Peter Murphy & Co

Carey Hughes

Solicitors

OUR SERVICES

SPECIALISTS IN RESIDENTIAL CONVEYANCING

We proudly extend our services throughout the entirety of Scotland, from the Highlands to the Borders, our central belt locations in Hamilton and Irvine means we are ideally placed to cover the whole country. We don’t merely see ourselves as a law firm, we remain an unwavering pillar of dedication to our clients, ensuring they remain comprehensively safeguarded at every turn in the property world.

Navigating pivotal moments, like relocating or finalising a will, often come with their own set of complexities. In such trying times, the backing of professional legal minds is

Carey Hughes Limited

International House, Stanley Boulevard

Hamilton International Technology Park

G72 0BN

We deal with all aspects of residential conveyancing including;

Purchases

Sales

Transfers of title

Remortgages

Discharges invaluable. Carey Hughes recognises the intricacies of the legal landscape and its challenges. Our dedicated team of proficient solicitors is ever prepared to provide insightful, compassionate legal guidance, ensuring that every aspect of your needs is meticulously addressed and cared for.

Our legacy isn’t merely built upon our expansive legal knowledge, but on the lasting relationships we forge with our clients. Whether you’re navigating the intricacies of residential conveyancing, seeking expert guidance on estate planning, or delving into commercial property leases, our dedicated team stands ready to guide you with unmatched local expertise.

Tel: (01698) 404 616

Email: info@careyhughes.co.uk

Welcome

TO PETER MURPHY & Co ESTATE AGENTS

Established and Successful

Established in 2020, Peter Murphy & Co is a proudly independent firm of professional estate agents, dedicated to provide and maintain an unparalleled level of customer service to their clients. It’s founder, Peter Murphy has over 30 years of award-winning experience in financial services and property sales and has a vision to embrace new property technology like Virtual Tours, 3D floorplans, detailed online property brochures and video tours. All of which can be accessed through multiple platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, OnTheMarket, Facebook and Instagram. We are fully regulated and accredited members of The Property Ombudsman, thereby protecting buyers and sellers.

Professional & Bespoke Service

Maintaining a professional and personal service has been the key to our success to date. To provide an ever-improving level of service, we have invested significantly in advanced computer technology, communication systems and office facilities to match properties to our expanding database at the touch of a button. However, a quality service is not just about time-saving technology, despite the benefit. It is about people.

Our Aim

Our aim has been to harmonise the best of traditional values with modern developments to provide all of our clients with a service second to none. Our team of dedicated and highly trained staff take time to know their clients and understand their needs. Our core business is selling residential properties with a passion and enthusiasm you will find refreshing.

Our Team

Our professional agents, covering Inverness, Fort William and Oban, Isle of Mull and Argyll have extensive local knowledge and a burning desire to help buyers and sellers achieve their goals They are available outside office hours and at weekends and understand the need to be flexible to meet the needs of their clients.

Meet our team

TRISH MURPHY

Trish has extensive experience in administration, having worked as PA to Chief Executives, as well as in finance, customer service and sales roles. Her experience and passion for good customer service makes her role of Office Manager the perfect fit for the company.

PETER MURPHY

Peter has over 30 years experience in finance and estate agency and prides himself in ‘fighting the corner’ for his clients to achieve the best possible price for their homes. He understands the need to go the extra mile for them. He works closely on a daily basis with both Ali Wilson in Inverness and Ali Flint in Oban, ensuring all our clients have his knowledge and experience to rely on.

ALI WILSON

Ali joined our team in late 2022, covering Inverness and the surrounding areas. She had 10 years sales experience and immediately put that to good use, building strong working relationships with her sellers and buyers from day one. She has built on that and prides herself on being available to her clients, whenever they want a chat about the progress of their sale and is always keen to give advice to help them get achieve their goals. She is an experienced negotiator, with many successful sales and happy clients. She will carry out accompanied viewings, whenever they are required and is a huge asset to our team. Estate agency is a challenging but rewarding career and she is the perfect fit for the role here. When she’s not working she loves road trips in her van and on the darker nights spending time at home with her two cats.

ALI FLINT

Ali joined out team in 2022, covering Oban, Argyll and the Isles. We already had a significant market share in that area so it wasn’t going to be easy for Ali to maintain the standards already in place. He has achieved this and then some, growing our share of the market month by month. Ali had extensive sales experience before taking on this role and quickly adapted this to estate agency. His clients expect a lot and that’s what they get from this no nonsense, driven agent. Ali sees working in this stunning part of the world as a privilege and clocks up a lot of miles covering Argyll and regularly across to the Isle of Mull. When he’s not working Ali likes to spend time with his family and traveling.

