Joe Anderson discusses the essential considerations of change

So, you think it might be time to move. The once solid foundations of your home have been crumbling for a few years, your family are complaining and your quality of life is worsening.

You've tried your hardest to maintain the house but, despite your best efforts, things are irreparable and the costs of upkeep are increasing year on year.

Now you need to begin the process of finding the perfect 'forever' home. What do you need to think about?

Looking for a new home

Well, first and foremost, you need to find somewhere that will give you and your family what you need. Think hard about what you really want from a home – what are the non-negotiables and the nice-to-have's? There will probably have to be a compromise somewhere along the line so make sure you know what compromises you're happy to make before you begin your search.

Then spend as much time as you need viewing potential properties. Are your family going to be happy here? After all, they are the ones who will spend most of their time in the new house and will have to live with the consequences of your decision.

Whatever property you choose needs to provide value for money, of course. However, be thorough. Make sure you have a good poke around all of the nooks and crannies, lift up the floorboards and look in all the cupboards – you don't want any nasty surprises or unexpected maintenance costs after you move in.

Finally, speak to as many of the neighbours as you can to find out what it's really like to live there day in, day out.

Moving

Now, the move itself. You need to spend some time finding out how all of your possessions will be moved to the new property. You can't afford for any of your belongings that you've spent years collecting to go missing or be broken during the move.

Speak to the moving team in detail about how they'll get you to your new place. They should be prepared to keep you informed during the move as well as giving your things a clean and polish as they're in transit.

If they're good, they'll even organise everything for you in your new home so you and your family can simply move in and enjoy a better quality of life immediately.

An investment in your future

Inevitably, there are costs involved in moving house: legal fees, stamp duty, estate agent fees (unless you've decided not to use one). Rather than viewing these as an unnecessary waste of money, you should see these as a long-term investment.After all, the value of knowing you've chosen the right home, that your possessions are secure and that your family will be happy for years to come will be worth the short-term upheaval of moving.

So, that's it. You've made the decision, agreed terms, contracts have been exchanged, your belongings have all been carefully moved and you're ready to move into your dream house.

Time to send out the invitations and welcome everyone to your housewarming party at Trafalgar House.

Written by Joe Anderson, Business Development Manager, Trafalgar House Pensions Administration