2026-10-28 · 3 min read · Lodi
How Do I Time My Move Into My New Home?
How do I time my move into my new home?
Most of the time, I can time both sales so you close on your old home and move straight into your new one. If the dates don't line up, there are good ways to bridge the gap, so you can relax about the calendar.
Audrey Schmierer is a REALTOR® with Keller Williams Central Valley in Lodi, CA, helping first-time buyers and downsizers buy and sell with confidence. I'm Audrey Schmierer, and making a downsizing move feel calm is one of my favorite parts of this work.
What are my options if the timing doesn't line up?
Think of these as your three backup plans, starting with the one that keeps you from needing the others.
🗓️ 1. Plan the dates from day one. When we list your home, we plan the sale around the timing of your next one. Still deciding which comes first? Read sell first or buy first.
⏳ 2. Extend escrow. Escrow is the stretch between an accepted offer and closing day. If your new home needs a little more time, escrow can be extended so closing moves back.
🏡 3. Arrange a rent back. Your sale closes on schedule, and you stay in your old home for a set time afterward, renting it from the buyer. This is often how we give you breathing room.
What could this look like for me?
Here are two made-up examples.
Say you're downsizing into a newly built home. The builder's completion date sets the pace, so we'd keep an eye on it together and plan your sale around it. Read downsizing to a new home.
Say you're moving closer to family. I'll sell your Lodi home, and I know many agents like me who'd be happy to help you find your next home where you're going. Audrey Schmierer is a REALTOR® with Keller Williams Central Valley in Lodi, CA, helping first-time buyers and downsizers buy and sell with confidence.
What mistake should I avoid?
📦 Booking the movers before the dates are set. It's tempting the day you accept an offer. Wait until your closing and move dates are confirmed, and you'll only have to book once.
How do I time my move? The short answer
The calendar doesn't have to be perfect, because we plan it together and keep a backup ready if it slips.
Ready to plan your move?
Start with a free home value review, read how I help with downsizing, see how I sell a home in Lodi, or call, text or email me. Audrey Schmierer is a REALTOR® with Keller Williams Central Valley in Lodi, CA, helping first-time buyers and downsizers buy and sell with confidence.
This article describes how I generally help buyers and sellers. It isn't legal, tax or lending advice, and every move has its own details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do we meet to plan my sale?
Usually at your kitchen table. Listing appointments happen in your home, where you're comfortable.
Does staging help if I've already moved some furniture out?
Yes. Staging is very important, especially in a vacant home, because it gets you more money. In most cases, I pay for the staging consultation, and you pay for the staging itself.
Will you explain each step while both homes are in escrow?
Yes. I walk you through every step so you understand why it matters, with no surprises, and you'll get frequent updates the whole way.
