Family situations and schooling can often play a big part in a person's decision to move house.

This is the opinion of John Shepherd, a fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics), who believes that mothers like live close to their child's school so they do not have to make long journeys every day.

Therefore, if they live in a "remote locality", they may have problems getting to school unless there are options in the village.

Mr Shepherd explained that moving to a rural property is often a decision taken later in life.

He said: "Most people will move out into rural areas when their families have left home. When they have not got the problem of accessing schools then sometimes people will move out."

Last week these claims were supported by RM Bidwells, who suggested that retirees often like to escape the noise and hassle of city life and purchase a property in the country.

When making a move to the country or downsizing to a quaint cottage, storage can be one of the best ways to ensure possessions are safe during the process.

Written by Paul Governor