HELPFUL tips to make Christmas house moves less daunting are being offered by NHBC, the UK's leading warranty provider for new homes.

More than 60,000 mortgages were completed last December, meaning around eight per cent of moves took place in the run-up to December 25.

1. Write your new address into your Christmas cards and arrange for your post to be redirected.

2. Buy and wrap all your gifts before moving day and store them at a friend's house.

3. Clearly label Christmas decorations in their packing boxes and ask the removals company to place them in the bathroom; this will make them easy to find so you can prioritise decorating your new home.

4. If you don’t have time to put up a tree, hang fairy lights over the fireplace and light some candles scented with cinnamon, cloves and oranges.

5. Get to know your new neighbours by inviting them round for mulled wine and mince pies.