The clock is winding down to “Zero Hour” and you have only a few more boxes and containers to fill before heading out for good. (That’s because you followed my handy clean up and move out guide.) But there’s a problem: You don’t want to take that ‘80s-era love seat and plaid sofa in the rec room (or is it the wreck room?!) to the next home.
That’s actually not a problem.
If you don’t have time to sell items on OfferUp or Craigslist, then why not consider donating them to one of your favorite (and appreciative) local non-profits? In many cases Goodwill, Salvation Army or local churches are happy to accept your donations – as long as the items are in usable condition.
In addition to accepting furniture, appliances and lighting fixtures, Habitat for Humanity will consider taking building supplies – floor and wall tile, roofing materials, drywall and more. You can either drop off your donation at Habitat locations in Bellevue, Southcenter or Auburn, or schedule a free pickup.
Your home should be left in “broom clean” condition, which loosely translates to materials left behind must collectively fit in a dustpan. It also means walls and ceilings should be bare (unless it’s a light fixture or electrical switch/outlet). Yes, that includes cleaning the garage! (You’d be surprised how some sellers don’t feel obligated to suitably clean the non-habitable spaces.)
When in doubt, clean it out!
Sure, buyers will likely tidy the home to their own standards before getting settled in, but it’s common courtesy for sellers to clean the home as they are moving out (the same day or usually a day later). Either clear up the home yourself or have a professional cleaning company do the work. (I can suggest some cleaning companies if you need one.)
The home should certainly be cleaned out before the buyer and buyer’s broker return one last time before the sale is completed.
My advice: Leave the home in the condition that you remember it was left when you first moved in.