Step 22 to Selling Your Home: Movers & Packing

Now that we’ve received a copy of the buyer’s mortgage commitment and crucial contingency dates have been met, it’s safe to hire movers and start packing. This is a great time to begin calling and get moving estimates and secure a mover as they often get booked up weeks in advance. Be sure to find out their cancellation and rescheduling policy just in case we hit a snag in the process and have a slight delay on the closing date. 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-in 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 vs an elevator so they block off enough time for your move.  

Remember that you have to be out of your place by the time of the final walkthrough which is usually the evening or morning of closing. We won’t really know the date and time for our confirmed closing until about 3-7 days beforehand. Therefore, our recommendation is to move out of your place the day before closing to be safe. If you can’t do that then have your movers come very early the day of closing such as 6am so you can be out by the time of the final walkthrough.

Generally, closing is scheduled at the convenient time of the buyer(s). For the buyer(s) who like to close first thing in the morning, plan on a 10 am closing. For the buyer(s) who like to close later in the afternoon, the latest time is usually 3 pm. We will be sure to let you know no later than a few days before the closing date.

Tips for Moving Companies

We highly recommend asking them to bring wardrobe boxes 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 hanging in your closets and put them on the rods in the boxes. When you get to your new home you can just grab the hangers and hang the items back up. It saves a ton of time!

Let us know if you need our list of recommended professional movers!

Moving Supplies

Start gathering boxes and packing supplies early on in the process. You can often find free boxes in Facebook local community groups.  Otherwise, Uhaul, Uline, and Usedcardboardboxes are all great places to get moving supplies online. 

Pets

Moving can be quite stressful for our furry friends, so it's worth considering having them stay with a friend or at a daycare for a few days while you move and get settled into your new place. This can help ensure that your pets are comfortable and safe during the moving process. 

Items to Leave

Typically, anything attached to the walls, like shelving, curtain rods, curtains, and curtain rods, should stay in place. Everything else should be taken with you. If you're unsure about what should stay or go, don't hesitate to ask us. Taking the wrong items can cause issues during the walk-through, so we're here to help clarify any doubts you may have.