English system: 'exchange' is the exchange of contracts (NOT the signing) and that is when the deal is done. Commit to NOTHING before this. So you want completion (when you transfer the money, own the new house and no longer own the current one) to be at least a week away and sensibly two weeks. MN does simultaneous exchange and complete which in my opinion is NUTS. Do not do this. Demand two weeks at least, or more if you like.
if you can avoid completing on a Friday things will be smoother and easier.
utilities: take readings from meters on the day you leave, pass on to suppliers to close accounts. In new place, take readings and open accounts with new suppliers - then do any switches for better deals. The old suppliers will send you closing statements and you pay as you normally do.
plan ahead with broadband and phone or you may find neither! Also remember post forwarding takes a week to set up, so arrange as soon as you have exchange for six months.
council tax; contact council a few days before, if you are staying in the same area it will just be a change to the account. Otherwise it will be close and reopen.
boiler - do whatever is cheapest. Do nothing until exchange.
removals - ask the company concerned.
estate agent - look for lowest price, check that you can ask for better photos, that there is a floorplan. Do not use online only agents.
hope that helps!