5 Things You Must Do Before Vacating Your Property

Whether you’re selling your home or ending a lease, these steps will save you a ton of stress and potential headaches later.

Let’s get into it 👇

1. Forward Your Mail Early

This one sounds simple, but you’d be surprised how many people forget it!

Submit your mail forwarding request at least one to two weeks before you move out. You can:

• Set up a P.O. box, or

• Forward your mail to a trusted family member or friend.

Once you hand over possession, it’s not the buyer’s or landlord’s responsibility to redirect your mail or deliver packages.

Trust me—nothing is more awkward than asking the new homeowner if they can check their porch for your Amazon box. Forward it early and avoid the hassle!

2. Return Your Internet & Cable Equipment

If you use Cox Communications (or any other provider), make sure to return all your routers, modems, and other equipment once you close your account.

If you leave it behind, you’ll likely be charged a hefty replacement fee—and since you’ve handed over possession, any equipment left in the home technically becomes the new owner’s property.

Call your provider in advance, ask what needs to be returned, and drop it off before moving day.

3. Cancel Your Home or Renters Insurance (at the Right Time)

After you’ve officially closed escrow or handed over possession, contact your insurance company to cancel your homeowner’s or renter’s policy.

⚠️ Important: Don’t cancel too early. Escrow does not handle this for you, and closings can sometimes be delayed.Make sure your policy stays active through your final day of ownership or tenancy so you remain fully covered.

4. Remove All Trash and Debris

This one’s a big one for me.

So often, we go to do a final walkthrough and find overflowing trash cans, bags of debris, or random junk left in the side yard.

That’s not acceptable—and technically, under California’s purchase agreement, it can create a dispute at closing.

Before handing over keys, make sure:

• Trash cans are empty.

• Side yards and garages are clear.

• No debris or furniture is left behind.

It’s not just courtesy—it’s part of your contractual obligation.

5. Clean the Property Thoroughly

Finally, please, please clean the home before handing it over.

Under Section 7B of California’s Residential Purchase Agreement, the home must be delivered in the same “as-is” condition as it was at the time of acceptance (when the buyer and seller both signed the offer).

That means:

• No dirty floors or carpets.

• Yard and pool maintained.

• Property free of debris and damage.

You’re likely exhausted after moving—but it’s worth hiring a cleaning crew to handle it. It’s good practice, good will, and frankly, good karma to leave your home in the condition you’d want to receive it.