Completion day

• Confirm the completion date in writing with your conveyancer and the agent
• Send your conveyancer the balance they ask for, allowing a day for it to clear
• Buildings insurance in place from exchange, if not already
• Book removals or a van and confirm the time
• Pack a "first night" box: kettle, mugs, tea, toilet roll, bedding, chargers, toolkit, snacks
• Take meter readings at your old place and photograph them
• Redirect your post (Royal Mail can do this for a small fee)
• Tell your bank, employer, DVLA and the council your new address

• Keep your phone charged and near you; your conveyancer will call when the money lands
• Money usually completes between late morning and 2pm; keys are released by the agent after that
• Collect the keys from the agent and ask for every set including windows, garage and meter cupboard
• Take meter readings for gas, electricity and water the moment you walk in, with photos
• Find the stopcock, fuse box and boiler controls
• Check the seller left what was agreed on the fixtures and fittings list
• Test the heating, hot water, locks and alarms

• Set up gas, electricity, water and broadband in your name
• Register for council tax at the new address
• Change the locks if you are not sure who has keys
• Fit or test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
• Keep every document from the purchase together: you will want them when you sell or remortgage

Then put the kettle on. You did it.