Just exchanged...what now?!

[MrsAFlowerpot]

A hideous 12 weeks after accepting a slightly lower offer from a first time buyer than a slightly higher one from someone in a chain we've finally exchanged (it has been a hideous time as we accepted based on "exchange within 4 weeks" and look where it got us!). However, yippee, we have exchanged and complete on 9th Dec.

Now can any of you good mumsnetters write me a to do list to organise myself so we really do have everything done prior to our move...please?!?

Didn't want you to think no one cared! Congratulations on exchanging (even if it was a lot later than originally anticipated). My daughter was in the same position this time last year, her sellers wanted a 'quick sale' and then dragged their heels at every opportunity. Only advice I can offer to actually moving is to pack a suitcase as though you were going away for a 2 week holiday, so all essential clothes, medicines, wash stuff etc and that should see you through the first few days. Also lock it in the car so you know where it is.

Redirect post, inform all utilities, take meter readings.

yes, definitely pack at least an overnight bag, in case anything goes wrong. am sure it won't but my mum moved last week, a chain of just 2 houses and it all went wrong, they did not complete so mum ended up in an empty house for the night with all her stuff on the van.

keep take away menus where you can get to them, it'll be a while before you feel like cooking

Thanks so much - take away menus are a definite . Keep 'em coming!

If you're using a removal firm, get in touch with them right away. If you redirect post, utilities, council tax and insurance are the most important things to do before the move. The rest can catch up. Once you've got proof of address (driving licence, utility bill etc) you can register at local Dr and dentist.

Get drunk and celebrate.
Then arrange movers for the day. Get council to sort out parking permits for vans if need be.
Pack away as much stuff as possible that you won't need, and throw away as much as possible.
Start eating through the contents of the freezer and cupboards.

Have overnight bags and box of stuff for you to keep out as long as possible/take with you (kettle and some mugs etc, hoover and cleaning materials, loo roll and spare light bulbs, bedding).
Possibly arrange cleaner to come as the movers are working. Consider getting cleaner for new place if it's been empty.

Arrange childcare for any children who will be in the way. Ditto pets.
Arrange redirection of post - be warned, they charge per surname...
Sort out transfer of internet and phone as they take ages.
Notify car insurers. Sort out buildings insurance on new house now!
Take meter readings when you leave and when you enter the new place.

Good luck - it may be hard work but should be much less stressful now!

If the budget will stretch, get the removal firm to pack for you!

Put a big sheet of paper up on your kitchen wall with a pen attached, so you can list things that come up over the next fortnight that you need to remember.

Have a box of cleaning products to hand so you can do the bare essentials when you arrive, i.e clean toilets etc.

Think about using a little picnic fridge for transporting milk/cold drinks.

If you are paying cash for the removal men, get the money out and stored somewhere.

Give your boot of your car a good clear out, you'll be surprised how much stuff you will sling in on moving day.

Get a skip and throw out as much as you can.