Moving Home in 2026? 15 Things to Think About and Prepare

Moving home is a major life moment that requires equal parts strategy and soul-searching, and the key to success lies in how much thought and preparation go into making such a big decision.

Whether you’re wondering whether to stay put and improve, how to attract the best buyer, or when’s the right time to sell, breaking the process down into manageable steps keeps the overwhelm in check.

Over many years of selling homes in the Wilton and Salisbury area, and across every price range, we’ve noticed how so many homeowners ask exactly the same questions, and share the same concerns.

With that in mind, we’ve created this guide to help you navigate the journey ahead, including:

• The ‘Love It or List It’ dilemma.

• Decorating, decluttering, and DIY.

• Weighing up whether to extend.

• Finding your next home.

• Getting ready to sell.

Deciding whether to move is the first hurdle, and once that choice is made, the real work begins. So let’s dive into 15 things to think about and prepare for moving home in 2026.

LOVE IT OR LIST IT?

If you’ve seen the latest TV show with Phil and Kirsty, you’ll have shared the dilemma of homeowners split between improving or selling their current home to move on with their life and plans.

• The costs of moving—agent fees, legal costs, stamp duty, and removals—can be significant, and this ‘moving pot’ could cover all or much of the budget for home improvement projects.

• Staying and improving avoids moving upheavals, but you won't escape disruption, from months of mess and builders to decision-fatigue around finishes, problems and cost management.
  

• If you love your neighbourhood - from excellent schools to wonderful neighbours to a full social life - moving away might cost you more than money. But without those ties, you’re free as a bird.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to whether your home has the physical potential to evolve and a location that gives you everything you need. Without that combination, it’s probably time to sell.

WEIGHING UP WHETHER TO EXTEND

Extending can be a brilliant way to create your forever home without having to move, as long as your investment meets all your lifestyle requirements and adds more value than it costs to build.

• Look at nearby streets for inspiration and potential builder recommendations. This can help you see what the local authority may allow, and give you confidence in choosing a contractor. 

• Some extensions, like an extra bedroom over a garage or in a roof space, add clear capital value. More personalised projects may not, so check with local agents - like us! - for sound advice.

• Even if you don't build, having planning permission in place can be a huge selling point that puts your home on the radar of wealthier buyers looking for larger homes.

Whether you build for yourself or secure permission for the next owner, the key is ensuring that every extra square foot makes sense, either for your own lifestyle or your eventual sale price.

DECORATING, DECLUTTERING, AND DIY

Presentation can be the difference between a buyer making an offer or moving on, so if you’re going to sell and you want a speedy sale at a premium price, think about the picture of life you’re presenting.

• From neutralising a colour palette to adding a bold feature wall, a fresh coat of paint can work wonders, from making rooms feel bigger and brighter, to injecting a stylish and cosy flair.

• Decluttering isn’t about minimalism; it’s about removing visual noise from shelves, kitchen worktops, bathroom surfaces, and, for fabulous first impressions, your entrance hall.

• Everyone has minor DIY jobs they’ve ignored for years - from dripping taps to loose handles to grubby grouting - but buyers often see them as a list of neglect and possible hidden issues.

Tip: find your ideal decluttering method in our previous blog and set a scene for buyers that’s free of the distractions of stuff, or the worries of potential problems.

FINDING YOUR NEXT HOME

Finding your next home requires a mix of realistic expectations and being market-ready, as the best homes often go to those who have their ducks in a row before they start viewing.

• In the eyes of a seller, a buyer with their finances in place and a home that’s already under offer will take priority over someone, no matter how nice, who isn’t in a position to move.

• It’s rare to find a home that hits 100% of your wishlist. Be open to somewhere that meets at least 80% of your needs, and where you can achieve the rest through a few personal tweaks.

• When viewing, keep your objections to things you can’t change, like the orientation of the garden, the view, local amenities and connectivity. You can sort everything else.

Remember: not every dream home is oven-ready, but by being prepared and flexible, you can move quickly on ‘the one’ when opportunity knocks, then add your own stamp for years of joy.

GETTING READY TO SELL

A successful sale is rarely an accident; it’s the result of thoughtful preparation and picking your perfect selling partner. Here are some things to consider to maximise your chances of a smooth move.

• Choose your agent based on their evidence, strategy, and service standards. As we’ve explored before, overpricing and long contracts can be catastrophic for your sale. 

• Gather certificates and warranties (building works, new windows, service contracts, etc), instruct a solicitor, and complete the property information forms now to speed up the legal process.

• While you can sell at any time, the early months of the year are prime for capturing the Spring surge, and if you want your move to happen before the year ends, now’s the time to start.
  

Planning your sale with care takes the gamble out of moving. When you combine a well-presented home with precision pricing and a great agent, you create the ideal conditions for a premium result.

Is moving home in 2026 part of your plans?

We know you have a choice of estate agents in the Wilton and Salisbury area, and we’d love to show you how we’ll take great care of you and your home to find your perfect buyer and get you the highest possible price.

Call us on 01722 580059 or email us at info@piccoloproperty.co.uk for a friendly chat, and let’s start planning together to make your move a success.