Know your move-out date
Your purchase contract says when the buyer takes possession. It's often at closing, but you may have agreed to stay a little longer. Build your plan backward from that date.
Moving day is often busy and close to closing day, so give yourself some cushion. If you can, plan to be fully moved out a day before the buyer's final walk-through. That leaves time to clean and fix small surprises.
Four to six weeks before
- Get moving quotes and book your movers or truck
- Sort, donate or sell what you won't take
- Gather packing supplies
- Note anything the contract says stays with the home
Two to three weeks before
- Schedule utilities to stop or transfer around your closing or possession date
- Forward your mail and update your address
- Cancel or move internet, security and other services
- Arrange any repairs you agreed to in the contract
The final week
- Pack a bag with documents, medicine and essentials
- Use up or safely dispose of food and chemicals
- Take final meter readings or photos if helpful
- Confirm the closing time and how you'll sign
If you're also buying your next home
Selling and buying at the same time takes careful timing. You may close on both on the same day, or you may need a short gap between homes. Ask your agent about options like a rent-back agreement or short-term storage, and keep important papers with you rather than in the moving truck.
Before you hand over the keys
Buyers usually do a final walk-through shortly before closing. Make sure the home is ready.
- Clean the home. Broom-clean is common, but check your contract
- Leave all keys, garage openers and access codes
- Leave manuals and warranties for appliances and systems
- Check closets, the attic and the garage for anything left behind
After closing
Once the sale closes, cancel your homeowners insurance and ask about any refund of unused premium. Your mortgage servicer will close your escrow account, and any remaining balance is usually refunded to you. Keep your closing documents for your tax records.
Protect your personal information
Before you leave, clear personal data from smart devices that stay with the home, like thermostats, doorbells and garage openers. Remove yourself from connected accounts and reset Wi-Fi settings. Shred old papers you no longer need instead of leaving them behind.
