How many of us live in our 'forever' home? It's much more likely to be your 'first' home, the 'next step' home, the 'one before the forever' home...

But this doesn't mean that we have to live in a house we don't like! It may be years before our first property becomes our second, so although you may not want to spend thousands of pounds on a house that may not be your home anymore in a few years, there are always benefits to keeping it looking and feeling fresh and new.

Firstly, a house you are proud of is sure to elevate the mood and motivation of the people living in it. Existing in a home that is tired, dated, unfinished or messy is unlikely to result in a happy family.

Secondly, by keeping your house looking as good as possible, when it does come time to sell, you are much more likely to get the result you want. If you've watched 'Phil Spencer: Secret Agent' on Channel 4, you'll know how much some people have to spend just to get their homes to an acceptable level. Do you really want your home to be on the market for months – or even years – and potentially have to accept a lower price than you'd want because you haven't looked after it over the years?

Redecorate!

It's amazing what a lick of paint can do to revitalise a sad-looking home. Based in Burwell near Newmarket, Lofts & Griffiths are experienced painters and decorators who offer a range of professional, affordable services, including interior and exterior painting, wallpapering, coving and tiling for walls and floors, as well as general maintenance – you know, those little jobs and repairs that you know need to be done but always get overlooked.

Please click here for more information about Lofts & Griffiths.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to do your own painting, make sure you take a trip to the Newmarket Paint Company, where you will find absolutely everything you need. Catering to the trade and DIY, painting and decorating supplies available at Newmarket Paint Company include gloss and emulsions, primers and undercoats, specialised paints, varnishes and wood treatments. 

Please click here for more details about Newmarket Paint Company.

Clean those carpets!

No, we are not accusing you of never hoovering, but the fact is that over the years your flooring goes through a lot. Kids, pets, general footfall – they can really affect your carpets, leaving them looking dull and discoloured.

New Clean in Newmarket are local carpet and upholstery cleaners (that's right – you can also have your upholstery cleaned at the same time!) who will rejuvenate your carpets, rugs, hard flooring and upholstery, leaving your home looking bright, fresh and as good as new.

Please click here for further details about New Clean.

Is it time to move?

If you're at a point where no amount of paint or refreshed carpeting is going to change the fact that you are ready to move, perhaps it's time to call in the experts.

Pocock and Shaw and Morris Armitage are two of the leading estate and letting agents in Newmarket. Whether you are planning on buying or renting, you will benefit from years of expertise, in-depth knowledge of the local area and a tailored, enthusiastic approach.

Please click here to find out more about Pocock and Shaw and Morris Armitage.

And of course, once you have found your new home, you'll need the services of a local solicitor. Whatley Lane and Bendall and Sons both offer a range of conveyancing and property law services, leaving you safe in the knowledge that the transaction between you and the seller, plus all of the usual legalities, are being looked after by the experts.

Please click here for more information about recommended solicitors in Newmarket.