Removal of the Romance: A Discussion

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 due to moving house. For example, 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; in second place was deciding which items to keep and throw out, and in third was people feeling that their partner was lazy. 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 effect 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.

The moving ick

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

Ten tips for the move

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 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 and 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 downtime with your partner. Go for a meal, 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 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 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.

There's no doubt that moving can be - and often is - a stressful process. But is it worth risking your relationship to undertake the task alone?

A professional removal company - such as AnyVan? - can provide much-needed relief. We can handle your belongings, pack them securely, load them onto trucks, and transport them safely to your new home, freeing up your time and energy and giving you peace of mind and the opportunity to focus on other important aspects of the moving process without the need to argue with your significant other.

With a professional removal company, you can sit back, relax, and start looking forward to your new home without the added stress of worrying about your possessions, so why not get your move started today in the right way?