Recently Sold Your Home? Don’t Forget These 4 Important Things Before You Leave!

Saying goodbye to your home can be a mix of feelings, from excitement to nostalgia. But in the midst of packing and moving, it's important not to forget a few key things.

01Update your utilities, accounts and subscriptions

Remember to unplug before you go! Notify your phone, internet, and cable companies of your relocation and turn off your services when you're leaving by giving them a call. Make sure you pay your portion of the utilities before the new tenants take over by having your gas and hydro meters checked on closing day.

Make sure to let them know if you have any newspaper delivery or pool or yard care services. To ensure that you don't miss any crucial parcels, invoices, or letters, speak with your local post office about having your mail forwarded to your new address.

When it comes to insurance, don’t cancel your policy until the sale has closed. If you are leaving your home vacant for some time before the new owners move in, let your insurer know and maintain your policy to ensure you are covered in the event anything happens while the property is empty.

Read More:Closing Process for Sellers: What You Need To Know

02Leave behind important items for the new owners

Make things a bit simpler for the new homeowners by keeping instruction manuals out in the open for them to locate. Learning how to use a new item may be a pain. This should contain any warranty information as well as brochures for the refrigerator, stove, dryer, washing machine, and air conditioning system.

Put all of the keys to mailboxes, storage cabinets, sheds, and gates together and store them somewhere accessible, like the kitchen counter. Don't forget to leave the garage door opener and any remote controls behind.

Be mindful of items you are obligated to leave behind for the new owners that may not seem obvious. If you’re removing light fixtures, curtain rods or other items attached to the wall, consult your purchase agreement to confirm what has been included as part of the sale.

03Give the home a wipe-down

Your purchasers will value arriving at a house that has been ready for them after a tough moving day. The majority of purchase agreements stipulate that the house must be kept in "broom-swept condition," which is essentially a cursory cleaning. This would entail clearing out all personal belongings, sweeping the floors, and getting rid of all the trash. It is usually not expected of the seller to do a professional cleaning unless your purchase contract specifies otherwise. Don't forget to clear out your closets, outside shed, garden beds, refrigerator, freezer, attic, and other often forgotten spaces when you're organizing your house.

04Do a final walk-through

Everybody has experienced the feeling of leaving home without remembering anything crucial. Make sure you haven't forgotten anything crucial by taking one more tour around the property on moving day to allay any last-minute fears.

If the house will be unoccupied for an extended length of time, turn off the main water valve and make sure the temperature is set for the season before you lock up. Make sure the house is completely secure before you leave for your last tour. Verify that any windows, doors, and garden sheds, as well as garages and patio doors, are shut and secured.

As you start this new chapter, remember these four steps to wrap up your home sale. By updating your utilities, leaving important items for the new owners, giving the home a quick clean, and doing a final walk-through, you'll make the transition smoother for everyone. These simple tasks will not only help the new homeowners but also give you a sense of completion as you move on.