Moving Tips for Sellers

• Approximately 2-3 weeks before moving day, give your new forwarding address to the post office. Don't forget your magazine subscriptions, they usually have a contact number on the inside of the magazine for subscription changes.
• Update your new information with your bank and credit card companies.
• Of course your family and friends will need to be notified and will be interested in your move and your new home. Make a list and they see who can be notified by email versus sending mailings to everyone.
• Don't forget your utilities. You'll need power, telephone, etc., at your new home so have them turned on early enough before you arrive and also arrange to have them turned off at your formal residence. It's usually the closing date since your buyers will probably have a walk through inspection the day of closing before they sign their documents.
• In fairness to everyone, cancel your subscription to the paper. You wouldn't want to have old papers piling up in the driveway, especially if the new owners won't be arriving for awhile.
• Be very careful with what insurance coverage you have with the movers. State laws vary and you need to know the extent of your coverage and what the movers are responsible for. Usually you can purchase addition insurance if you deem it necessary.
• Leave your former home clean for the new owners. It's the right thing to do.
• If you belong to a homeowners association or another community organization, make sure you have clearance for your move. Some associations do not allow moving vans on the weekend for example.
• Make a list of items you need to leave for the new owners. In addition to a set of keys, you'll want to include all owner's manuals for your appliances, warranties, contact information for your landscaper, air-conditioning company, pool service, etc. If you have automatic garage door openers, don't forget to leave them, as well as the automatic gate openers for the community. Do you have a security alarm? Make sure the company is aware of your move and the new owners have the proper information.
• Make yourself a survival kit. This will be the box you go to first when you arrive at your new home. Your kit should include trash bags, scissors, toilet paper, soap, paper towels, hammer and screwdriver, paper plates, cups and napkins and don't forget some snacks for the kids and some toys to keep them busy.

If your move involves moving to a new area of the state or country then you'll need to consider these items also.

• You'll most likely have new doctors and dentists, etc., so bring copies of all your family's records. Don't forget your pet's records too.
• Transferring schools can be hectic so to insure a smooth transition have all your children's school records available.
• If you need to transfer banking services, carry a few traveler's checks with you or have other arrangements until you can open a new account.
• Don't forget the items you have in your safe deposit box.
• Have entertainment available for the kids if it's a long trip. Games or a portable DVD player will help pass the time.
• Your real estate agent should be able to help you get settled. He/she can provide you with all the contacts and the information you need for your new community.
• Enjoy the move as much as possible. This is a new opportunity for you and your family.