General Maintenance

Boiler Servicing

Complete Bathroom Installations & Design

Oil Central Heating & Air Source Installations

Plumbing & Heating For New Builds

Underfloor Heating Whether you

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Our specialist conveyancing team

will guide you through every stage of the process

Our conveyancing team is dedicated to guiding you through every step of the process, ensuring you secure your dream home with ease. We understand that buying or moving home can be stressful, so we prioritise clear communication and guidance tailored to your needs. Our friendly and approachable team will explain everything in simple terms, keeping you updated regularly. Transparency is key, so we offer upfront pricing with clear, fair, and competitive rates. Trust us to handle your conveyancing

efficiently and affordably.

Inverness

THE CAPITAL OF THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS, BECKONS WITH ITS BLEND OF HISTORIC CHARM, MODERN AMENITIES, AND STUNNING NATURAL SURROUNDINGS.

Situated at the mouth of the River Ness and overlooking the picturesque Moray Firth, the city offers residents unparalleled access to the region’s rugged beauty. From the iconic Loch Ness, famed for its legendary monster, to the nearby Cairngorms National Park, outdoor enthusiasts revel in opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife spotting. Inverness also serves as a gateway to the rest of the Highlands, with easy access to scenic drives, castles, and ancient sites dotting the landscape, making it an ideal base for exploration and adventure.

Beyond its natural attractions, Inverness boasts a thriving cultural scene and a strong sense of community. The city’s historic Old Town, with its cobbled streets and centuries-old buildings, exudes character and charm, while modern developments offer a range of amenities, including shopping centres, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Residents enjoy a rich tapestry of festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating Highland culture, music, and heritage. With its blend of natural beauty, cultural vibrancy, and welcoming atmosphere, Inverness presents an enticing opportunity for those seeking a high quality of life in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.

Inverness

PROPERTY MARKET VIEW

The continued interest rate rises beginning in Dec 2021 until it settled at a base rate of 5.25% in September 2023 have had a profound effect on the housing market across the UK. However certain areas have bucked the trend. Few more so than Inverness. The demand for property in the city and surrounding areas has continued almost unabated with developers continuing to build to satisfy this need. According to Rightmove properties in Inverness had an overall average price of £223,226 over the last year. Sold prices over the last year were 1% up on the previous year and 6% up on the 2021 peak of £211,070.

For time buyers the challenge will always be the Scottish selling process of asking prices of ‘Offers Over’ the valuation. Meaning they have to find the deposit and cash for the amount asked for above the valuation.

New builds generally sell for the valuation and schemes like Help To Buy, Shared Equity and Shared Ownership help them get their first step on the ladder. Investors choose this area to buy, not for a quick return, but for long term growth, as it’s perceived as lower risk than many other areas.

D Kelly Design is a Fort William based architectural practice carrying out projects across the Highlands, islands and further afield.

The principle objective of our projects is a strong understanding and development of our clients needs to achieve design led solutions.

•

• Firestone EPDM Flat Roofing Systems back by a full 20-year guarantee

• UPVC windows and door supplied and fitted by GCF backed by full 10-year guarantee

• West Highland Timber Preservation experts in timber treatment, wet and dry rot, rising damp and insect attack backed by 30-year guarantee

• Home surveys for home reports

Fort William

NESTLED IN THE SHADOW OF BEN NEVIS, SCOTLAND’S HIGHEST PEAK, FORT WILLIAM BECKONS RESIDENTS WITH ITS RUGGED BEAUTY AND OUTDOOR ADVENTURE OPPORTUNITIES.

Asthe outdoor capital of the UK, Fort William boasts unparalleled access to some of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes, including the dramatic peaks of the Scottish Highlands, tranquil lochs, and ancient forests. Residents enjoy a myriad of recreational activities year-round, from hiking and mountain biking to skiing and snowboarding in the winter months, making it an ideal haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking an active lifestyle immersed in nature’s splendour.

