Moving house more stressful than starting a new job as transport crisis hits the UK
The rise of the 'borrowed move': How a lack of affordable transport is seeing Brits turn to friends and family for a set of wheels
Last updated: 13/04/2026
Last updated: 13/04/2026
More than four in 10 Brits never want to move house again – because it was too stressful.
A study of 2,000 adults found 66 per cent named moving home as the most demanding moment in their life so far - so much so, that 44 per cent are adamant they don’t want to do it again. What’s more, 54 per cent of Londoners even ranked a house move as more stressful than starting a new job (27 per cent).
Moving belongings between properties came high on the list of the most stressful parts of the process, with 39 per cent doing everything themselves instead of calling in professional help. As a result, they made five trips between the old and new home, stacking the car to the brim each time – leaving 81 per cent exhausted by the whole ordeal.
The research was commissioned by temporary car insurance provider, Tempcover, following the recent exit of major car clubs, such as Zipcar.
This growing gap seems to be having a tangible impact as one in 10 have had to sell or give away furniture because they couldn’t find a way to move it. A further 13 per cent of London residents admit they haven’t been affected yet but are ‘deeply worried’ about how they will manage future moves without these services. While 11 per cent say the closure of car clubs has already made moving significantly harder or more expensive.
According to the data, it takes the average Londoner 11 hours and 30 minutes to complete a full house move, with those in the capital citing the organisation required (46 per cent) and the physical aches and pains (41 per cent) as the most exhausting elements of the entire process.
Paul Gilshan, CEO of Tempcover said: “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.”
The study also found the average home mover typically starts planning a move three months in advance. But 21 per cent experienced sleepless nights due to worry, with 37 per cent left feeling overwhelmed by the amount of ‘stuff’ they had to box up.
For 46 per cent, packing was considered the most challenging aspect, but 60 per cent felt stressed by the length of time it took to clear out the house. The risk of damaging belongings during transit (21 per cent) and the cost of professional removal services (18 per cent) were also among the most stressful things about moving. More than nine in 10 (92 per cent) believe the role of transportation is important in making the process easier, but 18 per cent have even had to delay their move or change their date entirely because they couldn’t secure a suitable van or larger car.
With high costs (43 per cent) and ‘admin-heavy’ paperwork (17 per cent) acting as major barriers to traditional rentals, it seems many movers are looking closer to home. It emerged 29 per cent borrowed a set of wheels from a friend or family member - a trend most prevalent in the North West (35 per cent), North East (34 per cent) and London (30 per cent).
Of those turning to friends or family, 39 per cent found it was significantly cheaper than hiring a professional firm or traditional rental, while 31 per cent benefited from being able to keep it for longer than planned.
Paul Gilshan, CEO of Tempcover added: “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.”
One Poll Research: Survey of 2,000 UK adults who have moved property commissioned by Tempcover in March 2026.
