It’s all too easy to get caught up in the emotion and process of moving, that we often forget there is actually a proper etiquette to follow when packing up and leaving your home for the next family to enjoy.  From cleaning, to what you should, and shouldn’t leave behind, here is how to make certain you are leaving your home in a manner that will leave the newest owners thankful! 

·        Clean up after yourself.  While this might seem like a “no-brainer”, you’d be surprised at how many new homeowners walk into filthy houses after closing day.  If a professional cleaning isn’t included in the contract, then, at the very least, make sure you take out the garbage and pick up anything dirty that might otherwise be left behind!

·        Make sure everything is emptied out.  This is one of the biggest annoyances reported by buyers come moving day!  More often than one might think, parts of the house aren’t fully emptied out, leaving the buyers to have to deal with it before they can begin to unload their boxes and unpack.  One area that is often neglected when doing a final walkthrough, are the closets.  Make sure these are both emptied, walls wiped down, and swept.  And don’t forget to clean out the refrigerator and freezer!  This is another area that is often forgotten and buyers don’t want to deal with the previous owner’s old food. 

·        Leave behind any important documents and warranties.  This includes anything that the previous owners left you, as well as anything you have accumulated while you have lived in the home.  Do not remove anything that is attached or inherent to the home. Don’t forget any instruction manuals, or warranties, for items such as appliances, outdoor equipment, electrical systems, etc. The more information for the new owners to have, the better!

·        Notify your neighbors.  If you communicate with your neighbors, it doesn’t hurt to let them know about the move and that there are new homeowners moving in.  if you’re close with them, tell them as soon as you’d like, considering they might want time to process and even help, if they’re able.  If you aren’t particularly close, it’s still a nice gesture to inform them of the move a couple of weeks before you leave.  

·        Leave the current fixtures in place.  While you might be partial to some of the fixtures in your current home, it really is in good form to leave these items for the new homeowners.  Items such as permanent light fixtures, cabinetry hardware, and mirrors attached to the wall should all be left behind.  Oftentimes, this will be written into the final contract.  If there is something you have your heart set on taking, make sure to talk it over with the new owners before you take it with you. 

·        Don’t assume the new owners want something, always ask before you leave something unexpected behind.  Any tools, equipment, or miscellaneous items around the house that you were planning on leaving behind should be talked over with the new owners before you do so.  While it might seem like a nice gesture to you, they might already have all that they need and view these items being left behind as a nuisance and another thing they have to figure out before they can fully unpack their belongings. 

·    The final Rule of thumb: leave your home the way you hope to find your new home.  Would you be upset if you try turning the lights on when you’re moving in, only to find out the previous owners took all of the bulbs with them?  Then, make sure you leave the bulbs for the new owners of the home you just sold them.  When you find yourself in doubt of exactly how much you need to clean your house before you close, remember that rule of thumb.  When you walk into your new home, in what state do you want to find it?  Make sure you do the new owners of your current home the same curtesy you expect in your new home, and you’ll be just fine!

 

Selling and moving into a new home is such a big moment in your life and making sure you know exactly how to handle the process will also make it more enjoyable!  And being considerate and kind towards the new owners when moving out will be appreciated more than you know!

 

Are you interested in selling your Lowcountry home?  Reach out to Sonya today at 843-321-2158 or sreiselt@gmail.com