NYC Sellers: Making a Move Out Plan

Imagine this: you went through the whole process of renovating your home, listing it, finding the right buyers, and moving through the deal process. Closing day approaches faster than you expected, and all of a sudden you realize, Holy cow! I have to move!

That’s why we tell all of our sellers to create a move-out strategy – a strategy that should be executed the second that contracts are signed. This will ensure you have plenty of time to move out, clean up, and make sure everything is in order for your home’s new owner.

Here are some of our best tips on creating a Move Out Plan:

1. Know Where You’re Going to Live

We always recommend sellers know where they are planning to live after selling before they engage in the selling process. You don’t want to be caught in a situation where you are scrambling to find a new place to live after selling your home. So whether it’s crashing with a family member, renting an apartment elsewhere, or buying a new home, make sure you know exactly where you’re going to be living next.

2. Forwarding Your Mail

The last thing you want to worry about is if your personal and sensitive snail mail is being sent to the wrong address. Make sure you set up mail forwarding with USPS and change the address associated with all of your credit cards, bank accounts, and other personal information.

3. Cancel Recurring Shipments

Have meal delivery set up? Newspaper subscriptions? Prescription medication delivery? Make sure you change the address on all of these so that you aren’t deal with scrambling to find your delivery.

4. Schedule Your Move

Once contracts are signed, it’s wise to start planning your move. In some cases, the deal might still not go through – but you don’t want to be stuck trying to coordinate a move a day or two before scheduled closing (since you must be vacated from the premises by the Closing Date).

Moving is one of life’s biggest stressors, and if not coordinated properly, you are looking at creating more stress than necessary. We have a ton of resources on planning a move – which you can see here, here, and here.

5. Organize Housing Paperwork & Keys

Before you start packing for your move, organize all of your housing paperwork and necessary keys for the property. This can include the deed, co-op share paperwork, and other information that your attorney will inform you of. Keep all of this documentation in a safe place that won’t get lost in the shuffle of moving. You don’t want to be scrambling at the last minute!

As for keys, any key associated with the property will need to be handed over at closing (garage, front/back door, storage) – otherwise, you’ll be stuck footing a locksmith bill!

This sounds like a lot to manage – and it is! But once you finally sell your property and move into your new home, you’ll realize it was all worth it. Plus, we’re always here to help with suggestions, recommendations, and assistance during the entire journey!

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If you’re interested in learning more about the selling process, download our free Seller’s Guide. We share a ton of valuable resources to demystify the selling process and help you along this emotional journey.