Moving house is a perennial presence in league tables of stressful life events. Along with the break-up of a relationship, the death of a close relative and starting a new job, it is one of those events which causes inevitable angst and a certain level of upset.
Having just completed a move, I would like to share some of the high and low points we experienced during the last few months.
The first decision that will influence the level and type of stress you will experience is whether you auction or sell by private treaty. The main advantage of the auction route is that you enter a binding contract at auction, with none of the "falling-through" of a private treaty sale.
It means having a concentrated six to eight-week period of activity, which suits some people. If you prefer to take things slowly and like to reflect a little, this is not the preferred option for you.
The last week of an auction campaign is particularly hectic. The number of surveyors arriving to vet the property is usually a good indicator of real intent. Keep in touch with your solicitor - requests for draft contracts are another measure of real interest in your property.
Auction day is a nail-biter. There is an element of solitary confinement about the proceedings. The vendors are placed in a room adjacent to the auction hall, unaware of the blow-by-blow bidding process until your solicitor and auctioneer arrive back to tell you the state of play. The point of maximum stress then follows; do you place the property "on the market" or do you withdraw to negotiate another day?
It is really important to be sure of your cut-off point before the auction starts - I cannot imagine having to process this pressured decision unless you have done all the soul searching in advance.
You may be fortunate to sell on the day. With so many auction withdrawals, however, be prepared for feelings of anti-climax and deflation if your house does not sell. Even when you do sell, the adrenaline switches off slowly. It takes a couple of days to get over the intense stress of auction day.
Your home will feel different after you have sold it. The psychological process of detachment has begun. There may be some wistful moments of recollection, but soon the mechanics of moving your belongings take over.
Order a skip and be ruthless in getting rid of the inevitable rubbish accumulated by every household member over the years. Filling the skip is certainly no time for nostalgia!
Removals firms will box your belongings - it is well worth the extra money to avoid the backbreaking filling of boxes and careful wrapping of china.
The last few days before moving remain a blur. If you have children, farm them out to relatives and friends - otherwise they may be accidentally packed on the day! It's a time for lists, which you will revise at least three times a day.
Moving day is another stress high point. It is a 19-hour day, no matter how efficient you have been in the days leading up to it.
How are you going to move the cats? Will there be enough room for the wheelbarrow in the removal truck? Do you leave the wheelie bin you rent for the next owner or are you obliged to return it to the refuse company?
Finally, it's over. You close the door for the last time and hand over the keys to the solicitors. The removals van is decanting your possessions at your new home. Time for a fresh start.
