Selling your home is a big step. You’ve accepted an offer, set a closing date, and now it’s time to prepare for the move. But before you hand over the keys, there are still a few important responsibilities to take care of.

These tasks aren’t just about being courteous to the next homeowner. They also protect you legally, ensure you meet the terms of your sales contract, and help the buyer step into a clean, functional space. Here’s what every seller should handle before officially moving out.

1. Clean the Property

A clean home speaks volumes about how well it’s been cared for. Most sales contracts require sellers to leave the home in “broom-swept condition,” meaning floors are swept, surfaces are wiped down, and no debris or personal belongings remain.

But remember that once you go under contract, the property must stay in the same condition as it was on the day the contract was accepted. That means no painting walls, drilling holes, or making changes unless they’re agreed to in writing. Even well-intentioned updates could create problems during the final walkthrough if they weren’t approved.

If you’re pressed for time, consider hiring professional cleaners who offer move-out packages. They’ll handle everything from scrubbing appliances to cleaning baseboards. This not only saves you time but also avoids any tension with the buyer later.

Leaving the home clean and in its original condition makes closing day smoother and helps ensure there are no surprises for anyone involved.

2. Complete Agreed Upon Repairs

If your sales contract includes repair requests, complete those before closing. Common examples include fixing leaks, replacing broken appliances, or patching drywall. The buyer is expecting these to be finished, and skipping them could delay or even cancel the sale.

When the repairs are done, document everything. Keep receipts, take before-and-after photos, and provide proof of work to your agent or the buyer. This not only gives the buyer peace of mind but also protects you from claims that something wasn’t handled.

If there’s a repair you can’t complete before closing, communicate early. As your agent, I can help negotiate a credit or adjustment rather than letting it become a last-minute issue.

3. Cancel Utilities and Services

One of the most overlooked parts of moving out is managing utilities and home services. Once your closing date is confirmed, contact each provider—electricity, gas, water, trash, cable, and internet—and schedule cancellations or transfers.

Timing matters here. Don’t shut off utilities before the buyer’s final walkthrough, or you could run into problems during inspection. On the other hand, you don’t want to keep paying for services after the property is no longer yours.

Here’s an important detail many sellers miss: the day you sign your paperwork isn’t always the day your property transfers out of your name. The official closing date is when the transaction is recorded with the county and the title transfers to the buyer. That’s the date you should use for ending or transferring utilities.

Always confirm with your agent or title company which day ownership officially changes. Keep copies of cancellation confirmations and final bills for your records in case anything comes up later.

4. Prepare for the Final Walkthrough

The buyer’s final walkthrough is usually scheduled a day or two before closing. This isn’t another home inspection—it’s simply a chance for the buyer to confirm that everything is in the same condition as agreed.

To prepare, make sure all your belongings are removed, agreed-upon repairs are done, and the property is clean. Double-check that all appliances and fixtures that were part of the sale are still in place and working.

If you’ve already moved out, it’s worth doing one last personal check before the walkthrough. Open closets, test the lights, and flush the toilets. Little things like that can make a big difference in how the buyer feels walking through their soon-to-be home.

5. Remove All Personal Belongings

Leaving behind personal items might seem harmless, but it can cause frustration for the new owners and create problems during closing. The buyer expects an empty property unless something else was specifically agreed upon in writing.

Check every nook and cranny before you lock up for the last time. That includes basements, attics, garages, sheds, crawl spaces, and even kitchen cabinets. It’s easy to overlook things like curtain rods, garden tools, or leftover paint cans, but those need to go too—unless the buyer has agreed to keep them.

A simple rule of thumb: if it’s not attached and not included in the sale, take it with you.

6. Provide Essential Documentation

Once the home is cleaned and cleared, it’s time to leave behind helpful information for the buyer. This could include:

• Appliance manuals and warranties
• Garage door remotes and spare keys
• Security system codes (if applicable) Paint color information
• Service records for HVAC, roofing, or pest control

Organize everything in a folder or envelope and leave it somewhere obvious, like the kitchen counter. It’s a small gesture that makes the buyer’s move-in experience smoother and stress-free.

If your home has smart devices or automated systems, make sure to reset passwords and remove your personal accounts. Then provide basic setup instructions so the new owner can connect their own devices easily.

7. Handle Address Change Notifications

It’s easy to get caught up in packing and forget about your address change. But this step is crucial for avoiding lost mail and billing issues.

Start by updating your address with:

• The post office
• Banks and credit card companies
• Insurance providers
• Subscription services
• Government agencies (like the DMV or tax office)
• Your employer and healthcare providers

Setting up mail forwarding through the postal service can help catch anything you missed. It’s a simple process that saves a lot of stress later when you realize your insurance notice or tax document went to your old address.

Make Your Move-Out Stress-Free With Expert Guide

Moving out can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling deadlines, packing, and paperwork. But with the right plan, it doesn’t have to be stressful. Each step you take before handing over the keys helps protect your investment and keeps the process smooth for everyone involved.

If you’re preparing to sell, don’t go through it alone. As a real estate agent, I help sellers handle all the details—from disclosures and repairs to closing-day coordination—so nothing gets missed. I can guide you through the move-out process, help you stay compliant with your contract, and make sure your sale wraps up on time and without unnecessary stress.

Selling your home is a big deal, and it should feel exciting, not chaotic. With the right support and preparation, you can close confidently and move forward with peace of mind.

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