Removal of the Romance: Almost One in Five Couples Split Due to Moving House

  • Research from AnyVan reveals real relationship woes brought on by the moving process, with 70% of couples arguing during the moving process and almost one in three Brits (31%) claiming that moving house had a detrimental impact on their sex life
  • Over a quarter (28%) of Brits got the ‘ick’ from their partner when moving, with the research uncovering ten of the biggest moving icks amongst British couples
  • The delivery and removal technology platform has teamed up with relationship expert Jo Hemmings to share top tips for couples on keeping the romance alive during the process

10th May 2023, London, UK: It appears you shouldn’t unpack too soon after moving house, as the process has led to permanent relationship breakdown for almost one in five couples (17%), with Gen Z couples the most likely to split after moving in together.

Research commissioned by AnyVan, the UK based leading delivery and removals technology platform, has revealed the real relationship woes for millions of British couples as a result of moving house. 70% admitted that the moving process led to them arguing with their partner, while almost one in ten (9%) said they didn’t speak to their partner for an entire day after they moved in. 

The most common cause of arguments was the financial stress of moving home (31%), in second place was deciding on which items to keep and throw out (21%) and in third was people feeling that their partner was lazy (15%).

What’s more, moving house has an impact on Brits’ sex lives. Almost one in three (31%) couples said that the house move had a detrimental impact on their sex lives, with one in five (20%) saying that moving stress lowered their libido. Millennials were most likely to have their sex lives impacted, with over a third (36%) saying that moving in with their partner had a detrimental impact on their sex life. 

Moving house also changed the way that many Brits view their partner, with over a quarter (28%) saying they were given the moving ‘ick’. The research revealed ten of the most unattractive things someone can do during a house move:

  1. Being disorganised 
  2. Changing their voice to speak to the removal team
  3. Forgetting the house keys
  4. Trying to carry too much
  5. Dropping an item of furniture
  6. Not being able to pick up a moving box
  7. Screaming ‘PIVOT’ when carrying a large piece of furniture
  8. Saying ‘home sweet home’ when walking through the door of the property for the first time
  9. Dropping a moving box
  10. Passing up the help of the removal team to carry an item themselves

To help couples navigate the stresses of moving house and to keep the romance alive, AnyVan has partnered with relationship expert Jo Hemmings to provide ten top tips for the move:

  1. Communicate openly and honestly: Moving house can be a highly stressful time, so it’s essential to communicate openly and honestly with your partner. Share your thoughts, feelings, and concerns, and work together to find solutions.
  2. Plan ahead: Moving house involves a lot of planning and organisation. Work together to create a moving checklist, delegate tasks, and set realistic deadlines to ensure that everything gets done on time. AnyVan can help make your move as easy and stress-free as possible by providing a dedicated move coordinator who will take care of the whole process for you. It can take a lot of the stress out of the planning for you – as they are there to help with friendly advice and professional, practical solutions.
  3. Take breaks: Just thinking about moving can be exhausting, so make sure that you take breaks and spend some down time with your partner. Go out for a meal, take a walk, or watch a movie together to recharge and reconnect. Or spend time together as a family, reinforcing your bonds rather than neglecting them.
  4. Maintain intimacy: Moving can disrupt your routine, but it’s essential to maintain intimacy in your relationship. Make time for physical touch, hugs, and kisses, even if you’re both tired or stressed. Don’t let the little irritations that are bound to crop up become bigger issues.
  5. Show appreciation: Moving house requires a lot of hard work, so make sure to show appreciation for your partner’s efforts. Say thank you, offer compliments, and recognise their contributions to the move. You are operating as a team working towards your new home together.
  6. Practice self-care: Moving can take a toll on your physical and mental health, so prioritise self-care. Get enough sleep, exercise, eat healthy foods, and take breaks when needed to recharge.
  7. Celebrate milestones: Moving house can be a long process, so celebrate milestones along the way. Whether it’s packing up a room or completing a task, take time to acknowledge your progress and celebrate together.
  8. Keep the romance alive: Moving house doesn’t have to put your romantic life on hold. Plan date nights, surprise your partner with thoughtful gestures, and continue to make time for each other. Explore the potential for nights out together in your new area if you get a chance.
  9. Create a new routine: Moving to a new home can disrupt your routine, so create a new one that works for both of you. Plan meals, set a bedtime routine, and schedule time for relaxation and fun activities.
  10. Embrace the adventure: Moving to a new home can be an adventure and be both exhilarating and exciting, so embrace it together, whatever the reason for your move. Explore your new neighbourhood, try new restaurants, and create new memories that you’ll cherish for years to come.

Emma Rahmani, Moving Expert at AnyVan, said: “We know that moving can be a stressful experience for many, but it doesn’t have to be. As our tips from Jo Hemmings show, there are many processes that couples can put in place, from arranging a highly trusted and affordable removal service to improved communication, to help them overcome the stresses that moving house may bring – and hopefully turn it into a truly exciting experience.”

Scott Calland

Scott Calland is a highly regarded content specialist with an English Degree. He has a passion for creating compelling content as a UK journalist that engages, informs, and entertains readers. With over 10 years of experience in creating news publications as a reporter, Scott has developed a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of how to craft content that resonates with audiences. Working closely with data analysts Scott’s research on topics is unrivalled for latest news updates.

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