Step 25 To Selling a Home: Hire Movers and Start Packing

WHEW! Now that you are successfully through the Due Diligence Period, the appraisal contingency hurdle has been cleared, and we’ve spoken with the buyer's lender to make sure they are on their way to full loan approval, it’s safe to hire movers and start packing! Call now (if you haven't already!) to get moving estimates and secure a mover as they often get booked up weeks in advance. (Also, if you’re moving out of a condo building, check with the HOA President or Property Management Company to see if you need to pay any move-out fees, reserve an elevator, or if there are move-out restrictions, etc.; be sure to tell the moving company what floor you’re on if you live in a condo building and whether your building has stairs versus an elevator so they block off enough time for your move!)

Remember, unless we have negotiated other arrangements with your buyer, you will need to be completely moved out of your home by the time of the closing. Once the closing has concluded, the buyer will receive the keys and legal access to the home, so we will need to make sure that you are prepared for that.

Recommended Movers

We would be happy to send you a list of recommended movers, at your request. We keep an active list, based on our client recommendations and feedback — so please just reach out and ask us!

Whichever mover you end up using, we highly recommend that you get a couple of quotes — moving costs can vary greatly, offer very different insurance plans (in case of damage, breakage, or loss), and will have different scheduling requirements/calendars. Speaking to at least a few companies will help you to make the best decision and find the company best for you. 

We also recommend asking whichever mover you choose to bring wardrobe boxes with them for all of your hanging clothes. That way you don’t have to take everything off the hangers and pack the items up. Instead, the movers will simply grab everything in your closets that is hanging, put them on the rods in the boxes and then when you get to your new home you can just grab the hangers and hang the items back up. This will save you a ton of time and is worth the additional cost (in our opinion!).

Items to Leave

Take a look back at your Seller's Property Disclosure to see which items you checked off as remaining with the property; also check the contract to see if there is anything else anything the buyer asked for that we agreed to. If you are unsure or would like us to remind you, just let us know!

Basically, it's standard to leave anything attached to the walls, such as shelving, curtain rods, curtains and curtain rods (unless you have specifically excluded any particular items in the disclosure). Light fixtures that were in the home in the MLS photos and when the buyer first viewed the home must stay (again, unless you specifically excluded them in the disclosure). 

Everything else needs to go with you. If you aren’t sure, ask us, because taking the wrong items can cause problems at the walk-through and possibly delay closing. Also, make sure that you let your movers know and clearly mark/label of any personal property items that need to remain with the home, so that they don't accidentally load those items onto the moving truck in the busy-ness and chaos of moving day. 

Gathering Moving Supplies

Start gathering boxes and packing supplies. Often you can find free boxes on CraigsList, NextDoor, Facebook, or other neighborhood sites. Other companies, such as Uhaul, Uline, and Usedcardboardboxes, are all great places to get moving supplies. (Consider planning to give your boxes away or sell them at a discount on one of those neighborhood sites once you’re done with them — it’s a great way to recycle!)

Moving with Pets

Moving can be incredibly stressful on pets. Even just moving a small distance — down the street or across town, from an apartment to a house, to a place with new smells and nooks and crannies — can be stressful for a pet. Consider having them stay with a friend or in daycare for a few days while you move and get settled into your new place.  If you’re moving to a new area or to a new state, here’s a great article on moving long-distance with pets.

Moving with Children

Moving can be stressful and sad for children, even if it’s just to a new neighborhood. Here’s a great article for moving with kids.