Moving on

Whether you’re renting or buying, moving house is considered one of the major stresses in life, right up there with illness and relationship breakdowns.

But, like it or loathe it (and most people loathe it), it’s something that happens to each of us at some stage of life.

There are a number of different ways we can move -“ from totally glamorous to totally backbreaking. The total glamour move usually happens when a company wants to relocate a highly regarded employee, and they pay for everything.

People come in with boxes, pack everything up, clean up the mess, transport the items to the new house and then unpack them. Heaven!

Then there’s the bottom-feeder move. I’ve heard of students moving from a share house in one part of Newtown to a share house in another part of Newtown without even using a car. They went to Marrickville Metro, stole a couple of shopping trolleys and moved their possessions that way.

Of course, there’s a happy medium.

If we don’t feel like ruining a weekend lugging heavy furniture up stairs and down streets and we don’t have big burly mates with trucks, most of us are happy to at least pay a couple of guys to help us out.

Removalists come in all shapes and sizes, from backpackers working illegally (with little knowledge of Sydney streets, road rules or how to carry boxes safely) to professionals who will turn up on time, make sure nothing gets damaged and leave everything clean.

The best way to find a removalist is by asking around. If someone you know has recently moved, ask them if the experience was positive. There’s nothing worse than adding to a stressful experience with a bad removalist.

When it comes to packing, think of carriage. There’s no point sourcing a room full of washing machine boxes and filling them up with books; no-one will be able to lift them and you’ll end up spending more time taking everything out. The best boxes are ones that one person can lift comfortably.

Moving can also be an ideal time to get rid of some crap. It’s amazing how much stuff builds up over a few years. With the right attitude and the right help, a move can actually be a rejuvenating experience.