Moving Checklist For Sellers
You just sold your home and it's time to move on - whether to another home in the Washington area or out of town. Organization of your move is the key to making the process as smooth as possible. The checklist outlines the things that will need to be arranged before arriving at your new home.
Moving Checklist
1. Transfer or cancel all relevant accounts, records and/or services, including:
- Utilities, including electric, gas, water, sewer and trash
- Cable, telephone (landline and cell phones), newspaper, and lawn services
- Car registration and driver's license
- Postal service
- Update your contacts with your new address
- Bank accounts and safe deposit box
- Insurance policies, including property, auto and medical
- Alarm/security company
- Voter registration
- Doctor, dentist and other medical providers (make sure to have at least two weeks of prescription medicine on hand for the duration of your move)
- Veterinarian, if applicable
- Health clubs
- Your children's schools and daycare centers
2. Separate everything you will and will not be taking with you.
- Make a list. If you are hiring a moving company, catalog your valuables (take pictures if possible).
- Consider renting a movable storage unit. They can be loaded and stored off location during the sale of your home. Once you are ready to relocate, the unit can meet you at your new location.
- Now is the time to purge. Decide how you will be getting rid of unwanted items.
3. Get packing! Collect boxes, tape, bubble wrap, newspapers, garbage bags and markers - or let your movers do it for you.
- Disassemble furniture and pack all of your household items.
- Schedule movers as needed.
- If you are hiring a moving company, keep a completed bill of lading until your possessions are delivered to your new home, the charges are paid and any claims are settled.
- Recycle flammable materials or containers that may leak, including fireworks, acids, cleaning fluids, matches, aerosol cans, paint, etc.
4. Take care of all last-minute details.
- Have your car serviced if you are traveling a long distance.
- Arrange hotel or other accommodations.
- Make plans for pet care and/or lodging, if applicable.
- Check all closets, cabinets and rooms one last time to make sure you haven't left anything behind.
- Make sure all systems and lights have been turned off in your home before you lock up.
5. And be sure you're prepared for settlement.
- Plan on maintain homeowner's insurance for 2-3 days after settlement.
- Leave appliance manuals, warranty information and spare keys in the house, or bring to settlement.
- Make sure the house is "broom clean" and all trash and debris - including garage and attic - are removed prior to buyer's final walkthrough.
- Brings driver's license or other form of photo ID to settlement.
- If you are in a condo or co-op, be sure to schedule your move well in advance. Check you condo/co-op docs for moving rules and restrictions.