10/27/2026
Trade-In Prep: 5 minutes that make your appraisal easier.
Before you drive to the dealership, run this quick checklist:
1. Empty the trunk, glovebox and door pockets.
2. Vacuum the seats and floors, and wipe the dash and door jambs.
3. Clear the cupholders and remove anything that smells.
4. Gather both keys, service records and your loan payoff amount.
5. Look up your car's value range on a pricing site first, so you know what to expect.
A clean, organized car is easier to inspect, and a ready stack of paperwork keeps the conversation focused on the car itself. It will not change what the car is worth, but it removes avoidable friction.
What is the one thing you always forget to grab before a trade-in appointment?