Congratulations you’ve sold your home and your new home beckons. You have scheduled the movers, a ton of boxes have been filled and they are all lined up and ready to make the move. In the back of your mind you are going over what more could be done before you lock the door for the last time.
At that moment maybe you should go over this list of the right things to do for the new folks moving into your old home.
Leave Your Home As You Would Wish It For Yourself…
We have all heard the term do unto others as wish for them to do unto you. Do everything you can to leave your house as spotless as you would want it left for you. If your timing leaves you little time to do a thorough cleaning, hire a crew to come in after the moving company and you have left.
Just Like When Your Are Camping…
If you have packed It in make sure you pack it out. Do not leave your trash and unwanted items for the new owners. As you are moving out make sure each room has a trash bag. Having a place for the trash to go makes it easy for you and those helping you make sure that it heads out of the house.
Make It Smooth…
Kind of like the previous make it like it was when it was new. Pull nails, picture hangers and the like. Patch the holes that were left behind by photos and other curios. Before you get to the end of the move make sure have the materials needed to make the walls right again. A good idea is to patch as you remove items that way you do not over look any patching.
Share Your Knowledge…
Help the new owners of your home make a seamless transition. Prepare folder that has the instructions for your old homes appliances, garage door openers, heating and air conditioning system, irrigation system and anything else that is staying with the house. Give the new owners some background too by including any receipts for repairs and service that you’ve had on any of the above, it will make live easier for them if know the history and who to turn to.
What’s Yours May Not Be Wanted By Them…
Not everyone has the same tastes, it could be the new owners will be repainting with a new color scheme or possibly they are going to change up the flooring. Have your broker ask if the new folks are interested in having the remnant cans of paint, spare tiling, and etc. If they are making changes chances are they would be grateful if you disposed of those items prior to their taking ownership.
Let There Be Light...
Many homes do not have over head lighting in all rooms, when you packed up your lamps you removed the lighting for those rooms. Since the over head lighting in the remaining rooms will be their only light to unpack by be thoughtful and make sure that all of the light fixtures in your old home have working light bulbs.
The Who and Where...
The new owners could be new to our community and not having much of an idea of about our community and the who, what or where to turn for help or services. Make their day by leaving contact numbers for utilities, local service numbers post office and etc.. Share your favorites such as cleaners, yard services, grocery store, coffee shop, brew pub, restaurants and etc.
Garage Door Openers…
Hopefully you know where you have stashed them and have not tossed them out. IF you cannot find them head down to the local hardware store and purchase a universal remote. With many of today’s cars having a remote opener that can be programmed for the garage doors it is easy to lose or forget where the originals have gone. Turning over all of the remotes and keys to the new owners provides them with security and peace of mind.
Do Not Leave Without A Trace…
Leave your forwarding address and contact information along with a couple self-addressed stamped envelopes for any extra mail that may be delivered after you leave.
Make Them Feel Welcome…
Leave a house warming gift, maybe a basket filled with goods from local shops. Some locally ground coffee, jams, craft brews and etc.. Maybe even a gift certificate to your favorite restaurant.
Of course you could choose not to do any of this but the world is a harsh enough place and a touch of kindness goes a long ways to making the world a better place.
image credits
Light bulb Copyright: <a href='https://www.123rf.com/profile_nickjoo'>nickjoo / 123RF Stock Photo</a>
Garage door opener Copyright: <a href='https://www.123rf.com/profile_cteconsulting'>cteconsulting / 123RF Stock Photo</a>
Homelist Copyright: <a href='https://www.123rf.com/profile_Krisdog'>Krisdog / 123RF Stock Photo</a>
House for sale Copyright: <a href='http://www.123rf.com/profile_iconicbestiary'>iconicbestiary / 123RF Stock Photo</a>