Beyond its natural wonders, Fort William offers a rich tapestry of culture, history, and community spirit. The town’s vibrant arts scene, with galleries, theatres, and music festivals, provides ample opportunities for cultural enrichment and creative expression. Residents also benefit from a strong sense of community, with local markets, events, and gatherings fostering connections and camaraderie among neighbours. With its stunning scenery, abundant outdoor pursuits, and welcoming atmosphere, Fort William presents an idyllic setting for those seeking a balanced and fulfilling life amidst the majesty of the Scottish Highlands.

Fort William PROPERTY MARKET VIEW

Fort

William is known as ‘The Outdoor Capital of the UK’ and offers a huge variety of tourist attractions including Ben Nevis, Glen Nevis, Aonach Mor Ski Centre and the West Highland Way. There is a wide choice of shops, hotels, restaurants, a bus station and railway station providing links to Mallaig, Glasgow, Edinburgh and London. There is a variety of supermarkets, shops, library, museum, and cinema. These attractions make it highly desirable for investors seeking a holiday home or long or short term holiday let.

New licencing laws around short

term lets has had a minimal negative effect on the demand for second homes in the area and this is very likely to continue. This makes is all the harder for first time buyers to secure their first home. Unusually for Scotland Fort William has a high percentage of ex-local authority housing.

The scope for new builds being limited by the fact the area is surrounded by mountains and lochs. However in recent years the Scottish Government has built several hundred new homes which are a mix of ‘mid-market rent’ and shared equity/ownership, which has helped to a degree.

According to Rightmove properties in Fort William had an overall average price of £215,417 over the last year, with sold prices up over the last year by 1% and 14% up on the 2021 peak of £188,380.

How to Master Moving Day

A FEW QUICK TIPS TO HELP KEEP YOU IN CONTROL ON YOUR MOVING DAY…

BE PREPARED!

1. COMMUNICATE

Keep in touch with your Conveyancing Solicitor and Estate Agent, ensure they are all prepared for completion day, and remember they are working for you. Inform your Conveyancing Solicitor of anything that could be an issue, no matter how small, they can judge if they need to do anything to ensure a smooth transaction.

2. AVOID SAME DAY EXCHANGE AND COMPLETION

If you’re in a chain of people moving this is not recommended as it would only take one person to have an issue with the exchange for all your plans to be void. If you are using Help to Buy Equity Loan the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) could take up to 1 week to release the funds between exchange and completion, whilst this may or may not apply to you, it may be relevant to some parties in the chain. Allowing a week between exchange and completion will also give you time to make final arrangements now a definite date is known such as setting up a Royal Mail postal redirect service, which takes up to 5 working days, informing your removals company, booking time off work etc.

3. ENSURE ALL THE REQUIRED FUNDS ARE READY

You should ensure your Conveyancing Solicitor has all the funds needed from you to close on completion day. Try to include in your budget an amount for other costs like changing locks, domestic connections, other miscellaneous fees and service charges etc.

4. BOOK A PROFESSIONAL MOVER EARLY

A professional removals service is recommended by the majority of house movers. They will ensure all your things are out of your home on time before the next property owners obtain possession and ensure they get your belongings to your next home safely. They can be booked in advance and a date confirmed once it is agreed with your solicitor. Professional removal companies deal with the property business on a daily basis, they can give you advice and they will be able to help guide you through some of the moving hurdles. Remember to reserve a parking space if necessary.

5. PACK UP YOUR BELONGINGS WAY IN ADVANCE OF MOVE DAY

Removals company can help with packing and can pack up your entire house in a day or two or to reduce costs you can decide to pack belongings into boxes yourself. Do start this at least a week before your move. Pack your breakables carefully with bubble wrap, or old t-shirts and curtains etc. to avoid breakages. Label all the boxes with the room they will be going to in your new house to help your removals company. Decide what you want to take with you, what you can recycle or find a new home for; envisage your new home to see where your furniture is going to be placed to save you moving anything that you do not have room for.

MOVING DAY

1. CHILD AND PET CARE

Children will want to be involved in the move, but it can be a distraction for you and unsafe environment for them. Pets also will be distressed and confused, so asking someone to help look after them on the day will allow you to concentrate on your move. If the children are old enough to help, find age appropriate tasks for them so they can feel part of the move. They could help make beverages if old enough, or help with the final clean up and say goodbye to their old house.

2. METER READINGS

Before you leave, get a final meter reading of all your metered services and call the relevant suppliers to inform them of the numbers so you can settle up the final balance and close the account ready for moving. If you don’t do this you could end up in disputes with the new owners and it’s just added stress when you could be relaxing in your new home.

