Your Detailed Moving Checklist Organized by Key Home Sale Milestones
A moving checklist made just for home sellers to track your progress along each step of the sale, so you aren't still packing when the buyers come knocking.
It sounds simple in theory: When the buyers of your home come to take possession, you need to be completely, 100% moved out.
The reality is the home hand-off can be a logistical nightmare.
“I’ve had people literally crying in the driveway, moving vans in the driveway, and the other people haven’t moved out yet,” said Nicole Solari, a real estate agent in Fairfield, California, with 11 years of experience. “And conflicting times. Just lack of coordination, and lack of communication, is the biggest thing.”
In a hot market, you may have as few as 36 days from list to sell. What can save you from this soap-opera-level drama during what should be an exciting time?
A checklist, of course. And not just any checklist, but a detailed moving checklist to track your progress along each step of the home sale, even while you’re juggling buyer pop-bys and keeping your home show-ready. With help from moving pros and the best real estate agents in the business, that’s exactly what we’ve created.
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Pre-listing: Purge, declutter, clean and start making ‘moves’
Before you put the for-sale sign up in the yard and start booking showings, you’ve got a lot of work to do to get your house ready for the market.
The good news is that all the effort you pour into decluttering and cleaning your house to attract buyers will also make your move easier.
Jenna Weinerman, head of marketing at Updater, a well-funded moving app, recommends you start decluttering early on by using the “MoSCoW Method” (Must have, Should have, Could have, Won’t have). The MoSCoW method is actually a business management prioritization technique that you can apply to your sorting process to more effectively decide what to keep and what to get rid of.
To use the MoScoW Method, go through your belongings and divide them into separate piles based the following priority tiers:
- Absolutely necessary to your daily life (Must have)
- Important but not necessary (Should have)
- Desirable but not necessary (Could have)
- Least critical (Won’t have)
From there, go back through your “should have” and “could have” selections for another level of sorting. Take each item and put it either in the “Must have” or “Won’t have” piles, leaving nothing in the middle.
When it’s time to get rid of your “Won’t” pile, think about having a yard sale or selling unwanted items on eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace. If you donate any items, don’t forget to keep the receipts, as they can be a tax write-off.
Deep cleaning your old and new home
Whether you’re moving in or out, a thorough cleaning ensures a fresh start. Here’s a strategic approach to deep cleaning both homes:
Cleaning your old home (before moving out)
Leaving a spotless home is essential, especially if you’re selling. Follow these key steps:
- Declutter First: Get rid of items you no longer need before cleaning.
- Dust & Wipe Down Surfaces: Clean baseboards, countertops, and inside cabinets.
- Vacuum & Mop Floors: Remove dust, pet hair, and any remaining debris.
- Scrub Kitchen & Bathrooms: Pay extra attention to sinks, toilets, bathtubs, and appliances.
- Patch Wall Holes & Touch Up Paint: Use spackle to fill holes left by nails and screws.
- Dispose of Trash Properly: Schedule bulk pick-up for large items.
Cleaning your new home (before moving in)
Your new home may look clean, but a deep clean ensures a healthier start. Tackle these tasks before unpacking:
- Sanitize High-Touch Areas: Wipe down doorknobs, light switches, and cabinet handles.
- Deep Clean Appliances: Run an empty cycle with vinegar in the dishwasher and washing machine.
- Shampoo Carpets & Mop Floors: Remove any lingering odors or dirt from previous occupants.
- Check Air Filters & Vents: Replace filters for cleaner indoor air quality.
- Pest Control: Look for signs of pests and take preventive measures if needed.
Pro Tip: Use a natural cleaning solution of vinegar and baking soda to deodorize sinks and drains!
With less junk cluttering up every corner, it will be easy to give your house a nice deep clean for showings.
Moving Checklist
Cleaning/decluttering supplies stocked:
All-purpose cleaner
Rags/towels
Toilet bowl brush
Toilet bowl cleaner
Glass cleaner
Wood surface cleaner
Mr. Clean Magic Erasers
Disinfecting wipes
Bleach
Paper towels
Trash bags
Storage bins
Clothes and accessories in good condition (especially anything designer) posted on apps like Poshmark or eBay to sell them fast and assist in your purge
Scheduled a pickup time with the Salvation Army for any donation boxes
