Here's a day-by-day checklist of things to do during your final week in your old house:

Four Days Before

• Schedule final utility meter readings for day of closing, including:

• gas/fuel-oil
• electricity
• water/sewer

• In case the meter readers come while you're at the closing, arrange for a friend or relative to be home during the time you're out of the house.

Three Days Before

• Visit the post office and arrange for mail to be forwarded to your new address. Cancel newspaper subscriptions, cable TV service, telephone and garbage collection.

Two Days Before

• Talk to the title officer, your lawyer, and your sales professional to verify that all necessary paperwork will be ready for your closing.

The Day Before

• Pick up a written copy of your estimated closing costs from the closing officer or have your sales professional do it — you're entitled to it by law. Check to make sure all fees, tax adjustments, and other charges are correct.

• Gather all the documents you are expected to bring to the closing meeting, such as:

• paid property tax receipts
• property survey
• copies of your mortgage and any other liens on the property

Closing Day

• Before you leave, sweep out the house and make certain all your belongings are out.
• When you leave for the closing, make sure you have your documents, along with all house keys and garage door openers.
• After the closing is completed, call your insurance agent and cancel your homeowner's policy.