3. PACK AN OVERNIGHT BAG AS IF YOU’RE GOING AWAY FOR THE WEEKEND

This will help you on your first night and day once you arrive in your new home to help you find clothes and toiletries that are otherwise packed away.

YOUR NEW HOME: WHERE TO BEGIN

1. MAKE UP YOUR NEW BEDS IN THE NEW HOUSE FIRST

When you’re tired later and you can’t face anymore unpacking, you can hop straight into a comfy bed and get a good night’s sleep. This way you will feel revived and ready to crack on again in the morning! Putting up curtains in the bedrooms are also a great start.

2. YOUR FIRST MEAL

Who knows how many helpers you will have and you are bound to have worked up an appetite. To be very organised a grocery delivery would be one less job, but you need to ensure that you have your kitchen organised by the time it is delivered. Budgeting for and locating a local takeaway delivery company so when you get hungry in the middle of building the beds and wardrobes you can have a welcome break without taking too much time off!

4. ESSENTIALS BOX PACKED AND TRANSPORTED WITH YOU

Essentials box to include; kettle, cups, tea and coffee, milk, sugar, loo roll, snacks, phone charger, small radio, tape, pens, scissors. These will be still needed in your old house and the first thing you will want to find in your new house! Remember your removal team will need refreshments too!

5. FINAL CHECKS AND CLEAN

Make sure you are fully prepared for the day ahead. Go through each room of your home and ensure that you have not forgotten anything. Do leave your old home in a clean and tidy condition for the new owners; if you have time before the move a spring clean is recommended and do remember if leaving white goods in the kitchen to give them in good condition and consider a professional oven clean. It is a good idea not to pack the vacuum cleaner and give the house a good clean once it is empty.

3. HOME INSURANCE

This may be the last thing on your mind, but do ensure your policy has started and everything is covered for your new home. It would be awful if you your foot goes through the ceiling whilst unpacking and your home insurance policy has not been updated so you’re not covered.

4. METER READINGS

As when you left your previous home, take meter readings of all your metered services, record the numbers and call the relevant suppliers to ensure your services don’t get cut off, there are no outstanding balances on these services from the previous owners and they have your new details.

5. THE NEIGHBOURS

Having good neighbours can be a great benefit. As well as making new friends, you can reciprocate keeping an eye on each other’s homes, take in deliveries if you are not at home etc.

REMOVALS SERVICE

• Domestic and commercial properties catered for

• Full disassemble and reassemble service available for larger items as well as disconnection and reconnection of all white goods

• Our optional packing service allows the clients to sit back and relax while we carefully box up their belongings for the journey

• Can source local storage with a discounted rate for our clients

• Free no obligation quotes for all enquiries. Surveys in person for local moves or via smartphone videocall for those further afield

Home Reports need to be helpful and accurate but they don’t need to be scary or expensive.

Home Report Scotland is the new and really easy customer friendly way to get your Home Report.

We promise to be fast, polite and helpful at all times. Our fees are not a secret – they are just really competitive and hard to beat.

Our unique 24/7 free quote engine lets you know exactly how much you will pay.

No hidden costs or added tax.

We couldn’t have been more impressed with the whole experience in choosing MacTavish Bathrooms. From the outset, they were helpful and professional, starting with great design tips and ideas through Stephen and his team creating our dream bathroom to the highest standard, on time and within budget. Communication was fantastic. Delighted with the service and would highly recommend them. Sam Davis

Oban

LIVING IN OBAN OFFERS A UNIQUE BLEND OF COASTAL CHARM, SCENIC BEAUTY, AND A CLOSE-KNIT COMMUNITY ATMOSPHERE.

With its stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains, islands, and sea, Oban provides a picturesque backdrop for daily life. Residents enjoy easy access to outdoor recreational activities such as sailing, kayaking, and hiking, making it an ideal location for those who appreciate an active lifestyle immersed in nature. The town’s vibrant cultural scene, including music festivals, Highland games, and ceilidhs, fosters a sense

of community spirit and belonging, creating opportunities for social engagement and meaningful connections.

