Moving home has been ranked the most stressful life event by UK adults with more than four in 10 saying they would avoid doing it again, new research suggests.
A survey of 2,000 people found 66% consider moving house the most demanding experience they have faced, ahead of milestones such as starting a new job. In London, 54% said a house move was more stressful than beginning a new role, highlighting the pressure associated with relocating in the capital.
The findings point to both physical and logistical challenges, with 39% of movers opting to transport belongings themselves rather than using professional services. On average, respondents made five trips between properties, with 81% reporting exhaustion by the end of the process.
Transport availability is emerging as a key issue, particularly following the withdrawal of some car club services. Around one in 10 respondents said they had been forced to sell or give away furniture due to difficulties moving items, while 18% delayed or rearranged their move because they could not secure a suitable vehicle.
INCREASED STRESS LEVELS
The research indicates that the average London move takes more than 11 hours, with organisation and physical strain cited as the most challenging aspects. Packing was identified as the single biggest pressure point, with 46% ranking it as the most difficult part of the process, while 60% said the time required to clear a property added to stress levels.
Concerns around damage to belongings (21%) and the cost of removal services (18%) also featured prominently, alongside broader affordability pressures. More than nine in 10 respondents said transport plays a crucial role in easing the moving process.
The data also highlights a growing trend towards informal solutions, with 29% of movers borrowing vehicles from friends or family. This approach was most common in the North West, North East and London, driven largely by cost considerations and the flexibility it offers.
LOGISTICS CHALLENGE
Paul Gilshan (main picture, inset), CEO of Tempcover, says: “Moving house is often talked about as an exciting fresh start, but for many people the logistical reality is far more challenging.
“From figuring out how a life’s worth of belongings fit into a vehicle, to coordinating paperwork and navigating pressured timelines, it can feel like a constant to-do list that never quite ends.
“With car club footprints varying by region, and the rising cost of living making car ownership unaffordable for many, the need for more transport options when moving house is real. The pressure only intensifies during a house move, leaving many feeling stranded at a time when they need reliable, flexible transport most.”
INSURANCE COVER
He adds: “It’s important for movers to know that there are more flexible options to facilitate moves. Temporary insurance allows you to get fully comprehensive cover on a borrowed van or car for anything from one hour to 28 days – perfect for a move that takes a single afternoon to multiple trips over several weeks.
“Crucially, it protects the owner’s no claims discount, meaning you can borrow the right vehicle for the job without the insurance anxiety. By taking the stress out of logistics, movers can focus on the more joyous occasion of starting a fresh chapter in their new home.”
