The Ultimate Moving Checklist for Sellers

The Ultimate Moving Checklist for Sellers: What to Do Before Closing on Your Home in Locust Grove

Selling your home is an exciting milestone—but once you’ve accepted an offer, the real work begins!  For homeowners in Locust Grove, closing on a home involves more than just signing papers.  From inspections to moving trucks, utility transfers to final cleanings, there are dozens of details to juggle.  This Ultimate Moving Checklist for Sellers  will walk you through everything you need to do after going under contract and before closing day—so nothing falls through the cracks.

You’re Under Contract—Now What?

Congratulations! Your home is under contract, and the finish line is in sight.  But don’t celebrate just yet.  There’s a lot that has to happen behind the scenes to get to a successful closing.  Think of this stage as a well-timed relay—your REALTOR ® will need to coordinate multiple tasks in tandem to make sure that everything written in the contract is completed properly and within the appropriate timeframes.

Inspection & Appraisal Preparation

After your home goes under contract, two major milestones will likely occur quickly: the buyer’s home inspection and the appraisal ordered by the buyer’s lender.

🔍 Inspection Preparation

Buyers will hire a professional to examine your home top to bottom. Their goal? Uncover potential issues, even minor ones.  While you won't be present during the inspection, your REALTOR® will let you know when it is going to happen so you can have the home prepared.

What to do:

• Ensure all utilities are on and accessible.
  
  
• Clear clutter from areas the inspector needs to access (attic, basement, crawl space, electrical panel).
  
  
• Secure pets or make arrangements for them to be out of the home.
  
  
• Replace burnt-out lightbulbs so fixtures can be tested.
  
  
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
  
  

🏡 Appraisal Preparation

If the buyer is financing the purchase, the lender will order an appraisal to confirm the home’s value.  Like the home inspection, sellers are not present for the appraisal.

Best practices:

• Keep your home clean and tidy.
  
  
• Provide a list of upgrades you’ve made to your home (new roof, HVAC, flooring, etc.).
  
  
• Make sure the appraiser can access all rooms and exterior features.
  
  

Strategic Packing: Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute

Packing is one of the biggest undertakings in the moving process—and starting early can save you a ton of stress.  Even if you err on the side of minimialism, you will be amazed at the amount of stuff there is to pack.

📦 Start With Non-Essentials

Begin by boxing up things you won’t need before your move, such as:

• Off-season clothes
  
  
• Holiday decorations
  
  
• Rarely used kitchen appliances
  
  
• Books, DVDs, and decor
  
  

Label Everything Clearly

Use a color-coded system by room, and include short descriptions on every box.

Label Example:
Green = Kitchen | “Pantry items – dry goods”

Avoid Overpacking Boxes

Heavy boxes are more likely to break or cause injury. Use smaller boxes for heavy items like books and larger boxes for lighter things like linens or pillows.

Set Aside Essentials

Pack a “moving week survival kit” that includes:

• Basic toiletries
  
  
• Medications
  
  
• Important documents
  
  
• Chargers
  
  
• One week’s worth of clothes
  
  

Deep Clean Before Closing

Most contracts in Virginia ask that the home is left broom cleaned, and leaving your home clean is a courtesy that speaks volumes. The buyer’s final walkthrough happens right before closing, and they’ll expect a well-maintained home.

🧹 Full Move-Out Cleaning Checklist:

• Vacuum and mop all floors
  
  
• Wipe down countertops and cabinetry
  
  
• Scrub sinks, tubs, showers, and toilets
  
  
• Clean inside and outside of all appliances
  
  
• Remove all food from fridge and pantry
  
  
• Dust ceiling fans and light fixtures
  
  
• Wipe down windows and mirrors
  
  
• Empty and clean garage, shed, and storage areas
  
  

Finalize Documents and Disclosures

Your real estate agent and closing attorney will handle the bulk of the paperwork, but there are still important documents you’re responsible for:

Required Documents You May Need:

• Property disclosures
  
  
• HOA documents (if applicable)
  
  
• Home improvement receipts
  
  
• Appliance manuals
  
  
• Warranty paperwork (roof, HVAC, etc.)
  
  
• Mortgage payoff information
  
  
• Government-issued photo ID for closing day

Work With Your Settlement Agent

Your title company or attorney will prepare the closing disclosure, which outlines your final financials, including what you’ll pay and what you’ll receive at settlement.

Key Tasks:

• Review the Closing Disclosure for accuracy (taxes, credits, fees).
  
  
• Provide wiring instructions for where your proceeds should be sent.
  
  
• Bring proper ID and any documents your closing agent requests.
  
  

⚠️ Be aware of wire fraud! Never trust emailed wiring instructions without confirming them directly with your title company.

Cancel or Transfer Utilities and Services

Don’t forget to update or cancel your household services. Ideally, set all cancellations or transfers for the day after closing, just in case of delays.

Notify:

• Electric company
  
  
• Water/sewer provider
  
  
• Gas company (if applicable)
  
  
• Internet/cable provider
  
  
• Trash and recycling services
  
  
• Lawn care, pest control, snow removal
  
  

Also, notify:

• Your homeowners insurance provider
  
  
• Your bank, employer, and USPS (for a change of address)
  
  

The Final Walkthrough

The buyer is entitled to a final walkthrough—usually 24–48 hours before closing.  Their goal is to confirm that the property is in the condition agreed upon and that agreed-upon repairs were made.

How to Prepare:

• Remove all personal belongings unless contractually included
  
  
• Leave keys, garage remotes, manuals, and codes on the kitchen counter
  
  
• Leave any items specified in the contract (curtains, appliances, etc.)
  
  
• Lock all doors and windows securely
  
  

After Closing Day

You did it! But before you pop the champagne, take care of these final steps.

📨 Submit a Change of Address

Update your address with:

• USPS (https://moversguide.usps.com/)
  
  
• Banks and credit cards
  
  
• Insurance companies
  
  
• DMV
  
  
• Employer
  
  
• Subscriptions and online shopping platforms
  
  

Cancel Homeowners Insurance—But Wait Until It’s Official

Only cancel your insurance after the sale is officially recorded.  If anything happens on the day of closing or there’s a delay, you’ll still be covered.

Keep Your Closing Documents for Taxes

Hold on to your:

• Final Closing Disclosure
  
  
• HUD-1 Settlement Statement (if used)
  
  
• Proof of home improvements (which can affect your capital gains exemption)
  
  

Talk to your tax professional about what applies, especially if you sold your home for more than you paid.

Selling a Home in Locust Grove? Let’s Make It Stress-Free.

If you’re thinking about selling your home in Locust Grove in a neighborhood like Lake of the Woods, or anywhere in Orange County like Unionville I’d love to help make your move as seamless as possible.  As a local REALTOR ® who knows this market inside and out, I’m here to guide you from listing day through closing—and every moving box in between.

📱Let’s Talk  I’ll help you plan, prep, and profit from your sale in Locust Grove or the surrounding area.  Let’s talk: 540-360-5166.