So what happens after exchange?

[bimbabirba]

Just that really. What do I need to do next, apart from packing which the removal company will do?

I've exchanged. we are just sitting around waiting for Friday. bit of packing, bit of address changing. feeling happy it is happening. it is a good time

Nothing ... You wait for the date move your stuff out , pick up keys from EA when solicitor rings to say it has gone through , move in. In meantime you need to organise closing meter readings and notify utilities , council tax, post redirection etc

That's what I mean. Anything else apart from utilities and council tax?
The buyers are complete nutters bit on the control-freak side and they want to arrange to come in with tradesmen to give them quotes to redecorate. They have been a complete nightmare from day one and I'm really worried about letting them in again before completion. Can I say no do you think?

yes you can say no

Oh no, maybe I am your Buyer bimbabirba - I have done exactly what you mention and asked to go back before we complete to meet a few tradesmen - wondering if I am a Complete Nutter/ Control Freak. Have decided that yes, I am.

Actually you need to check your contract, some stipulate that after exchange buyers can request access under certain conditions.

Bit of a thread hijack but we are buying a chain free property which needs a thorough cleaning. Do you think daytime access could be granted to do this between completion and exchange? Would it be more likely if you hired professional cleaners instead? I would prefer the owners arranged for it to be cleaned so we didn't have to pay/spend time on it - but it would be much easier and really helpful if we could move into a clean house.

Between exchange & completion (besides packing/dismantling furniture)
Fill in / make good any holes made by stuff you are removing.
Even if the movers are packing its good to put aside a box of essentials. Tea making stuff/medication/ favourite toys/ bin bags
Do the same for important stuff like Important paperwork/passports/jewellery that should go in the car with you.
Clean oven/bathrooms etc
Start notifying everybody of your new address. (banks/insurances/employers/car stuff/loans/drs etc)
If you are taking washing machines etc you usually need to disconnect & drain hoses before removal.
Defrost freezer (good time to give it a once over too)
Cancel milk/paper/cleaner/window cleaner etc.
Arrange postal redirect.

spotty I said they're nutters and control freaks not because they've asked for access after exchange! You have no idea the number of emails with questions and requests since accepting their offer!

Thanks wonky, that's a very comprehensive and useful list!

I have sent about 4 emails. Maybe I am just excited instead of a nutter! Ha ha.

Great list Wonky - I need to crack on. 3 weeks tomorrow for me.

Ha it's only because I'm itching to get on with them. We are hoping to exchange this week. Keep kicking the conveyancers as they are the weak link in the chain.

Did you send me emails reminding me to chase my solicitor almost daily? If yes then you may indeed be my buyer spotty!

Only sent one like that, when the Seller's solicitor went AWOL for about 5 working days and the rest of the chain were ready. Don't think I am your buyer but I am almost as annoying as her I fear!

address changes. Decluttering. And I take it that you have the new property insured?

Yes, got it insured.
I'm a bit confused about what to do with the utilities at the new address. Do I need to decide now what providers I'm going to use and to make sure they get connected in time?

read your metres at each place on moving day. that is the most important.

you should be told before you move in who the provided currently is, or maybe find out by way of a bill/ letter on arrival.

I personally am just taking on whatever there is on arrival and then will look to change to the best deal once I am settled in whether it be a week or month.

taking or photographing the metres on move day is the most important bit.

So the utilities won't actually get disconnected on move day, right? It's important to let them know that there's a new occupier and to give them the reading so that they can work out the bill but it's not like there is no gas or electrics unless I do something?

no, things should not be disconnected! Ask the agent to ask the vendor who the gas/electric suppliers are - the water supplier is determined by area. Then contact all the suppliers and get set up with your new account. Read the meters on arrival.

and of course, contact your current suppliers to let them know you are leaving your present place.

set up the post office redirect to start on completion day - 3 months is a good time to inform everyone. Tell the council(S) that you are moving. Tell your car insurers as that must switch over on the day that you move. Everything else can wait until you have found the kettle. :-)

Thank you

Arrange house insurance.

Breathe a large sigh of relief and have a strong drink! Well done!