SO it looks like we need to rent - tips please

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Sold our house, sale appears to be going through OK, set to exchange in a few weeks. We always said that we'd rent if we didn't find "our" house, so as not to lose our sale, but now it comes to reality, I'm more than a little apprehensive about the whole moving twice thing. Who's done it, what learning can you share (see worst wordspeak thread!) - what can I do to make it bearable? What are the pitfalls? And please tell me you're glad you waited for the right house. I wish I could fast forward just for a minute to just see us settled somewhere, just so I know it will all be OK in the end. I think I need a just contemplating it.

Just done this. We ended up renting for a year. Very glad we did. House we have ended up with is much nicer than any others we saw at the time we sold. Also there was fierce competition for this house (8 offers in 2 days) and by having viewed a lot of properties we knew what we wanted/what this one was worth. Being chain free and offering a little over the asking price meant we got it! This is our 20 year house though and financially you lose out a bit. If you are planning to move again soon it may not be worth it but if you are looking for a 20 year house it may be very sensible.

I guess you need to think about whether to rent unfurnished (so you don't have to store your furniture), or furnished (which would mean stuff could stay in storage and it might be easier for you.

we did this, and did get a great house because we could move quickly and were cash buyers. BTW nowhere near London.

it is a pain moving twice, and we rented a flat so had storage so that was lots of organising, but paid off, especially as it was a distant move. Remember you'll need storage insurance.

be an informed tenant; clued up about gas safe, deposit protection, access, etc etc. Most landlords are decent but clueless tenants are prey for those that aren't.

the six months minimum AST should be enough time to complete a purchase. Oh, and if you are holding a lot of cash remember to split it between banking licences. You'll get stuff all interest now.