Congratulations! Your home is almost sold. What should your next steps be before heading to closing? This guide will ensure a smooth transition and that nothing important is left out. 

1. Change the utilities out of your name.  It is best to schedule this before closing with your transfer date being your closing date.  You can often do this online or in person. Make sure to cancel internet, cable, home phone, newspaper, lawn, pool, and pest control services as well.
2. Collect Keys & Manuals. Start collecting all door keys, garage openers, and mail keys. You can leave them in a drawer in the kitchen. Any manuals and important home paperwork can also be left in the same drawer for the next homeowner.
3. Schedule Movers. Start to plan how your personal belongings will be moved. If you plan to hire movers, make sure to get on their schedule early. If you prefer a DIY method, you can schedule a portable storage unit be dropped off at your home and picked up before closing.
4. Complete a Final Lawn Service. Plan one final full lawn service the day before closing. Make sure it includes cutting the grass and trimming any bushes at the property. This will help the final walkthrough go smoothly and ensure no lawn credits will need to be paid at closing.
5. Complete a Final Pool Service. Schedule one final pool service the week of closing. Just like with lawn care, this will help ensure a smooth final walkthrough. If you have a pool company, plan to leave the name and number of your contact for the buyer.
6. Schedule Cleaners. After the boxes are moved and the dust settles, it is time to make your home shine. A basic maid service is a perfect option. If you have carpet, it may be best to schedule a carpet cleaning as well.
7. Forward Your Mail. Register your new address with the US Postal Service and sign-up for forwarding mail service. Do this early to ensure you don’t miss any important paperwork after closing. Mail forwarding should be good for about a year afterwards.
8. Cancel Service Contracts. You wont need to keep paying for the upkeep of your home after closing. Go ahead and start contacting your vendors – lawn, pool, pest control, etc. – to cancel any service contracts you current pay to upkeep the home.