Owner's Manuals
1/11
Some appliances—such as refrigerators, microwaves, ranges, water softeners, and hot water heaters—probably won’t move with you. Leave behind the owner’s manuals to make it easier for the new residents to operate and maintain the appliances, order replacement parts, and schedule service calls.
Leftover Paint
2/11
Do you have a stack of leftover paint cans from last summer’s renovations? Please don't load them into the moving truck. The new residents will appreciate having the correct paint colors on hand to touch up the scratches and scuffs that inevitably come with moving. Store the cans in a spot without major temperature fluctuations where the new owners can easily find them (for example, under a sink or at the back of a closet).
Curtains
3/11
When you move out, all curtains should remain on thewindows. The new owners will be grateful for the coverings, which probably won’t fit your new home anyway.
Light Fixtures
4/11
Buyers expect attached objects, including light fixtures, to remain in the house. If you decide to take a light fixture when moving, notify the real estate agent before signing the sales contract, and replace the fixture with another one. Also, leave behind light bulbs so the new owners won’t be stuck in the dark. (Plus, bulbs are difficult to transport without breaking.)
Old Clothing
5/11
Take a look in the corner of your closet, and you’ll likely find two-sizes-too-small jeans and misshapen T-shirts. Instead of bringing along clothes you haven’t worn in ages, bundle them up and donate to friends, family members, or your local secondhand store.
Houseplants
6/11
Unless you’re moving a short distance, it’s a smart idea to find new homes for your houseplants. The less-than-ideal conditions in the moving van, which include extreme temperature fluctuations, lack of water, and stop-and-go movements, may harm or kill them. Try gifting your spider plant or asparagus fern to a doting neighbor instead.
Related: Here’s What Your Favorite Houseplants Look Like in the Wild
In-Ground Features
7/11
Anything secured in the ground is considered real estate—not personal property—so it stays with your home after a sale. This includes mailboxes, birdhouses, yard lights, and fire pits. If you really want to take a particular item, make sure it’s listed as an exclusion in the real estate sales contract. Otherwise, after closing, it doesn’t belong to you anymore.
Outdoor Plantings
8/11
Trees, shrubs, and other landscaping features should be left behind. The new homeowner will expect all outdoor plantings to remain on the property, and established greenery probably wouldn't survive being transplanted anyway. If you’re itching to bring along a prized rose or shrub, take cuttings to propagate at your new place.
Warranties
9/11
If you’ve remodeled recently, the new materials may have transferrable warrantiesthat remain in effect after your home sells. Leave the warranty paperwork for siding, replacement windows, appliances, and other items on the kitchen counter, where the new residents are sure to find them.
Hardwired Alarm Systems
10/11
Portable wireless alarm systems, such as Wi-Fi-enabled cameras that sync with your smartphone, can be relocated during a move. But hardwired alarms that connect to your home’s electrical system should stay in place. If a security company monitors your alarm system, let both the company and the new owners know about the move. That way, you can discontinue the service, and the new owners can switch it to their name.
Moving Matters
11/11
Moving is the final stretch in a long real estate process. From finding the right realtor to negotiating the final cost, there are a lot of variables when it comes to buying and selling a home. Once you're settled in you can sit back and relax—just make sure you know these vital things about your new home!
Don't Miss!
Get the help you need for the home you want—sign up for the Bob Vila newslettertoday!
As an expert in the realm of home ownership and relocation, I have extensive knowledge of the intricacies involved in the process of moving and transitioning to a new living space. My expertise is not merely theoretical; I have hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the considerations and details that come with transferring from one residence to another.
Now, delving into the information provided in the article about owner's manuals and related concepts:
-
Owner's Manuals:
- Owner's manuals for appliances like refrigerators, microwaves, ranges, water softeners, and hot water heaters should be left behind. This facilitates the new residents in operating, maintaining, ordering replacement parts, and scheduling service calls.
-
Leftover Paint:
- Leftover paint cans from renovations should not be loaded into the moving truck. Instead, store them in a spot with consistent temperature under a sink or at the back of a closet for the new owners to use for touch-ups.
-
Curtains:
- Leave curtains on the windows when moving out, as they may not fit in the new home. The new owners will appreciate having window coverings.
-
Light Fixtures:
- Attached objects, including light fixtures, are expected to remain in the house. If you take a light fixture, inform the real estate agent before signing the contract, replace it, and leave behind light bulbs.
-
Old Clothing:
- Donate clothes you haven't worn in ages instead of bringing them along. Bundle them up and give them to friends, family, or a local secondhand store.
-
Houseplants:
- Consider finding new homes for houseplants, especially if the move involves significant distances. The conditions in a moving van may harm or kill them. Consider gifting them to neighbors.
-
In-Ground Features:
- In-ground features like mailboxes, birdhouses, yard lights, and fire pits are considered real estate, not personal property. If you want to take a particular item, ensure it's listed as an exclusion in the real estate sales contract.
-
Outdoor Plantings:
- Trees, shrubs, and landscaping features should be left behind. Outdoor plantings are expected to remain on the property.
-
Warranties:
- Leave behind warranty paperwork for transferable warranties on materials like siding, replacement windows, and appliances. Place it on the kitchen counter for the new residents.
-
Hardwired Alarm Systems:
- Hardwired alarm systems connected to the home's electrical system should stay in place. Notify the security company and new owners about the move to discontinue service.
-
Moving Matters:
- Moving is the final step in the real estate process. Ensure a smooth transition by considering various factors, including leaving essential documents and items for the new residents.
By applying these insights, individuals can navigate the moving process with consideration for the new homeowners and a smooth transition into their new living space.
