You might be worried about how children will react when you tell them you plan to move. Involving them in discussions about the move early on (whatever their age) will help them to feel more in control and less upset. They may even help you identify problems with your current home that you have missed or give you ideas for the new one.

Try the following:

• Ask them to help make a family “Wishes and Needs” list,
• Talk to them after a viewing, about how well the property met the wishes and needs list.
• Take them on any second viewings
• Listen to their views
• Explain your decisions to them

Safety in your new home

Make safety a priority in your new home with the following important measures:

Before you buy:

• Get a Gas and electrical safety certificate
• Get a timber and damp check
• Make sure stairs have banisters
• Avoid many different levels
• An enclosed garden is an obvious benefit.

Before you move in:

• Make safe any water features/ponds/swimming pools.
• Fit smoke detectors and where possible link them to the mains electricity.
• Fit temperature limiters on showers.
• Put plastic covers on electrical sockets not being used and within reach of small fingers!
• Explore the gardens and clear any garden waste/wire etc left over by the previous occupants.