Moving out of your old house can feel like saying goodbye to an old friend, but it doesn’t have to be a drag. Before handing over the keys, there are a few important tasks you should tackle to ensure a smooth transition. First, make sure you leave behind some essential supplies for the next homeowner, like toilet paper and light bulbs. Don’t forget to reset your smart home devices, patch and paint any nail holes, and give your old house a deep clean. Take a final walk-through with your nose to make sure it smells fresh, and snap a few photos of each room for your records. Say goodbye to your neighbors with a quick farewell and consider leaving a note with helpful hints for the new owners. Follow these tips to leave your old house behind on good terms and create a positive final impression.
Do a Loving Supplies Checklist
Moving out of your old house is like saying goodbye to an old friend. It’s bittersweet, nostalgic, and you want to make sure you’ve collected all your stuff before you leave. One of the first things you should do is create a loving supplies checklist. This checklist will ensure that you leave behind the essentials for the next homeowner. Nobody wants to move into a new house and immediately have to run to the store for toilet paper or light bulbs. You can also refer to a checklist from TexanBox, which has some great suggestions for essential items to leave behind.
Reset Your Smart Home Devices
If you have a smart home, it’s important to remember to reset all your smart home devices before leaving. From your smart thermostats to door cameras, you want to make sure you wipe their memories clean. This not only protects your privacy but also ensures that the new owners won’t be able to access your personal data. After all, you wouldn’t want them messing with your Netflix recommendations, would you?
Patch and Paint
Before you hand over the keys to your old house, it’s a good idea to patch up any nail holes and touch up the walls with some leftover paint. If your walls are covered in nail holes from hanging up art, grab some spackle and fill them in. This will give your walls a fresh and clean look. A touch-up here and there with some leftover paint can make a world of difference and help conceal any imperfections. It’s like applying concealer on a home’s little blemishes.
Deep Clean Like a Boss
One of the most important things you can do before leaving your old house is to give it a deep clean. From scrubbing every surface in the house to cleaning the baseboards and ceiling fans, you want to make sure the house is sparkling clean for the next owners. You want to leave the house looking like it’s ready for a magazine shoot, or at least not like it just hosted a frat party. Taking the time to deep clean will leave a positive final impression and show that you cared for the house.
Sniff Test
Before you say goodbye to your old house, do a final sniff test. Walk through each room and check for any lingering odors. If you detect any unpleasant smells, it’s a good idea to invest in some air fresheners or consider getting the carpets professionally cleaned. You want to leave the house smelling fresh instead of like your old gym bag. Creating a pleasant and inviting atmosphere will leave a lasting impression on the new owners.
Take Photos
Before you close the door one last time, take a few photos of each room in your old house. These photos will serve as a record of each room’s condition. They can be useful for security deposits or sale conditions, ensuring that you have documented the house’s final state. Plus, looking back at these photos in the future will allow you to reminisce about the memories made in each room.
Say Goodbye to the Neighbors
Don’t forget to take a moment to say goodbye to your neighbors. Whether you loved them or avoided them, bidding your neighbors farewell is a classy gesture. It’s a chance to thank them for being part of your life in that neighborhood. If you still want to stay in touch, you might consider sharing your new address with them. Who knows, maybe you’ll still receive their Christmas cookies in the mail!
Leave a Note
Consider leaving a note for the new owners of your old house. This note can include helpful hints or information about the house that the new owners might appreciate. For example, you could let them know where the main water shut-off is located or how to coax the finicky kitchen sink into action. Leaving a note is like passing on the house’s secret handshake and will help the new owners settle into their new home.
Make the Transition Smoother
To make the transition smoother for everyone involved, it’s important to prepare in advance for your move. This includes packing and organizing your belongings, hiring movers if necessary, and notifying relevant parties like your utility providers and post office about your change of address. By taking care of these tasks ahead of time, you’ll be able to leave your old house stress-free and make a positive final impression.
Moving out of your old house doesn’t have to be a drag. With a bit of preparation, a touch of cleaning, and some thoughtful gestures, you can ensure a smooth transition for both yourself and the new owners. Remember, it’s your last chance to make a good final impression, so make it count!
