Two Months Prior to Close
- Take photos. Before you do anything take photos of your home to look back on.
- Minimize what moves with you. Go through every room of your house and decide what stays and what goes. Don’t forget the basement, attic, and garage
- Take Inventory. Take stock of every valuable item you plan to move. Include photos, along with a description.
- Make a List of Furniture For Sale. If you find there is furniture and such that you don’t want or don’t need, making a list of these items early is helpful. You can offer these to the buyer or to sell them through various channels.
- Organize records. If you have kids, make arrangements with their current school to have their records transferred. Secure copies of everyone’s medical records, as well as recommendations of doctors in your new community.
- Talk to your kids. Moving can be an uncertain time for children, especially if they are leaving the only home they know. Early on begin including your kids in moving discussions and give them an idea of what will happen on a moving day
8 Weeks Prior to Close
- Research Moving Companies. Decide if you are going to move yourself or hire a moving company. When interviewing companies, make sure to ask if they are insured and bonded, if they hire full or part-time movers, and how they charge.
- Finalize real estate or rental needs. Renters communicate with your landlord/real estate agent about the upcoming move. See if they have any moving out/in guidelines or policies you’ll need to know.
- Prepare to pack. Order boxes and packing supplies. Don’t forget to buy plenty of bubble wrap and tape. Look into wardrobes and other specialty boxes as they make the packing process easier.
6 Weeks Prior to Close
- Pick you moving partner. If you decide to use a moving company, make your reservations in time to secure the ideal day and time. Book and confirm.
- Dumpster. Order a dumpster, dispose of junk or anything that you do not need.
- Begin packing. Pack up items you don’t frequently use and clearly label each box with the name of the room for which it is assigned.
- Gather information about your home. Warranty information on appliances, manuals, keys, garage door openers, service contractor’s info for the buyer.
2 Weeks Prior to Close
- Closing attorney. Provide your attorney with your forwarding address, mortgage company/account information, identify leased equipment, if applicable - homeowner association information, utilities that need to be transferred into the buyer’s name (city water), provide paid receipts for requested repairs by the buyers.
- Notify utility companies. Notify each utility company – cable, electric, propane, oil and trash of the day you are moving and disconnect dates. Also supply them with the name of the new owner. Schedule final readings for oil, propane, etc.
- US Postal Service. Request a change of address with the US Postal Service and have your mail forwarded to your new address. Notify credit card companies, banks, auto loan lenders or any subscriptions you may have. Notify family and friends of your new address.
- Confirm Movers. Confirm the day/time the movers will arrive as well as other specifics and make sure you have prepared exact written directions to your new home for the movers. Also make sure they have your cell number.
1 Week Prior to Closing
- Finish packing. Remember to pack important and sentimental items separately so they are easily accessible. Plan on keeping this/these boxes with you personally when you move.
- Clean. Start cleaning rooms you don’t use as often. It’s also a good idea to make a “survival closet” containing things for the last cleanup before you move out – broom, cleaning rags, cleaning supplies, garbage bags, dustpan, mop etc.
- Pack your suitcase. Pack a suitcase for each family member – with essential items and clothes that they will need for a few days.
- Movers. Meet the movers, make sure they are on track to have everything packed and moved at least 3 days prior to closing. Hit the ATM – moving is back-breaking work and movers really appreciate a generous tip.
- Review your inclusion/exclusion disclosures. Please do not leave anything other than what was agreed to in the contract. Check re paint cans – if they are current, it’s usually ok, if not please dispose of them.
- Closing Paperwork. Schedule a day/time with your attorney to sign all the necessary closing paperwork.
2 Days Prior
- Remove any remaining items, dispose of all junk, debris, or personal belongings and deliver the house in broom clean condition. Clean up karma - if you don’t hire professional cleaners to clean your home - please remember the buyers will be conducting a final walk through before closing – it’s a nice gesture to have the house clean – refrigerator, oven, closets, drawers, cabinets, basement, attic, garage, grass mowed, and beds weeded... it does leave a nice impression and a happy buyer to boot!
1 Day Prior
- Final walk through to make sure the house is empty, clean and ready for the final walk through by the buyer. You should be able to hear an echo, except for a little gift for the buyer – like a scented candle, bottle of wine or champagne.
Closing Day
- The buyer will conduct a final walk through the morning of the closing, to make sure the house is in the same condition as when it was place under contract. Barring no issues – the buyer will proceed to closing.
After Closing
- Verify funds – make sure the attorney has wired the proceeds to your account. Save your closing paperwork, mortgage pay off etc. your accountant will require these forms when filing your taxes. Cancel your homeowner’s insurance policy once the title of your home has been formally transferred – you may receive a refund for part of your prepaid homeowner’s insurance policy.
