Most guys might cringe at the idea of their inlaws moving so close, but I guess I'm fortunate that these are truly some great people.
We weren't able to get up to their home early enough to help them pack, luckily they did have some help and most of the home was loaded up by the time we got there.
The first thing I noticed was how clean the house was. I don't mean just clean, I mean gleaming! I've been selling homes since 1999, and I can promise you, most people don't leave their homes spotless when they move. Now, they were never people to really clutter up their home in the first place, but still....I've had people leave garages full of garbage, stoves that had crust of something growing on them, you name it. The general idea is that you leave a home "broom clean".
My inlaws left their home and it was probably cleaner than the day they moved in 10 years ago. I understand that moving is a hectic ordeal and that you just want to get your stuff out and move into your new home, but just think for a minute about that. What if you moved into your new home and there were 3 weeks worth of garbage in the garage and the house smelled like a wet dog? You'd probably be pretty upset, right? But, is that how you left your house? If not, you'll wonder why someone could do this. Even if you left yours in a shambles, you'll still be upset at the guy who just left his the same way you left yours.
Do yourself and everyone else a favor. Plan ahead! I know that kids and pets and work and everything else seem to be conspiring against you leaving a clean home. But it's just a nice courtesy to give someone. After all, these people did buy your home. Start packing and moving ahead of time so that when the day finally comes to hand over the keys, you can give the buyer of your home something they will remember...in a good way.
