The couch that wouldn't fit through the door in Labrador

Living in Labrador, you get used to council collections that are always months away. I'd moved into a smaller unit and the furniture from my old place simply didn't fit. I had a dining table, a buffet, a king bed frame and two bookshelves sitting in the hallway.

The suite had been assembled inside the room, I think, because nobody could remember how it got in. The recliner section had a motor and a cable running under the carpet.

Labrador is an established family suburb with older brick homes, big sheds and deep backyards, and getting things out isn't always simple. Wide streets and driveways make same day truck access straightforward.

I sent a couple of photos and got a call back within the hour. They gave me a rough idea on the phone but said they'd confirm a fixed price when they saw it in person.

They parked so the back of the truck lined up with the side gate, put a drop sheet down at the door and asked me to show them anything that was staying.

The buffet was still in good nick, and they asked if I'd mind it going to a charity shop instead of the tip. I was thrilled. It felt better than chucking it.

By the time I'd made them a coffee, it was nearly finished. The price didn't change, and they even took a couple of extra bits I'd forgotten about without charging more.

I'd tried to do it myself twice before. Next time I'm just ringing straight away.