They say moving house is one of the most stressful things you’ll ever do. And they’re not kidding: nearly half of house movers have conflict with their partners about the move; half of house sellers hate showing viewers round; a third of house movers regret their move; and, half house sellers/buyers are unhappy with their estate agent. 

          Buying or selling is bad enough, but most people are probably doing both. And if you’re moving with children or animals the stakes get even higher. Mortgage problems, buyers who pull out, chains, dealing with solicitors, leaving a house you love, settling kids into a new school… yep, it’s no surprise it’s so stressful.

          Which is why occupational psychologists Sandi Mann and Paul Seager have written a book to help people move with the minimum of stress. In "Upping Sticks" they’ve drawn on information from their own survey of house movers and what makes their blood boil, and they add loads of tips, character profiles, case studies and checklists to help people relax and stay chilled as they sell their home, find and buy the new house, cope with moving day, get children – and even pets – through the move, and finally settle in and meet the neighbours.