Once missives are concluded book a removal firm.

Make sure you have enough storage boxes and packing materials to protect fragile items, your removal firm may well supply these. Do not leave packing till the last minute as it will take longer than expected.

Adopt a labelling system so you know what each box contains and the removers know where the boxes are to go in the new house. This saves a lot of time and speeds up the unpacking. Make sure the removal firm know exactly the location of the new home.

Contact the Royal Mail to arrange for the redirection of your post. This should be organised the week before so it comes into effect on the day you leave.

Take final electric/gas readings and phone these into the Utility companies. Contact your telephone company to inform them of a change of occupier, do not disconnect the phone line, and arrange for a service at your new home.

If you have instructions for white goods, the heating system and other advice for the new owner leave these in the property. A bottle of wine and/or a card is also a nice gesture.

Deliver the keys and details for an alarm system (if fitted) to your Solicitor for them to pass onto the new owner.

At your new home check meter readings and if the telephone is working. Switch on the central heating system and all appliances which were included in the sale. If there are any problems notify your Solicitor immediately.

While the removers are doing their job find the kettle and make a cup of tea.