No matter how you go about it, selling a home involves prioritizing and organizing many things at once. You’re finally ready to put up that for-sale sign, or start talking to buyers, and you suddenly realize: you haven’t given one thought to actually moving out yourself.

It’s easy to be overwhelmed. These moving tips will help any home seller stay focused on what’s most important during this hectic time.

Key Considerations for Home Sellers On The Move

If you plan to move out before the sale of your home, count your blessings. You can dedicate your energy to moving first and then concentrate on closing a deal. Unoccupied homes are easier to show, stage and sell for top dollar according to most real estate pros.

That being said, a successful home sale depends on tradeoffs. After all, not everyone can afford two mortgages (one for the new place, one for the house that still hasn’t sold). And if you’re selling a home with tenants, you have to think about moving, with regards to other people.

Under most contracts, you don’t get to stick around once the house is sold. Decide on a moving date (or time frame, based on when your house sells) and strive to get everything done before it.

1.  Clean It As You Mean It

There are no cutting corners when it comes to cleaning the house you’ll no longer be living in. Every chore counts! Besides, a dirty home can hurt your chances with potential home buyers. The last thing you want is someone who’s close to closing the deal, change their mind, based on the condition of your home during the final walk-through.

Nobody wants your shower curtain. Or the baking soda in the refrigerator. It’s rare for a buyer to request that you leave anything behind as you’re moving out, so make sure everything is out of there. Check every room, closet, cupboard, and drawer for anything you may have overlooked. Imagine what the buyer wants to see when they move in: a clean blank canvas for creating a place to call their own.

2.  Pack Smarter, Not Faster

Stuffing as many things into as few boxes as possible is not going to save you time. Even if you’re really fast. Packing your things deliberately is more efficient. It’s helpful to pack things up, room by room and label your boxes by destination. Most movers are willing to unload boxes where you want them (bathroom, kitchen, garage, etc.).

As you pack, set aside what you aren’t taking. Don’t waste time deciding about whether to donate, sell or store things.  You can get to that later. Keep packing!

It’s also smart not to pack certain things such as daily toiletries, a few changes of clothing, dishes, pet food and anything else you need around moving day.

3.  Update Your Information

• Provide USPS with a forwarding address several weeks prior to your moving date. For $1, you can take care of this online rather than making a trip to the post office.
• Notify friends, family, colleagues about your move and new address. Update your information with the bank, credit card companies, insurance providers and any subscription services you’re currently using
• Contact home utility services (gas, electric, cable, etc.) to discontinue your services. Schedule setting up services in your new home.
• Keep important documents and records (social security cards, birth certificates, medical information, etc.) in one safe place during the transition.

4.  Be Patient About Selling

Moving and selling are subject to change. Buyers change their minds, things fall through. In most cases, your move depends on the ups and downs of your home sale. If nothing’s happening, reassess your strategy. Are you asking for too much? Are buyers turned off by something you’re unwilling to negotiate on? Maybe something came up and you need to sell fast and get some cash in your pocket.

You may want to consider getting a quote from home buyers in your area who are familiar with last-minute situations. Do a little research and compare testimonies from other home sellers. Professional home buyers can make a quick offer on the property you need to sell so you can focus on moving out and moving on with your life. If you are in Texas and you consider moving, a moving company Garland can help you out. If you want to sell your house in Dallas, TX, Cash for Houses Dallas is just around the corner.

If you want more advice about moving and selling, don’t hesitate to give us a call today! We buy homes in the Greater Seattle area!