What Should I Do Before Moving Out?
Closing is almost here! Before you hand over the keys, there are a few important things to take care of so the home is ready for the buyer and you can finish your move without unnecessary last-minute problems.
You're almost there.
The boxes are packed, the moving truck is coming, and you're probably more than ready to be finished.
But before you close the door for the last time, there are a few things we want you to check.
Some are required by your contract. Others are simply good ways to leave the property ready for its new owner.
And a little planning now can make those final few days much less stressful.
Quick Takeaways
Know exactly when your contract requires you to give the buyer possession.
Remove your personal belongings unless something is specifically supposed to remain.
Don't accidentally remove fixtures or other items included in the sale.
Complete agreed-upon repairs before the required deadline.
Keep receipts and documentation for completed repairs.
Leave the property in the condition required by your contract.
Gather keys, remotes, codes, and other access items for the buyer.
We recommend keeping utilities on until the day after closing.
Don't cancel homeowners insurance until the sale has actually closed.
Let us know immediately if something happens to the property before closing.
First, Know When You Have to Be Out
Don't assume that closing day automatically tells you when you need to be completely moved out.
Check the possession terms of your contract.
In many transactions, the buyer receives possession at closing, but arrangements can vary.
We'll make sure you know the agreed timing so you aren't trying to load the last piece of furniture while the buyer is expecting to take possession.
If you need additional time in the property after closing, that needs to be addressed appropriately—it shouldn't simply be assumed.
What Should I Take With Me?
Unless otherwise agreed, remove your personal belongings from the property.
That includes the obvious things such as:
Furniture
Clothing
Boxes
Food
Personal decorations
Garage and storage items
Outdoor belongings
Cleaning supplies you aren't leaving
Trash
But don't forget the places that are easy to overlook.
Check:
Attic
Garage
Storage rooms
Closets
Cabinets and drawers
Refrigerator and freezer
Shed
Porch
Patio
Yard
Crawlspace or other storage areas, when applicable
Open every door and look inside before you leave for the last time.
What Am I Supposed to Leave?
This is just as important as knowing what to take.
Items included in the sale should remain with the property according to your contract.
That may include certain fixtures, appliances, window treatments, attached equipment, or other agreed-upon items.
If you're unsure whether something stays or goes, ask us before removing it.
Don't wait until it's already loaded onto a moving truck in another state.
Something that feels like “ours” to you may be an item the contract requires to remain with the property.
What About Things the Buyer Asked Me to Leave?
Sometimes buyers and sellers agree that particular personal property will remain.
If something was specifically included in the agreement, leave it as required.
On the other hand, don't assume the buyer wants items you no longer want.
An old sofa, leftover paint, garage shelving, lawn equipment, or extra building materials shouldn't simply become the buyer's responsibility unless they've agreed for those things to remain.
When in doubt, ask.
Do I Need to Clean the House?
Yes. Your contract may specifically address the condition in which the property must be delivered to the buyer.
In the Alabama purchase agreements we commonly work with, the seller agrees to deliver the property vacant, broom-swept, and free of trash, debris, and personal property that isn't otherwise included in the agreement.
And don't forget—the requirement isn't limited to the rooms you see every day.
That means checking places such as:
The attic
Garage
Storage buildings
Closets and cabinets
Porches and patios
Other storage areas
The yard and grounds
The grounds should also continue to be maintained and kept free of debris through the agreed date of possession.
So while you don't necessarily need to hire a professional cleaning company or leave the home looking like a hotel room, you do need to leave it in the condition required by your contract.
Before you leave for the last time, walk through the house and property carefully. Remove anything that isn't supposed to stay, take out the trash and debris, broom-sweep the home, and make sure you haven't forgotten belongings in an attic or storage building.
We'll also remind you of the requirements in your particular contract, because those are the terms that ultimately control.
What About Agreed-Upon Repairs?
Make sure anything you've agreed to complete has been handled according to the agreement.
Don't leave repairs until the last possible day.
If a contractor is delayed or something unexpected happens, we want time to deal with it before closing.
Also gather any documentation you're required to provide, such as:
Paid invoices
Receipts
Contractor documentation
Warranties
Reports
Other proof of completion
If you're having trouble getting an agreed-upon repair finished, call us immediately.
Don't wait until the final walk-through and hope nobody notices.
What Is the Final Walk-Through?
The buyer commonly has an opportunity under the contract to walk through the property shortly before closing.
This generally isn't intended to be another full home inspection.
The buyer may be confirming things such as whether the property remains in the agreed condition, agreed-upon repairs have been completed, included items remain, and the home is ready for possession as required.
This is one reason we want your move essentially finished and the home ready before that walk-through takes place.
What If Something Breaks While I'm Moving?
Tell us.
Accidents happen.
