Completion day checklist

Completion is the day the money moves and the home becomes yours. Most of it is out of your hands, so make the parts you control easy. Tick as you go; your ticks are saved.

The week before

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

On the day

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

The first week

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.