any help on my exchange yet

hi put in for exchange over a week ago and was told that both applications had been recieved when i handed mine in at the offices last tuesday but have not heard anything since and was wanting to get an answer as soon as possible with xmas coming ever closer and as other party is desperate to get this area would be looking at moving pretty quick if at all possible and we have to sort out school for daughter and all other stuff like telephone gas electric and bills etc but obviously cannot even think about starting to pack or organise anything till we have an answer first so can anyone tell me what is happening thxs