Homebuyer resource - keep this one

The 4-Week Moving Countdown

Closing is not the finish line - moving day is. Use this checklist to stay ahead of every task, avoid last-minute chaos, and protect yourself from the most common closing scam. Start the countdown the day you go under contract.

4 Weeks Out Get the big things booked

Book movers or truck rental - good ones fill fast
Declutter room by room - donate, sell, trash
Request school records transfer and enrollment if needed
Gather medical, dental, vet, and pharmacy records
Order packing supplies and notify employer HR of new address

3 Weeks Out Utilities and paperwork

File USPS change-of-address at usps.com (takes a few days)
Schedule utility start at new home; stop at old home the day after you leave
Update homeowner's insurance and transfer or cancel renter's insurance
Update bank, brokerage, and credit card addresses
Notify subscriptions, memberships, and DMV

2 Weeks Out Pack, confirm, and plan

Pack non-essentials: books, decor, off-season clothes
Confirm mover time, access details, parking, and elevator at both properties
Arrange care for kids and pets on moving day
Label boxes by room and pack a room-by-room inventory
Disassemble large furniture that needs to be broken down

1 Week Out Final prep + wire safety

Pack an "essentials box": toiletries, meds, chargers, snacks, coffee maker
Defrost the freezer if moving it - do this early enough to dry
Confirm closing time and location with your agent and settlement company
Verify wire instructions by phone (see fraud warning below)
Charge devices; photograph all important documents

Wire Fraud Alert

Verify wiring instructions before you send a single dollar

Email-only wire instructions are the #1 closing scam in real estate. Criminals compromise email accounts and send convincing fake wiring instructions - sometimes on letterhead matching your settlement company's. Once wired, funds are almost never recovered.

The rule: Call your settlement company at a number you already have - from their website or a prior letter - and confirm account and routing numbers verbatim. Never call a number provided in the email you are trying to verify. Do this even if the email looks exactly right.

✅ Moving Day Checklist

Final walkthrough Walk every room, closet, cabinet, and attic before movers leave the old home

Meter photos Photograph electric, gas, and water meters at both properties with a timestamp

Keys and fobs Collect all keys, garage openers, mailbox keys, and gate fobs from the old home

New home check Test locks, garage, HVAC, water pressure, and all appliances before movers leave

Change locks Schedule a locksmith or replace deadbolts promptly - you do not know who has a copy

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Equal Housing Opportunity. {{lo.company}}, NMLS #{{lo.nmls}} (Company NMLS #{{compliance.companyNmls}}). This material is educational only and is not a commitment to lend, an offer of credit, or a fee quote; all loans are subject to underwriting approval. The wire fraud information above is educational guidance only and does not constitute legal advice; consult your settlement company and legal counsel for specific instructions. This co-marketed material is shared by each party at its fair-market-value cost consistent with RESPA Section 8; no party pays for referrals and none are required.