Many of us have moved home over the past year and have documented our 'journeys' on the House buying threads.
Getting the whole chain to agree to one particular moving date was one of the worst things, and my chain was small - just three of us. I found the only way was to actually 'project manage' that myself. I had informed my Solicitor of the date I wanted - it was very exact as I wished to move on the Tuesday of school half term (this allowed thepacking to be carried out on the Monday). This would ensure I had help at both ends of the move.
But, I found I had to keep pushing and pushing this date, with the Solicitor, with the Estate Agents, etc. Did finally manage to get it.
Then there was a delay in actually exchanging contracts, as the couple at the very bottom of the chain used one of those cheap, on-line conveyancing companies, and they were impossible for anyone to contact. I had a wonderful EA lady, who spent nearly an entire working day trying to get through to this company and also had trouble contacting Purple Bricks who were the Agents for MY purchasers.
I was in such a state of stress as the time wore on and the moving date got closer and closer. Removal company needed to come in on the Monday in order to pack ready for the journey to my new place on the Tuesday. Spoke to the Boss there, and he was very helpful and re-assuring. Told me, IF there was a real last minute problem they would arrange storage for one or two night of my stuff.
At the end, contracts were finally exchanged on the Friday before that Monday and everything went ahead. But would never go through that time again.
I acquired half a dozen of those large plastic shopping bags (usually available for around a pound each), and packed a one with lots of electric extension leads that I took with me in the car, so that they were quickly and easily available for my electric items. In another, I had some towels, bed linen, etc. Obviously, kettle, and tea making things and biscuits in car. Also in car I took a bag with all my medicines etc. so that had those to hand. Packed a small case with about three or four days supply of clothes to see me through whilst unpacking.
Found that the main problem with having the removal company doing the packing was the sheer amount of boxes they used, often only putting two or three items in each box. My small kitchen at my flat was packed from floor to ceiling with boxes labelled by them 'kitchen', and I had to start unpacking them quickly to get any room to move.
When I moved at the end of last year, I was able to go to local cafes for most of my meals for the first few days - that would not be possible now, be a good idea to look at local places where you are moving who will do take-away deliveries. Do remember to run down such things as your freezer, even if you are taking your own one with, most removal companies will want it empty. Also, you fridge items the same. If you are moving your washing machine, you will need to ensure you have the special bits that need to be put on it whilst moving.
Hopefully, where you are going will have left some window coverings. If you are moving to a new build where there will be none, you might wish to look up getting some temporary blinds to see you through the first few weeks.
Remember such things as your land line telephone and internet providers will need to be sorted out.
Downsizing can be such fun. Getting rid of so much can be very cathartic, and then there is the added fun of getting new furniture, etc.
Make a good list of all the organisations you will need to notify about your move, and do not forget to take photos of your electric/gas/water meters where you move out and when you move in.
Do not forget to pay for the post to be sent on to your new address, and look up GP practices where you are moving to as you will need to register with them asap.
GOOD LUCK