essential moving reminders for buyers & sellers:

SELLERS: Please do not shut your utilities off. There are many reasons Sellers need to keep the utilities on until the Buyer/New Owner is able to transfer them into their name. If you have a unique situation that you need to shut-off your utilities, please consult your REALTOR® before doing so.
BUYERS: Please prepare to transfer utilities to your name, before closing. Not only do you need to know if the Seller has any back balances or late payments that could affect transferring them properly, but sometimes Buyers are unaware of utility deposits or issues with getting utilities put on in their name. Always best to find out what is needed before you close, as many will not give keys until after closing/funding and utilities are on in the Buyer's name. Please make sure to tell the utility companies (especially water/sewer) that you are the new owner, as deposits are sometimes less if you own vs. renting. Please consult your REALTOR®, as soon as you're under contract for instructions on how to handle utilities.
BUYERS & SELLERS: Reminder that if the property is being appraised, all utilities need to be turned on, upon appraisal and/or appraisal reinspection. If propane, fuel oil, or a cistern are active utilities on the property, best to make sure these are also filled and ready to go, before an appraiser comes out.

BUYERS: Sometimes, you will start getting mail at the address you're under contract with before it actually closes and in your name. Solution: create an account on USPS.com and the like and inform these carriers of your status. Many options such as getting a PO Box and/or putting a hold on your mail/deliveries can help with the confusion of moving or the Seller receiving your mail, before they move.
SELLERS: A reminder to come up with a plan before you close to forward your mail. You can do this by forwarding your mail to a PO Box or the like, in case you don't have a new address yet, and/or putting your mail on hold through USPS where you can pick it up.

BUYERS: If you are purchasing your property with "Cash" and not a loan, just a reminder to get insurance on your property before closing to make sure you're covered, since Insurance is not always a requirement. Always best to contact an Insurance Agent ahead of time to know if the property is insurable or not and/or your preference in coverage.
SELLERS: A reminder to cancel your Homeowner's Insurance, once the Deed is out of your name and in the new owner's name. Please do not cancel your homeowner's insurance while the deed is still recorded in your name, as you'll still be liable for the property and a reminder to cancel it once the deed has transferred out of your name, as you may have a refund coming back to you. Always good to check with your Insurance Company, once the property is no longer in your name.