Define clearly the function of each room or part of the room. A bedroom should where possible have a bed in it rather than used a storeroom. A study area should have a desk and chair and a dining kitchen should have a small table and chairs

• Plants provide good feng shui and can purify the air

• Depersonalise: Remove the personal items which get in the way of the viewer imagining his or herself moving into your home: family photographs, souvenirs, slippers, signs of domesticity etc all get in the way of this essential process

• Tidy the garden and edge the lawn. Remove dead plants and leaves and if possible pressure hose the path. There is a theory that potential buyers make up their mind about the property in the first three minutes so the drive-by impression is crucial

• Final touches – new white linen for sheets and fluffy white towels. Cushions often work best in bolder colours to counterbalance the bland cream walls

For more information on what to do before a viewing click here