Selling a home comes with a lot of moving parts, literally and figuratively. Between showings, negotiations, packing, and paperwork, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why having a well-organized moving checklist can make the entire process feel far more manageable and even a little less stressful.
1. 60 Days Before Moving: Start Planning Early
Two months out may seem early, but it’s the perfect time to lay the groundwork for a smooth move. Start by creating a moving binder or digital folder to track documents, quotes, and timelines. If you’re staying in Portland, research local moving companies and get a few estimates. If you're heading out of the area, this is the time to schedule long-distance movers or storage if needed.
You should also begin sorting through closets, the garage, the attic, and storage areas. Decide what you want to sell, donate, recycle, or take with you. Lightening your load now will save you time and money later, and make your home feel more spacious during showings.
You should also begin sorting through closets, the garage, the attic, and storage areas. Decide what you want to sell, donate, recycle, or take with you. Lightening your load now will save you time and money later, and make your home feel more spacious during showings.
2. 45 Days Out: Handle the Paperwork and Prep the Home
This is when the sale process typically picks up. Work closely with your real estate agent to finalize any paperwork and get your home market-ready. If you're working with David Merrick, you’ll get a clear picture of what buyers in Portland are looking for, whether that means touching up paint, sprucing up landscaping, or updating light fixtures.
You’ll also want to:
You’ll also want to:
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Notify your insurance company of your upcoming move.
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Begin collecting important records like medical files, pet vaccinations, and school documents if applicable.
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Make a list of service providers (plumber, HVAC, pest control) to share with your buyer, which adds value and builds trust.
3. 30 Days Out: Declutter and Pre-Pack
Now’s the time to get serious about packing non-essentials. Think off-season clothing, books, extra linens, and holiday décor. Use this opportunity to continue decluttering; remember, every item you donate or toss is one less thing to move.
Label boxes by room and keep a running inventory list. For homes in Portland’s older neighborhoods where attic and basement space can be tight, consider renting a portable storage unit or asking your agent if staging with fewer furnishings would help attract buyers.
At this stage of your moving checklist, you should also:
Label boxes by room and keep a running inventory list. For homes in Portland’s older neighborhoods where attic and basement space can be tight, consider renting a portable storage unit or asking your agent if staging with fewer furnishings would help attract buyers.
At this stage of your moving checklist, you should also:
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Schedule disconnection dates for your utilities
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Research your new utility providers (if moving locally, this may be as simple as transferring accounts)
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Confirm your move date with your chosen moving company
4. 21 Days Out: Notify and Confirm
Three weeks out, it’s time to update your address. Start with USPS to set up a forwarding order, then notify:
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Banks and credit cards
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Insurance providers
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Subscription services
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Employer and HR/payroll
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Friends and family
If you’re staying in the Portland area, don’t forget to update local memberships, such as gyms, CSA deliveries, or neighborhood associations.
Also, if you’ve sold your home already and a closing date is confirmed, talk to your real estate agent about any remaining responsibilities. Will the buyers be moving in right away? Are there walk-throughs scheduled? Finalizing these details now helps avoid last-minute surprises.
Also, if you’ve sold your home already and a closing date is confirmed, talk to your real estate agent about any remaining responsibilities. Will the buyers be moving in right away? Are there walk-throughs scheduled? Finalizing these details now helps avoid last-minute surprises.
5. 14 Days Out: Start the Deep Clean
With two weeks left, your home should be mostly packed except for daily essentials. This is the perfect time to begin a deep clean, especially in areas buyers tend to notice, such as baseboards, windows, inside cabinets, and behind appliances.
If your home is still being shown, keep it as clutter-free and clean as possible. Sellers in Portland often benefit from keeping things simple and staged, so clear countertops, neutral decor, and plenty of natural light go a long way.
Also consider:
If your home is still being shown, keep it as clutter-free and clean as possible. Sellers in Portland often benefit from keeping things simple and staged, so clear countertops, neutral decor, and plenty of natural light go a long way.
Also consider:
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Arranging for child or pet care on moving day
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Creating a packing zone with boxes, tape, markers, and scissors
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Starting to use up pantry and freezer items to avoid food waste
6. 7 Days Out: Pack an Essentials Kit
One week before your move, pack a personal essentials box for each family member. Include items like:
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Toiletries and a few days of clothing
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Chargers and electronics
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Medications and important documents
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Snacks, coffee, cleaning supplies, and basic tools
For those moving within Portland, this kit can save you from digging through boxes after a long day. If you’re moving farther away, it’s a lifesaver during the transition.
This is also the time to:
This is also the time to:
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Defrost your freezer and clean the fridge
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Confirm moving logistics with your team
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Finalize closing paperwork and handoff instructions with your real estate agent
7. Moving Day: Stay Calm and Stay on Track
Whether you’re moving across Portland or across the state, moving day will feel like a blur. Start early, wear comfortable clothes, and keep water and snacks handy. Have someone available to direct movers, and do a final walk-through of every room before leaving.
If you’ve worked through each step of this moving checklist for sellers, you’ll be in great shape to stay organized and focused. Don’t forget to leave behind any keys, garage openers, appliance manuals, and notes for the new homeowners; this thoughtful touch goes a long way.
If you’ve worked through each step of this moving checklist for sellers, you’ll be in great shape to stay organized and focused. Don’t forget to leave behind any keys, garage openers, appliance manuals, and notes for the new homeowners; this thoughtful touch goes a long way.
Simplify the Chaos with a Smart Moving Plan
Selling your home doesn’t have to feel like juggling a dozen tasks at once. With a well-thought-out timeline, a clear plan, and help from the right people, moving can be a manageable (and even exciting) step toward your next chapter.
If you're preparing to sell your Portland home and want expert guidance through every step of the process, David Merrick is here to help. With local market insight and a calm, client-first approach, he’ll make sure you stay on track (and informed) through closing and beyond. Reach out today to get started.
If you're preparing to sell your Portland home and want expert guidance through every step of the process, David Merrick is here to help. With local market insight and a calm, client-first approach, he’ll make sure you stay on track (and informed) through closing and beyond. Reach out today to get started.