estate, we’re here to help guide you through the process. To make your move as smooth as possible, we’ve created this helpful moving checklist.
1. Start Early
Moving can take time, so the earlier you start planning, the easier it will be. Ideally, you should begin preparing for your move at least 6-8 weeks before your closing date. This allows plenty of time to organize, sort through your belongings, and avoid last-minute chaos.
2. Declutter Your Home
Before you list your home, take the opportunity to declutter and organize. Buyers want to envision themselves in your space, and clutter can be a big distraction. Go through every room and remove anything you don’t need. Donate or sell items that no longer serve a purpose. The less you have to pack, the easier your move will be!
3. Create a Moving Plan
Create a detailed moving plan to stay on track. Decide whether you’ll be handling the move yourself or hiring professional movers. If you plan to hire movers, get quotes from at least three companies to ensure you’re getting a fair price and reliable service. If you’re doing it yourself, rent a truck and recruit friends and family to help.
4. Gather Packing Supplies
You’ll need boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and markers to pack your belongings safely. Start gathering these supplies early and label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. This will make unpacking at your new home much easier and quicker.
5. Pack in Stages
Avoid waiting until the last minute to pack. Start with non-essential items, such as out-of-season clothes and decorative items. As your moving date approaches, pack up the rest of your home, leaving only the essentials for daily life. This will keep your house clean and organized for showings.
6. Notify Important Parties
Don’t forget to update your address and notify essential services about your move. This includes:
Post office (for forwarding mail)
Utility companies (electric, gas, water, internet, cable)
Insurance providers
Banks and financial institutions
Healthcare providers
Voter registration Make a list of everyone who needs to be informed and update them in advance.
7. Schedule Moving Day Details
As moving day approaches, confirm the date and time with your moving company or helpers. If you’re moving out of state, make travel arrangements for your family and pets well in advance. Don’t forget to arrange for the utilities at your old home to be turned off the day after you move out and set up utilities at your new home before you arrive.
8. Clean Your Home
Before handing over the keys to the new owners, clean your home thoroughly. You’ll want to leave the space in great condition for the new owners. This includes cleaning appliances, windows, floors, and bathroom surfaces. If you have a lot of furniture to move, consider hiring professional cleaners to do a deep clean.
9. Complete Final Walk-Through
Before you leave, do a final walk-through of the home. Check every room, closet, and cabinet to ensure everything is packed. Don’t forget to remove all personal items and check that all lights and appliances are off. This is also a good time to take photos of the empty home as a record.
10. Hand Over the Keys
Once your home is empty and cleaned, it’s time to hand over the keys to the new owners. If you’re working with an agent, they can help facilitate the transfer of keys and final paperwork.
11. Take Care of Final Paperwork
As the closing day nears, make sure you have all the necessary documents for the sale of your home. This could include things like warranties, service records for appliances, and any remaining utility payments. Your real estate agent will guide you through this process, but make sure everything is in order for a smooth transaction.
12. Say Goodbye to Your Old Home
The last step in your moving journey is saying goodbye to your old home. It’s normal to feel sentimental about leaving, but remember that you’re starting a new chapter. Take a moment to reflect on the memories you’ve created before moving on to your new home.
Let Home Grounds Real Estate Help
At Home Grounds Real Estate, we’re not just here to help you sell your home. We’re here to support you through every step of your journey, including the move itself. Whether you need advice on preparing your home for sale or tips for a smooth moving process, we’re always ready to assist.
Contact Us:
Trey: trey@homegroundsre.com
Mary: mary@homegroundsre.com
Call or Text: 360-564-8780
Let’s work together to ensure your home sale and move go as smoothly as possible!