Planning is key – Packing your home into boxes can be a real chore, particularly when you are moving to a smaller property, but planning well in advance can make it easier. Think about where you will unpack your belongings and in which room each box should be placed. If you haven’t got it all sorted ahead of the move then just make sure you label all your boxes clearly.

Be realistic about what you can take – Downsizing is your chance to have a spring clean and focus on exactly what you want in your new home, as well as what you don’t. You may have furniture which is too big for your new home. Think ahead and make sure you have taken proper measurements of your new property.

Maximise space – Your new home might have less elbow room, but think carefully about the layout and look at ways you can get the most out of the space available. Often if a house has been occupied for some time, the owners may have used a bedroom for storage or a study.

Set up your utilities – For any move, check with the estate agent and get the details of the previous utility providers so you can call them to set up new accounts. Also, make sure that your phone and broadband services are ordered prior to moving in because these often take a number of weeks to become active.

Ask a professional – Often the easiest way of getting the most up-to-date information that you need about moving home is to consult a respected, local professional. Agents who are members of the NAEA, which means they are experienced, qualified and licensed, can be found here. A professional agent can be invaluable during the moving process.