Oban’s convenient amenities and services, coupled with its relaxed pace of life, make it an attractive place to call home. From quaint cafes and traditional pubs to local shops and markets, the town offers a range of amenities within easy reach, ensuring residents can enjoy a comfortable

and fulfilling lifestyle. Additionally, Oban’s proximity to larger cities such as Glasgow provides access to urban conveniences while still allowing residents to enjoy the tranquility and natural beauty of coastal living. Whether seeking a peaceful retreat or an active seaside lifestyle, Oban offers a welcoming haven for those looking to embrace the best of Scotland’s west coast.

Property prices in Oban have seen a 7% increase over the past 12 months.

Oban & Argyll

PROPERTY MARKET VIEW

LikeFort William, Oban and the surrounding areas has high demand for tourism in the summer months and first time buyers find the same issues competing with investors. Oban provides a comprehensive range of services, both commercially and culturally. The town boasts a wide variety of shops, restaurants, cafés and bars. Known as ‘The Seafood Capital of Scotland’, the town is also the Gateway to the Isles, with ferry, train and plane services linking the islands to the mainland and the central belt. Properties in Oban had an overall average price of £217,794 over the last year, up 7% on the previous year. The demand for property in and around Oban is likely to continue, making it an ideal location to set up home or invest.

Fort William Office: t.01397 705541 e.fortwilliam@alliedsurveyorsscotland.com

Inverness Office: t. 01463 239494

e. inverness@alliedsurveyorsscotland.com

Energy Saving in Your Home

ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS

Whether you’re looking to buy a or rent a new home or wondering how to assess your own home, here’s what to look out for to make sure your energy bills are as low as they can be.

CHECK THE ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE RATING

All domestic and commercial buildings in the UK available to buy or rent must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). If you own a home, getting an energy performance survey done could help you identify ways to save money on your energy bills. Much like the multi-coloured sticker on new appliances, EPCs tell you how energy efficient a building is and give it a rating from A (very efficient) to G (inefficient): the lower the efficiency, the more the home will cost to run.

HOW IS THE HOME HEATED?

Gas heating costs a lot less to run and is more energy efficient than electric alternatives. Ask the landlord or seller to leave behind any heating control instructions so you can set your controls to only heat the rooms you want to. If they can’t find them, you can download them from the manufacturers’ website. Check if radiators can be adjusted in each room, whereby you can heat the rooms you need.

IS THE LOFT INSULATED?

Loft insulation is one of the most efficient ways to keep heat from escaping in a home. The thickness of the insulation plays an important role but it’s easy to top up if there’s some there but not enough. 270mm is the recommended depth. To give an idea of cost savings, topping up from 100mm to 270mm can save around £25 a year on heating bills.

WHAT’S IN THE WALLS?

A third of the heat in an uninsulated home is lost through the walls. There are two wall types –

solid walls and cavity walls. Both can be insulated to improve the energy efficiency of a property. If the home was built from 1920 onwards there is a good chance it has cavity walls. A home with uninsulated cavity walls could cost up to £140 more to run each year than one with insulated cavities, so it’s worth finding out the state of play.

If you’ve fallen in love with a home with uninsulated cavity walls, it’s not difficult to get it fixed. Installation costs are about £450 to £500 but you should make this back in about four years.

Homes built before 1920 are likely to have solid walls. Solid walls may sound like they should be better at keeping in heat but unfortunately the opposite is true. Uninsulated solid walls can lose heat twice as fast as uninsulated cavity walls, but insulating them could save over £460 each year – so if you’re looking to move into an older build, make sure you ask about the insulation.

IT’S GOOD TO SEE DOUBLE

Double-glazed windows can save up to £165 on heating bills compared to a single-glazed property. Heavy lined curtains can help keep the heat in if doubleglazing can’t be fitted.

THE NEWER THE BOILER, THE BETTER

The latest boilers are a lot more energy efficient than older models. Check the age of the boiler and if it is Energy Saving Trust recommended. If the landlord/ seller doesn’t know, you can find out the energy efficiency of different boilers at the Boilers.org.uk website. Boilers have energy ratings, much in the same

way as homes. Once again, A is the most energy efficient and G is the lowest. Replacing a G rated boiler could save around £310 a year on running costs.

LOOK OUT FOR DRAUGHTS

Check round windows and doors for gaps. If it’s a windy day and a home is particular draughty, you can often hear the whistle of wind as it sweeps through the property. It’s quite easy to draught proof homes and there are lots of DIY options available. Draught proofing can save up to £55 a year on heating costs.

