Once you have sold your home, set a move-out date, and have begun packing, time will probably seem to fly right by. All you really need to do is pack up your stuff and leave, right?
Maybe. You should, of course make sure all of your personal belongings are out, and that you have cleaned up all of your garbage. You will still have to get your keys to the new owners in whichever way was previously agreed upon, but other than that, you're not really obligated to do anything else.
You could, though. A little extra work and consideration can make moving in a lot more pleasant for the family that will be moving in. A lot of agents will recommend that the home is at least "broom swept" before you move out. Sweep the floors, get rid of cobwebs along the walls and ceiling. Take it a step further, and mop or vacuum and clean the windows and surfaces, such as countertops and sinks. You should also take the time to give the bathrooms one last cleaning.
If it has been several days since the last time the lawn was mowed, that might be a really nice gesture to consider. Rake up leaves in the fall, or, in the winter, shovel the driveway and put down some rock salt to get rid of ice.
Of course, after you've gone through all of the work associated with moving, trying to get extra work done is probably not what you want to be doing. If you can, try keep everything neat while you are cleaning, and do any necessary yard work before you start loading the moving van. Then, you will only have a few quick things (a quick sweep and mop) to get done afterwards. This can be even easier if you entirely clean out each room as you get everything out of it. Empty out a room, clean it quickly, and then move on.
If you really don't have the time, consider calling a cleaning service to give the home a once-over after you have moved out. Yard work could be handled by a neighborhood teen.
So, what do you get out of this extra effort or expense? Nothing, really, other than the knowledge that you have made moving a more enjoyable experience for the new owners. Not having to handle a lot of cleaning in the first few days after they have moved in will mean a lot.
You don''t need to scrub the home from top to bottom, but a little extra cleaning can make a great impression. You've loved living in the home you are leaving behind; make sure the new occupants will love it just as much, from the moment they walk through the door.