After popping a bottle of Champagne to celebrate the sale of your home, house hunting begins. It is exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time knowing your home has now sold, but you have no idea where your future home is and what is next.

This is the challenge I’m currently faced with after recently selling my home but I’m yet to find my next home. Here are a few simple steps to keep you on track between now, to moving out and to finding your new home:

- Touch base with your broker or bank, let them know you’ve now sold and reconfirm your financial position. Apply for a loan pre-approval, so you know exactly how much the bank will lend to you. This will give you confidence when making an offer on your next home.

- Register the suburbs you are interested in with Realestate.com and Domain, and you're informed of any new listings with weekly email updates.

- Speak to local agents and let them know exactly what you are looking for. Let them add your contact to their database so when a suitable property or an off-market opportunity comes up you will be informed.

- Attend weekly open for inspection and get to know the area and neighbourhood. 

- Don't rush into buying a property. And most importantly, don't forget to do your own due diligence such as going through the contract with your conveyancer, speaking with the building manager/owner’s corporation and check with the council about future development/plan in the area etc.

- Look for a short stay just in case you can’t find your new home before vacating.

- Book the removalists, cleaners, and storage a month ahead of time, as they get booked out very quickly.

- Start organizing your move, de-clutter, and sell unwanted items. Start packing early.