To start downsizing, measure the new space, decide what must come with you, then sort your home in stages: keep, give to family, sell, donate

To move house with a dog, keep their routine as normal as possible, arrange a safe place away from the removal team on moving day

For most house moves you need strong cardboard boxes in several sizes, packing paper, tape, bubble wrap, marker pens and a few wardrobe boxes or

To pack glasses for moving, wrap each one in paper, use a small strong box with dividers, stand glasses upright and fill gaps so nothing

To pack a house for moving, start with the rooms you use least, pack room by room, label every box with its room and contents,

To move a bed, photograph it, dismantle it in order, bag and label the screws and wrap the parts. Protect the mattress with a cover

Pianos are heavy, awkward and easy to damage, so most people use professional movers. A team measures the route, protects the instrument, straps it to

To move a fridge freezer, empty and defrost it, secure the doors and shelves, keep it upright and let it stand before switching on at

To move a washing machine, disconnect it safely, drain the hoses, fit the transit bolts if you have them and keep it upright while carrying

Bursledon and Hamble are riverside villages east of Southampton, popular with families who want village life close to the city. Check school catchments with Hampshire