If you are planning on downsizing your home, please read the below hints and tips to give you an insight into what is involved and how to do so quickly yet successfully.

Plan your packing well in advance – Packing up a large home can be an off-putting chore, but planning well in advance can make it easier. Think about where you will be un-packing items and which room your belongings will be placed in, and then pack your boxes by the bookcase, shelf, or cupboard they’ll end up in. If you haven’t got it all mapped out just yet then simply make sure you label all your boxes clearly so when you unpack there aren’t any surprises.

Don’t take what you don’t need – Downsizing is also your chance to have a thorough spring clean and focus on exactly what you want in your new home, and what you don’t. You may have furniture which is unsuitable for your new home, or that could do with replacing. So think ahead and make sure you have taken proper measurements of your new property so you don’t struggle on moving day with items that you probably shouldn’t have brought with you.

Set up your utilities as soon as possible – It isn’t nice to move into a new property and spend ages getting the gas and electricity up and running. So check with the 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 as these often take a number of weeks to become active.

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.

Ask the professionals – 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. Using an agent who is a member of the NAEA, as we are at John Earle, means that you are dealing with experienced, qualified and licensed estate agents, a professional agent can be invaluable in the selling process.