Monumental Progress!

Something happened today that gave us a mammoth leap forward in realising our dream.

WE HAVE EXCHANGED CONTRACTS ON THE SALE OF OUR LONDON FLAT!!

This is quite simply awesome, as it means we have a committed buyer who has paid a deposit on the place, so now we can commit to all kinds of things such as the lease on the cottage in Scotland, hiring a van to move out of Wimbledon, and... to Jan's delight... we can retrieve our puddy tats from our parents in the North East.  They've been on their holidays with all four 'grandparents' for about two months now and Jan is pining badly! Every now and then she'll let out a wimper and I'll look up to see her surfing pictures of cute cats on her laptop, as a way to get her fix.  We've also received the occasional photo of their antics, but its a poor substitute for the real Biggins and Lulu.  Granny and Gramps will miss them terribly once their gone, I think.  They do get under your skin!

 So now I have a checklist of things to be getting on with and people to notify of our move:

1. Council Tax

2. Doctor, Dentist, Vet

3. Royal Mail Redirection

4. Utilities.

5. Comms. BT, Sky, TV Licencing.

6. Driving License and Vehicle Reg docs

7. Electoral Register

8. Accountants

9. Banks

10. Insurance!!!

11. Mobile Phone

If anyone thinks of any more, let me know!

It has actually been quite a nightmare getting a removal van.  We had quotes of around £1800 for professional movers, so we've plumbed for the self-drive option.... but getting a one-way large van hire is like hunting for snow in Las Vegas.  In the end I'm going to have to drive to Scotland with the contents of our flat, then drive the empty van back to East Sheen in Surrey, then get a flight from Heathrow to Glasgow and ask Jan to do the 2 hour pickup journey from the cottage!  Call me tight, but the £1300 it saves us will pay for a fantastic shower once we buy our new place.  Its exciting to be thinking in those terms now!  I just hope the van is big enough - hence this plan >>>>>> !

We're due to complete the sale of the flat in a week's time, but are moving out before then.  I suspect there will be some very picturesque photos on this blog soon!!