What Should I Do the Week I Sell My House?

Lets say youre packing and loading vehicles to drive away soon as you sign the closing disclosure. What else?

There are a few items many folks dont consider when packing. The items below will change a bit depending on whether you are moving out a week before closing, a few days, or the day of closing. If you have any questions dont hesitate to reach out to us!

Items to leave out after youve packed:

Food for you, kids and pets- If youre a few days away from closing you may consider keeping some throw away utensils and paper plates and just order take-out. You will be worn out from packing and this way you wont need to worry about pots, pans, more cleaning, etc.

Personal items- Toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, childrens needs, medicine, bandages, a bath towel, bath soap, deodorant, pets cleaning items and medicines.

Items to finish off your move and prep for the new owners- This will get detailed a bit more below, but, items like batteries, a mop, broom, dustpan, counter tops cleaner.

Items often forgotten:

An emergency kit. Accidents happen, Especially when youre tired, stressed and childrens and pets are feeding off your emotions. Keep an emergency kit handy with bandages, antibiotic cream, gauze, allergy medicine if its that time of year, and even some nervous tummy medicine.

Tire pressure gauge and aerator- You dont want to end up on the side of the road with loaded vehicles on a long drive. I purchased this pump on Amazon for right around 30. I use it alot. Its easy to use and quickly inflated my truck tires.

Ice chest- If youve already moved the fridge or have a long drive ahead, you will need drinks and snacks to make your move/drive more efficient and stress free. Dont forget the pet treats!

Pets needs- Pets are a lot like children in many ways. They feed off your emotions which includes stress. They cant speak so you dont know what theyre thinking. Are they wondering what youre doing, are they getting left behind, are they going to be happy or thrown to the side? They will likely need more attention to comfort them to know they are still part of the family unit. For crates its a good idea to have a favorite blanket and toy inside so they are not sliding around on hard plastic as the car moves around. Even if they ignore the toy sometimes it truly is the thought that counts. Its very possible they will at least recognize your intent on making them feel better. Also, consider packing poop bags for the rest areas and gas station potty breaks. If you dont have a traditional pet you may consider asking a professional what items would make your move easier on your pet. Birds especially are easily stressed with any changes.

Storage bin with needed items for new home first day- Mark this box with a large tape X on top and sides, a bright colored lid, or just keep it in a special spot for easy access. For your first moments at your new home you may need paper towels for spills or needed cleanup. All the items you had left out after your original packing should go in here too. Also, you may need at least a first days worth of work/school clothes and materials.

What do I prepare for the new owner of my house?

Just as you would greatly appreciate moving in to your next home with as little stress as possible, so do the folks looking forward to moving in to your recently sold house. Here are a few items to consider:

Change out batteries- If you leave a television change the batteries in that remote, garage door remotes, smoke detectors, and anything else in your house needing batteries.

Collect all receipts, instruction booklets for the appliances, warranty paperwork, extra keys. If you have a locked gate, barn, storage building etc dont forget those keys too. A locking mailbox is another matter. You may consider leaving the key for convenience but I suggest calling your post office to get their recommendation. You could be in an area where it is required to turn keys so you can recover a deposit. The new owner should want a new key anyway to guarantee no one else still has a key to their mailbox. Take all these items and place them into a kitchen drawer or on the kitchen counter top.

Clean- Even if a professional home clean has been negotiated into the contract, a buyer assumes the home will still be beautiful up until closing day, which really does not happen. I often find dead bugs after a recent clean. As close as possible before closing sweep the home, mop if it needs it, wipe up dust and dirt from countertops, corners, baseboards, shelves, etc.