A mover may damage a wall. An appliance might suddenly stop working. A storm could cause damage. A plumbing problem could appear the night before closing.
Don't try to hide a significant problem because you're almost finished.
You still own the property until the sale closes.
Let us know what happened so we can determine what needs to happen next and involve the appropriate professionals when necessary.
What Keys and Remotes Should I Gather?
Start collecting these before moving day.
Depending on your property, that could include:
House keys
Garage-door remotes
Gate remotes
Mailbox keys
Shed or outbuilding keys
Pool or amenity access items
Alarm information
Smart-home information that is appropriately transferable
Other property access devices
If you've accumulated six mystery keys in a kitchen drawer over the years, now is a good time to figure out what they open.
We'll let you know how the keys and access items should be turned over.
What About Manuals and Warranties?
If you have useful documents that belong with the home, consider gathering them in one place for the buyer.
That might include:
Appliance manuals
Transferable warranties
HVAC information
Roof information
Termite documentation
Instructions for property equipment
Other useful home-related records
You don't need to create an encyclopedia of your house.
But information you already have that may be useful to the new owner can be helpful to leave behind.
Should I Give the Buyer My Alarm or Smart-Home Passwords?
Be careful with personal accounts and passwords.
For smart-home devices or security equipment that stays with the property, follow the manufacturer's process for transferring ownership or resetting the equipment when applicable.
Remove your personal information and accounts where appropriate.
Don't simply leave the buyer a piece of paper containing passwords you also use elsewhere.
When Should I Transfer or Turn Off Utilities?
We recommend keeping your utilities on until the day after closing.
Even when everything appears ready, an unexpected delay can happen at the last minute.
The buyer may also need utilities operating for the final walk-through and other final steps.
For that reason, we generally recommend scheduling your utilities to end or transfer the day after the scheduled closing date rather than on closing day.
That gives the transaction a little breathing room if closing is delayed and helps avoid having electricity, water, or another necessary utility disconnected while you still own the property.
When Should I Cancel My Homeowners Insurance?
Not before the sale is complete.
Even if you've moved out and signed your documents, the property is still yours until the transaction has actually closed.
Contact your insurance professional about the appropriate effective date for ending or changing your coverage.
We recommend waiting for confirmation that closing is complete rather than assuming it's finished because you've signed.
Should I Change My Mailing Address?
Yes—and don't forget how many places may have your old address.
You'll likely want to update your address with the appropriate organizations and service providers, which may include:
U.S. Postal Service
Banks and credit cards
Insurance companies
Employers
Subscription services
Government agencies as applicable
Medical providers
Schools or organizations when applicable
Friends and family
Also update recurring deliveries so your monthly order doesn't keep arriving at the house you just sold.
Should I Leave a Note for the Buyer?
You certainly don't have to.
But some sellers enjoy leaving a simple welcome note or useful information about the home.
For example, you might tell them which day the trash is collected or share a simple tip about operating something unusual at the property.
Keep it helpful and property-related.
And of course, never include information about neighbors or the neighborhood based on protected characteristics or who you believe would or wouldn't fit there.
Take One Last Look
Before you leave, walk through the entire property one last time.
Check every:
room → closet → cabinet → drawer → garage → storage area → outdoor space
Make sure you haven't left anything you intended to take.
Make sure you haven't taken anything that is supposed to stay.
Then take a moment.
You may have lived in this home for two years—or twenty.
It's okay if closing that door for the last time feels a little bittersweet.
You're finishing one chapter and moving into another.
The Bottom Line
If you only remember one thing from this article, let it be this:
Don't wait until closing morning to finish moving out.
Know your possession deadline, complete agreed-upon repairs, remove your belongings, gather the buyer's keys and access items, keep the property maintained, and leave yourself enough time to handle anything unexpected.
We'll help remind you of the important transaction details as closing approaches.
From Dana & John
Moving is exhausting. We know the last thing you want during those final few days is another checklist.
But taking care of these things before closing can prevent a lot of unnecessary stress.
We'll help you keep track of the transaction-related pieces—repairs, timing, possession, final walk-through, keys and the things that need to happen before closing.
You concentrate on getting yourself moved.
And when you finally close that door behind you, we'll be right there helping you get the sale across the finish line.
Continued Learning
Want to review what happens during the final stages of your sale?
→ What Happens After My Home Goes Under Contract?
→ What Repairs Can a Buyer Ask For?
→ What Happens on Closing Day?
You may also find this helpful:
Have Questions?
If you're preparing to sell and wondering what you'll need to do before moving out, we'll help you understand the timing and transaction details so you know what needs to happen before you hand over the keys.
Dana & John Martin – Team Martin
Waters Edge Realty
318-504-9925 | 504-450-2714
ALGulfCoastAgents@gmail.com