SAVE WATER, SAVE MONEY

A water meter is a great way to keep in control of your water usage and stop you flushing money down the drain. Check the home for dripping taps, which can waste gallons of water a day. It’s also worth asking if the shower has an energy saving shower head. These save water and money but still give you a powerful shower experience.

THE LIGHTER WAY TO SAVE ENERGY

Does the property have energy saving light bulbs or fittings? If so, will the landlord or seller be leaving these light bulbs behind? If not, invest in your own before you move in.

CHECK APPLIANCES

Have a look at any the seller is offering, or ask your new landlord about the energy efficiency of appliances. Fridges and freezers should come with an energy rating from A to G, with A being the most energy efficient.

Time to declutter?

IF YOU’VE EVER CONSIDERED MOVING HOUSE BEFORE AND READ BLOGS ABOUT WHERE TO START, THERE IS ALMOST ALWAYS INFORMATION ABOUT DECLUTTERING. WHY? BECAUSE CLUTTERED HOMES ARE HARDER TO SELL.

Filled with bits and bobs, piles of paperwork, shoes and coats everywhere, a cluttered house will seem smaller.

And, if you appear to not have enough room for your belongings, your house must not be big enough, right? This is the impression that a cluttered home can give potential buyers and put them off because they either a) can’t really see your home because of all the belongings in the way, or b) they’ll think that it is too small for them and their stuff too.

You might not want to get rid of all of your stuff. What if you genuinely want to keep everything that you own? And in many cases, this is the very reason you are looking to sell your home because you’ve outgrown your current one.

If everything in your home has its place, it won’t feel cluttered. It will also be easier for you and your family to keep everything nice and tidy so that you are not in a mad cleaning frenzy before every viewing appointment. And if everything is neat and organised, potential buyers will feel your home is big enough for them to live in too. This is where storage solutions come in handy.

Why? Having a decluttered home is a way to simplify your life. You know where everything is, and there is no more rummaging or tearing the house apart trying to find something.

Particularly after the festive period, you will undoubtedly add more items to your home. Gifts, toys, and clothes are all brought into your home. So, you either need to have enough space in your home for everything to go, or you will need

to get rid of something else to make room for the new things. This is often why parents will have a big clear out of kids’ toys, getting rid of anything that is broken or that the children have grown out of to make room for the new influx of toys Santa brings.

How? Boxes and baskets - things for putting things into. If everything is stored in containers of some sort in a cupboard, you will minimise the likelihood that everything will fall out onto your viewers’ heads when they open the door. Tidying away messy items into baskets or boxes will make your cupboards seem neat and clear.

No stuffing - if you have to stuff things down to get the lid on or the drawer or cupboard door shut, then it is too full. Don’t have your furniture bursting at the seams. This overfilling will distract from the lovely tidy organisation in your home.

overfilling will distract from the lovely tidy organisation in your home

Start small - we all have a junk drawer. Imagine if you had a totally organised junk drawer! This is a great place to start. It is small and inconsequential, it’s only a drawer, and it is just ‘junk’. It can be easy to get carried away, and once you’ve started clearing out every cupboard in your home, it can begin to feel overwhelming. Before you know it, you will look around, and really all you will have done is make more mess. When this happens, it’s easy to give up and stuff everything back in the cupboards that you emptied and go and get a cup of tea instead.

Buy stacking boxes for bigger cupboards: they don’t have to be expensive, but stacking boxes can be really helpful to stack and store lots of irregularly shaped items neatly. Particularly good for the loft and the back of the garage. But don’t forget to label the boxes with what you have inside; otherwise, you’ll probably never find anything again. And this will mean that some of your belongings are already packed for your move.

Use drawer dividers: These will provide separate compartments within your drawers and will keep things neat and organised and stop the ‘rummage’ effect.

Use the space that you have: Perhaps you can hang items inside the doors in cupboards. Or use shelf dividers to use the height inside your cupboards, effectively adding another shelf.

Storage solutions are the perfect way to make your home feel organised and tidy and ultimately easier to keep clean. We have all seen those mesmerising videos of people stacking their food cupboards, items decanted into matching glass jars and baskets that fit things in perfectly. In a busy family household, it’s more likely that your cupboards are stuffed and overflowing than neatly stacked and stored.

But there is a connection to selling a property here. Clear, uncluttered homes appear more spacious, and viewers will look inside cupboards! If you are planning a house move, the easiest solution is to use stacking boxes to store items you won’t need in the immediate future. This keeps superfluous things tidy and organised and gives you a head start on packing!