Moving out of your home

You have an accepted offer, and the closing completed. All of your determination, organization and hard work is finished, right? Wrong! Now, you must put the same preparation and research towards moving out of your home.

The moving process can be taken for granted. No matter how often you have moved, something may go wrong or may be forgotten, or signals get crossed. Whether moving across town out-of-state, use this information to help make your move smooth and frustration-free.

This paragraph for sellers buying another home

It is an excellent practice for the seller to occupy after closing and pay rent on a daily basis for some short period. This negotiation is a conscious part of the offer to purchase. The reason for this advice is that, all too often, the closing does not take place as scheduled because of some event beyond the seller’s control. When the closing fails, and they do, if the seller agreed to vacate on the day of closing it will be a frustrating and expensive day with the move into the home the seller is now buying unless both parties have protected themselves contractually.

Importance of communication

Communication with all family members, the moving company, the seller or buyer (whichever is applicable) the lenders, and your agent, ensure an uncomplicated move. Part of your agent’s service should be to help coordinate the moving dates and times between the buyer and seller. Be sure to contact the moving company far enough in advance and base the moving time on when the seller will be out of the home. It works out well to put an exact time in the purchase agreement. There’s nothing worse than arriving at your new home bright and early and then discovering that the seller will not be out until the afternoon.

Prepare

There are three things you should do before you even pack the first box: prepare, prepare, prepare. By preparing in advance, you may be able to avoid some of the problems and confusion that can occur before, during and after the move. Try to take care of as much as possible in advance of the move. Develop a game plan and make sure all of the key players follow it.

Moving Tips

Here are some suggestions to consider before making your move:

• When you do not need it, do not take it; garage sales are an ideal way to “clean house.”
• Label boxes by number and if it is fragile. Keep a separate corresponding list by box number of the contents and the room in which to place it for unpacking purposes.

• Even though you left the old home spotless, your new home may not be in that shape. We suggest having cleaning supplies handy or insist on a clean, vacant home in the purchase agreement.

• Avoid carrying heavy boxes alone, or too many boxes, where they obstruct your vision.

• Have a first aid kit on hand just in case of an accident.

• Take an inventory of items and be sure to walk through the home for a final inspection of empty rooms, closets, basement, cupboards and the attic.

• Basic tools like a screwdriver, pliers, tape measure and hammer should be kept aside and readily accessible.

A checklist

Check off the procedures and items below to make sure you are ready for a successful move.

1. Coordinate the move with the end of your lease and make certain your landlord has proper notice.
2. Change of address at the post office.
3. Notify banks, insurance companies, friends, relatives and employer of your new address.
4. Be sure delivery services like newspaper, magazines and other services are aware of your new address.
5. Advise utility companies (electric, gas, water, internet and telephone) of your moving date at both prior and new locations.
6. When you are reasonably sure of the moving date contact the moving company.
7. Plan for specific moving needs and care for infants, pets and plants.
8. Know exactly when the seller will be out of the home.
9. Gather all your house keys, including ones you left with friends or relatives. Leave them with the new owner, broker or landlord.
10. Remember to go through the home after you have loaded everything to make sure you did not leave anything behind.
11. Have appliances ready for moving.
12. Have a new address recorded on driver’s license.
13. When arriving at the new home, check pilot lights on the stove, hot water heater, furnace and smoke detector batteries.

Hard Work

Unfortunately, we have no secrets to help eliminate the hard work involved in moving. To avoid some of the problems that can occur, we suggest you communicate with all parties involved and prepare in advance.

Click here to go back to real issues that sellers encountered on this step.