Why do I always forget what an utter nightmare a house move is? It all seems like a great idea at the time of signing the lease: you are buoyed with enthusiasm about a little bit more space, a different kitchen and a bath you can actually lie down in.

The other problem with my current move is that we are only renting. I can say for racing certainty that we will move again.

So far in the unpacking process I have uncovered a few gems: a Thai green curry sauce from 2010. Alarmingly this means it has survived TWO house moves. Oops. Must get down with those sell by dates.

Then there are the placemats that were given to us as a wedding present – 11 years ago – discovered unopened and still boxed (watch out if you have a birthday coming up soon).

May I also offer you some shampoo from a far-flung destination that I trousered from a hotel bedroom eons ago. Please take a few bottles; I have over 200, none of which match one another.

Anyway, last week was move-week and I am undergoing a sudden personality change, feeling compelled to hurl things – that I have hidden under a sofa for 4 years – to the wind.

Any tips on how to best survive the unpacking process are most appreciated. I think after many years of moves, I am a bit of a pro and am working on a room by room basis; don’t start on the next one until you’ve completely finished unpacking and organising the room you are working on. Agree? Disagree?

Our movers have been excellent – a bit haphazard – but it’s a small family run business and over a week, we did a whopping 12 loads. They pack like whirlwinds but smile very obligingly when asked to move any pieces of furniture around – in my case the same pieces, several times – until you finally work out where you want it. Call Jimmy on: (+65) 9671 7825.