Putting items into storage may be a good idea for many homeowners this summer as some are at increased risk of subsidence.

The number of cases could be particularly high in the next few months as a result of two consecutive wet summers and a heat wave expected this year, Halifax explains.

Homes in the south-east of the UK are especially at risk because of the clay-like nature of the soil in the area.

Neil Curling, senior structural claims manager for Halifax Home Insurance, said that "there are ways homeowners can help to reduce the risk of such damage to their home to avoid the costs, inconvenience and inevitable worry that subsidence damage brings".

If people do have to carry out renovation work on their property due to subsidence, they should consider the exterior appearance of the house as well as the inside, Homebuilding & Renovating magazine suggests.

By putting items into storage over the summer months, homeowners in high-risk areas may also be able to protect their precious belongings.

Written by Paul Governor