Moving house

[AJB120]

So we are hoping to move house in the very near future. I’ve started packing decor things and things that I know we absolutely don’t need to use etc.

My question is when we leave this property do we need to paint walls etc. I’m going to clean the living room carpet a couple of days prior to moving, and wipe high traffic area walls down which are a little grubby. Obviously will go through the house and clean it too. I’ll fill in holes where we’ve taken pictures/mirrors/shelves down. If there anything else that is etiquette that I need to think about doing??

Also the couple who are moving in are a young couple so was thinking of leaving a little card and a bottle of Prosecco and a small box of chocolates as a little gift. They mentioned they drink alcohol on the viewing. Is this a little weird or cute? We had a hamper when we moved in and I loved it!

I wouldn't paint the whole walls. If you have the paint you could just touch up where you are refilling the holes from pictures etc. Just leave everywhere clean.

A bottle of wine and card would be nice. Maybe leave them a bit of info, when is bin day, who the gas and electric is with, where the stopcock is, neighbours names if you know them etc.

Are you renting or selling? If renting, it needs to be in the same condition it was when you moved in / recorded in the inventory. If selling then I’d just make sure it’s clean, vacuumed, kitchen cupboards wiped down and fridge cleaned and so on. I always repaint fully when I move in so I wouldn’t go to the bother of painting the whole place, though if the paint is a particular colour it’s kind to leave a pot behind or at least let them know what it is so they can touch up if they want. I also always leave a list of useful phone numbers such as for a good local electrician, plumber, handyperson etc.

Leave it reasonably clean but don't go overboard. It's likely they'll want to clean it themselves anyway. Label any keys if not obvious and don't leave anything in the house like our vendors did - so much crap, vases, trinkets, wicker baskets, bits of furniture, trmpoline, drawers full of clothes. They even left the washing machine full. No need to paint because again, they'll likely redecorate anyway. I'd leave picture hooks but fill in any obvious holes. If you're sure they drink then a bottle of something would be a welcome surprise. If they're not from the area, a few local takeaway menus might be appreciated.

Thank you all so much for your great tips and ideas! I really appreciate it

Check all the built in cupboards, backs of wardrobes, drawers etc - we have moved into a few places which were amazing clean - but we have found a full load of laundry in the washing machine and once a pair of handcuffs in a cupboard!

Also, I always clean the oven - if not on the day of the move then a few days before so the people who move in can heat up a pizza on moving day without feeling scared 😱! (We have moved in to some scary oven situations!)

I also leave a note with bin collection times, local GP address and so on.