The Cheapskate to the rescue! Today only, you can get Easeus Todo PCTrans Pro (Win) for free. Normally $39.95, this migration tool makes simple work of moving your applications, data, and settings from one computer to another.
As I mentioned briefly last week, there's a free version of Todo PCTrans, but it allows you to move just two applications. With Pro, the sky's the limit. The giveaway is technically for one license, but you actually get two activation codes (because you'll be installing the software on two PCs).
To get it, just click through the above link and enter your name and e-mail address. In short order you'll receive a confirmation e-mail with a download link and your two registration codes. From there, hit up the Todo PCTrans user guide for step-by-step instructions. (Spoiler alert: This wizard-powered utility is really easy.)
If there's one catch here, it's that both computers need to be on the same network. So you'll have to get at least that far into the setup process on your new machine. Beyond that, you should have an easy time of it.
Not planning a move right away? Grab the software anyway and keep it until you're ready. Update: I'm informed by the developer that the license can be activated today only, which kind of kills the wait-til-you're-ready plan.
Can you move apps from a XP to 8.1 (or 7)?