Moving is a stressful and hectic time for the seller, and is a stressful but exciting time for the home buyer. In our 30+ years of marriage, we have bought (and sold) three houses, rented two apartments, and have moved six times. Here are a few things we’ve learned from buying and selling homes. Today we’re giving you a few items to leave behind for the new home owners. You’ll be blessed to do it, and they’ll be ecstatic to receive it!
Clean the Space
With all the things on your task list when selling a home, cleaning the space after you’ve vacated surely seems like extra. Granted, everyone won’t be able to do this – especially if you’re moving to another state or country – however, cleaning when you move out is not wasted time. It gives you the opportunity to clean up forgotten spills, dust out the cobwebs, and polish the mirrors. In these simple acts, you can remember all the fond memories you have created in your space. It gives you a chance to say one last loving farewell to the place you’ve called home.
Besides leaving you feeling reminiscent and full of nostalgia, it will also leave you feeling proud of the home you once loved. With that, you will be gifting the new home owner a clean space to move into. Yes, many people hire this job out, or even desire to complete it themselves. Even then, you’ll be making someone else’s job that much easier. That is why a clean house is the first item to leave for new home owners.
I’m linking an article I’ve written for you to browse through.
It includes a comprehensive checklist so you’re sure to hit all the surfaces.
It also contains cleaning product suggestions and handy tips for getting this task done quickly and efficiently.
Who You Gonna Call?
Another item to leave for new home owners is a list of telephone numbers they may find important. If, like us, you have an older home, you may have a local handy man who is familiar with your home, a plumber you recommend, or various tradesmen you swear by.
Leaving a typed list of these phone numbers may come in extremely handy for the new home owners. Here’s a list of a few folks you might want to recommend: The home owner will be confident in your suggestions, and the tradesman will be blessed to get the returning work.
- Plumber
- HVAC Company
- Gardener / Landscaper / Local Lawn Care
- HOA
- Handy man
- Gutter / Roof Repair
- Deck Refinisher
- Pest Control
- Window Washers
- Holiday Light Installers
It’s All In the Details
No doubt you’ve done a thing or two to your home while living there. On average, most home owners update or refresh their spaces at least once every 1-3 years. That’s a lot of information a new home owner may find useful. That leads us to the next item to leave for new home owners.
Keeping a list of paint colors (or their codes if specialty colors) can be a huge lifesaver for folks just moving in. Knowing the paint color in a specific room may save them time and money if repairs or touch ups need to be done. This is especially helpful if you have leftover paint in a storage area of your home. Finding all those containers of paint is useless if you don’t know which room they belong in. Mark each can with the room and the date last painted. Then, leave a consolidated list of this information for the new home owner.
Another item to leave for new home owners is a catalog of any work completed. Maybe insurance paid to replace your roof after that last major hail storm, or the chimney sweep came to clean in the spring. List any work you’ve had completed in the last year for the new home owners. This includes HVAC seasonal service, gas fireplace service, water tank replacement, and plumbing or electrical work. Leaving the name of the people who completed the work for you will benefit the new home owner in the event they need to call to bring someone back.
If any of this work came with a warranty, make sure that information is transferred to the new home owner, if at all possible.
Local Listings
Local listings are a fantastic item to leave for new home owners. Places like your favorite restaurant, activities, churches, or grocery stores will help them feel at home more quickly.
Other local suggestions you may want to consider are:
- Dentists
- Pediatricians
- General Practitioners
- Mechanics
- Veterinarians
- Pet Groomers / Local Boarders / Pet Sitters
- Trusted Baby Sitters / Child Care
- Salons / Hair Stylists
- Manicurists
- Chiropractors / Physical Therapists
Welcome Basket
Finally, one last item to leave for new home owners is a welcome basket. It can include a hand written note welcoming them home, wishing them many fond memories, and all the best hopes for their time spent in their new home.
A great welcome basket can also include a few snacks for move-in day. Think easy and quick: protein bars, bottled water, fruit gummies, microwave popcorn, or pretzels. If a young family is moving in, putting together some fun activities to help keep the kids occupied is a fun addition for them, as well. Think non-electronic items like puzzles, board game, card games, activity books or coloring books. While most kids have access to portable electronic devices, often the internet isn’t accessible that first day or two. This small act of kindness insures their little hands have something fun to occupy them.
If you’re so inclined, you could leave a fast and easy dinner basket. Again, think easy and quick; Pasta, your favorite sauce, and a container of parmesan cheese. Most people will know right where their kitchen utensils are located on move-in day. This gives them one less thing to worry about.
If you want to go above and beyond and make their welcome basket over the top, include a gift card for a local ice creamery, coffee shop, or restaurant. Even if it’s just a cup of coffee and a danish, this gesture will help them feel special and welcome them to their new community.
Five Items to Leave for New Home Owners
There you have it! Five amazing items to leave for new home owners. While these things don’t take much time and can be done inexpensively, you are sure to bless those coming after you. You will make them feel welcome in their new home and community. And who doesn’t love leaving a little something extra for the next guy?
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