73% OF HOME MOVERS SAY POOR PLANNING WASTED HOURS - HERE'S WHAT WENT WRONG

• 73% of UK home movers lost time due to poor planning or logistical challenges.

• 40% of movers lost 4 - 9 hours during the process.

• 47% of first-time renters underestimated how many trips they'd need due to not having access to a van or a bigger vehicle, causing major time setbacks.

From packing and moving boxes to setting up utilities, moving house has long been recognised as one of life's most stressful experiences. But why is moving house so challenging, and what can be done to help things go more smoothly?

A new nationwide survey​​ from temporary van insurance experts Tempcover surveyed 2,000 home movers, revealing the unexpected challenges of moving home. The survey highlights the time and effort involved, shedding light on why it's often more stressful, time-consuming, and expensive than anticipated.

 Nearly 1 In 3 Expected To Move House In Just One To Two Trips

One of the most common misconceptions shared by respondents was the number of trips required to move their belongings. 31% of movers expected to complete their move in just 1-2 trips; however, only 26% of movers were able to do so, suggesting that many underestimated how much stuff they had or how much space they needed.

First-time renters were particularly affected, with nearly half (47%) saying they underestimated the number of trips needed due to not having access to a van or a bigger vehicle. 

83% of Moves Took Longer Than One Day

For many movers, what should have been a straightforward day turned into a drawn-out ordeal due to poor planning and not having a big enough vehicle for all of their belongings.

While 17% of respondents completed their move in a single day, the majority faced a more prolonged experience. In fact, over four in five ( 83%)  said it took longer than one day, with 29% needing up to two days, and 23% saying it stretched to three to six days.

A significant 12% of movers said it took a full week to 10 days, and 18% reported needing anywhere from two weeks to over a month to fully complete their move. These figures highlight a common disconnect between expectation and reality.

Nearly three-quarters of movers (73%) admitted to losing valuable time due to avoidable issues, like logistical oversights or inadequate transport. Among first-time buyers, 40% said they lost between four and six hours during their move.

 Packing Is the Most Time-Consuming Task For Buyers And Renters

From wrapping and boxing to trying to keep track of what's going where, packing demands focus, patience, and time, something many movers didn't anticipate. It topped the list as the most time-consuming part of the process for 43% of respondents. 

Decluttering came next, with 24% saying it took up the most time, and for many, it wasn't just time-consuming. In fact, 31% of respondents said decluttering was the most stressful part of their move, second only to packing (32%). Other stressors included the logistics of transport and storage (14%) and leaving behind the familiarity of an old home (9%).

Beyond the boxes and logistics, moving takes an emotional toll. Many Brits struggle to feel truly at home after the upheaval of a move. 

According to the survey results, it takes home movers a month or more to feel settled in their new home (37%), but for others, the feeling lasts far longer. Up to 8% of experienced renters said their new property still doesn't feel like home.

 How To Reduce The Stress Of A Move

Based on the findings, Tempcover has provided a few simple tips that can make a big difference to the move:

1. Borrow a bigger vehicle:
   The most common regret among movers was underestimating how many trips were needed. Over one in three said not having access to a van or a bigger vehicle meant more journeys than expected. A possible solution is to borrow one from a friend or relative, but if you do, make sure you have temporary insurance in place to make sure you're covered.
    

2. Plan ahead and list everything:
   Take full stock of your belongings early and create a realistic moving plan. Include buffer time for unexpected trips or delays.
    

3. Declutter before you pack:
   Reduce what you have to move by donating, recycling or reselling items you no longer need - reselling could even make you some money for décor in the new place. It'll also save space, especially if you're borrowing a vehicle and only have access to it for a short period of time.
    

4. Label everything clearly:
   What might seem like overkill can save hours when unpacking and means you avoid losing important items in the chaos.
    

5. Don't go it alone:
   Enlist help where you can from friends and family to ease the load and make the day(s) run more smoothly.

 Claire Wills-Mckissick, expert  in temporary van insurance at Tempcover, adds: 

"One of the most common issues people face when moving is underestimating how much space they'll actually need to transport their belongings. Whether you're hiring a removal company or borrowing one from a friend, many movers end up making more trips than they anticipated, often due to a lack of preparation or underestimating the scale of the job. 

Planning ahead and ensuring you have the right vehicle can save you time and stress. Temporary van insurance offers a flexible, affordable solution, allowing you to get coverage for just the time you need. It's an option that helps reduce unnecessary trips, can make the entire moving process smoother and more efficient, and ensures you're properly covered during your move."