While a clinically and ultra minimalist house can be unwelcoming and off putting for potential homebuyers, a home cluttered with personal mementos, pet baskets and children's toys is always a bad idea.

Depersonalising your family home within reason is a must. The idea is to present your home in such a manner that viewers can imagine it as their home.

The first area to tackle is photographs. A few family pictures around one or two rooms is absolutely fine but, if your house looks like a shrine to your family, friends and past life it's time to get editing. You don't want your memories intruding on potential buyers. Reduce the number of photos to just a few and keep them to just one or two rooms at most. In particular, remove large personal photos and keep neutral, happy pictures.

Similarly, remove other personal items from around the house, such as the ironic touristy ornaments from Malaga and the sentimental but unfashionable clock from Great Aunt Sarah. In the kitchen lose the fridge magnets and postcards. In the bathroom tidy away all unnecessary items especially anything that may cause blushes to viewers. The bedroom is the hardest area to tackle but at lease make sure that all your clothes and shoes are hidden from view.

On a different note, house sellers should be aware that opening their house to the public has some downsides. Aside from grubby carpet, watch out for light-fingered viewers who may be tempted to take a memento from your home.

"Don't leave any small valuables, like small bottles of perfume or silver boxes, lying around. I wouldn't leave anything that fits in a pocket around and I don't put cutlery on a dining room table when I dress it," one property presenter stated.