January is cold, bleak (and very snowy) and usually a time when parents look at the cost of Christmas and feel like the January pay day is a long long way away. It is a time when people focus their minds on saving money or making changes as it feels like the perfect time to spring clean your life and finances!

Consideration of moving house is always something that a new year brings in our house and the debate of do we need to move, where do we move and what mortgage should we get? With two children in tow, a cat and a significant amount of small toys, not to mention my (ahem) shoe collection, this is not a decision that can be taken lightly. 

In all seriousness, moving house is more about location, school catchment areas and crime rates, who would have thought I would get all sensible in my old age? Once upon a time, my only consideration was fabulous decor and a comfortable bed but now, ensuring a safe neighbourhood and good schooling for my children is of paramount importance to our house location (not discounting the fabulous decor and comfortable bed of course).

My eldest daughter is a creature of habit, if I move the furniture around she gets upset and I can't tell you the tears that ensued when we changed our car so moving house will have to be for a very special reason or a very special house. With my youngest daughter coming out of the baby phase, maybe another addition to our current household maybe the reason we need ....... but shhhh don't tell my other half just yet!