Ultimate Moving Checklist for Home Sellers: Your Step-by-Step Guide to a Stress-Free Move

Selling your home is a huge milestone—but once the ink dries on the contract, the real work begins. From packing up your life to preparing for the next chapter, moving can be overwhelming without a clear plan. That’s why we’ve created the ultimate moving checklist for home sellers—to help you stay organized, reduce stress, and ensure nothing falls through the cracks.

Whether you’ve sold your home quickly or you’re still waiting for closing day, this detailed guide will walk you through every step of the moving process.

8 Weeks Before Moving: Start Early, Stay Ahead

At the two-month mark, you may still be staging your home or negotiating with buyers, but it’s the perfect time to begin preparing to move.

✅ Pre-pack and Downsize

• Go room by room and sort items into keep, donate, sell, or toss.

• Consider hosting a garage sale or listing items online.

• A clutter-free home also helps during showings if your house hasn’t sold yet. Click Here to contact The Drees Team to help you find your dream home!

✅ Research Moving Options

• Decide between a full-service moving company, portable containers, or a DIY truck rental.

• Get quotes from at least 3 companies and check their reviews.

✅ Create a Moving Binder

• Keep all estimates, contracts, checklists, receipts, and important dates in one place.

✅ Notify Key Contacts

• Begin making a list of people and organizations to notify about your change of address, such as banks, utilities, and insurance providers.

6 Weeks Before Moving: Logistics & Organization

Keyword: moving tips for home sellers

✅ Gather Packing Supplies

• Stock up on boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, markers, and tape.

• Don’t forget specialty boxes for electronics, mirrors, or wardrobe items.

✅ Start Using Up Pantry Items

• Eat or donate frozen foods, canned goods, and household cleaning products that can’t be transported easily.

✅ Schedule Donation Pickups

• Charities like Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity, or Salvation Army often offer free pickups.

✅ Notify Your Employer

• Schedule time off for your move if needed and update your address for payroll and tax documents.

4 Weeks Before Moving: Pack with Purpose

Now it’s time to begin the packing process in earnest.

✅ Pack Non-Essentials First

• Start with storage areas, books, out-of-season clothing, and decor items.

• Label all boxes clearly with contents and destination room.

✅ Confirm Moving Company

• Lock in your date with your chosen mover and sign the contract.

• Make sure they’re licensed and insured.

✅ Change of Address

• Submit your official change of address with USPS.

• Notify financial institutions, subscriptions, healthcare providers, and schools.

✅ Transfer Utilities

• Set disconnection dates for the old home and connection dates for the new one.

• Utilities may include water, gas, electricity, internet, and trash services.

2 Weeks Before Moving: The Final Stretch

✅ Pack Essentials and Valuables Separately

• Create an “essentials box” for each family member with clothes, toiletries, snacks, and meds.

• Keep jewelry, important documents, and electronics with you during the move.

✅ Arrange Childcare or Pet Care

• If you have young kids or pets, having someone watch them on moving day can make things smoother.

✅ Schedule a Deep Clean

• Hire a cleaning service or prepare to do a deep clean after the house is empty.

• A clean home is often required as part of the sale contract.

1 Week Before Moving: Double-Check Everything

✅ Confirm Details with Movers

• Reconfirm date, arrival time, and addresses.

• Discuss parking arrangements and elevator access, if applicable.

✅ Dispose of Hazardous Materials

• Properly dispose of paint, propane, cleaning chemicals, and batteries.

✅ Clean Out Appliances

• Defrost the freezer, clean the oven, and disconnect appliances you’re taking with you.

✅ Prepare for the New Home

• If possible, walk through your new home and plan where furniture will go.

• Arrange for locksmith services if you want to change the locks after move-in.

Moving Day: Execution Time

Today is the big day! Keep your checklist handy and stay calm.

✅ Do a Final Walkthrough

• Check closets, drawers, attic, garage, and yard one last time.

• Leave behind keys, garage door openers, appliance manuals, and any required items for the new owners.

✅ Supervise Movers

• Be available to answer questions and provide direction.

• Use your moving binder to track inventory.

✅ Protect Floors and Doorways

• Place mats or cardboard to prevent damage while movers are in and out.

After the Move: Settling In

✅ Unpack the Essentials First

• Start with bedrooms, bathrooms, and the kitchen to restore a sense of normalcy.

✅ Verify Utilities Are Working

• Check that all lights, outlets, appliances, and internet are functional.

✅ Register Vehicles and Update IDs

• If you’ve moved to a new city or state, update your driver’s license and vehicle registration.

✅ Introduce Yourself to Neighbors

• A quick hello helps you feel at home and stay in the loop on neighborhood happenings.

Final Thoughts: A Smooth Move Starts with a Plan

Selling your home is a significant transition, and moving can either be an exciting new chapter—or a chaotic experience. With the right plan, the process becomes far less daunting. Use this comprehensive moving checklist for home sellers to stay organized and keep everything on track from listing to closing and beyond.

Bonus Tips for Sellers:

• Take Photos of Valuables: Document electronics and high-ticket items for insurance purposes.

• Label Cords and Accessories: Use color-coded stickers or bags to keep things together.

• Notify HOA or Neighborhood Watch: Some neighborhoods have specific moving protocols.

If you're planning to sell your home and need more personalized advice, working with a local real estate expert can make all the difference. Click Here to get in touch with The Drees Team and start the process of selling your current house and finding your new dream home!

Thinking of Selling Your Home in 2025?
Let us help you prep your house for a fast, profitable sale.
📱 Contact us at (817) 691-0372 or 📧 email kim@thedreesteam.com for a free consultation.