The most stressful places to move to in the UK

July 24, 2025

With more people in the UK moving homes during summer than any other season and the average cost of moving in the UK rising to over £14,000, picking the right place to move to has become more crucial than ever.

Luckily, new research from Pay Less for Storage reveals the UK cities that make life easiest for movers.

By looking into the data behind van hire availability, storage options, chain-free housing, and short-term rental supply, the study ranked towns and cities across the country to reveal where moving day is a breeze… and the places where it’s a logistical nightmare.

Together, these factors help take the pressure off moving day, especially during the busy summer season.

The least stressful cities to move to

 

These cities scored highest thanks to factors that help make moving day faster, cheaper, and less stressful.

Rank

Place

Score

1

Salford

84/100

2

Chichester

80/100

2

Cambridge

80/100

4

St Davids

78/100

4

Lincoln

78/100

4

Durham

78/100

7

Manchester

76/100

7

Stirling

76/100

7

Brighton

76/100

The most stressful cities to move to

 

At the other end of the scale, these cities leave movers facing extra challenges. For anyone planning a summer move, these cities could mean longer waits, higher costs, and more stress on moving day… who needs that?

Rank

Place

Score

73

Wolverhampton

44/100

73

London

44/100

75

Newry

42/100

76

Dundee

40/100

76

Belfast

40/100

76

Preston

40/100

76

Sunderland

40/100

80

Newport

38/100

80

Bangor

38/100

82

Lisburn

32/100

Commentary from Pay Less for Storage:

 

Matthew Wallace explains why the study focused on the real-life frustrations that can turn moving house into a logistical headache:

“We wanted to look at what really makes moving house a nightmare… and it’s not just the cost. It’s the faff.

Can you actually get a van when you need one? Is there storage nearby if your dates don’t line up? How many properties are chain-free so you’re not stuck waiting on someone else?

These are the things that cause people the most stress, especially in summer when everyone’s trying to move at once. So we built this ranking around those everyday pain points – real, practical stuff that affects how smooth (or chaotic) your move ends up being.

The idea was simple: where in the UK is it easiest to just get on with it and move? The data gave us a pretty clear answer.”

Matthew Wallace, Moving Expert at Pay Less for Storage.

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