Almost half (48%) of Brits have experienced at least one item being broken or damaged during a house move, a survey has found.
The study, conducted by the UK’s leading comparison site for moving home services Compare My Move, also uncovered that 12% of UK adults at least one item damaged during their last house move, 19% admitted to having two items damaged, 9% saw three items, 2% saw four and 6% saw five or more items falling victim to the process.
When it comes to the most fragile casualties of the big move, mirrors top the list, making up 23% of all damaged goods. Crockery (20%) and tables (18%) follow closely behind.
37% of those who had experienced damaged items admitted they could have spent more time packaging their items properly, while 33% confessed they were the ones who broke the items. 30% of people who experienced breakages during a house move blamed the removal service they used.
Dave Sayce, Co-Founder of Compare My Move, said of the findings:
” With almost three in 10 people searching for a new home, the results show a continued appetite for change despite wider economic pressures. Moving is a huge life event, and unexpected breakages can make it that much more stressful. The good news is that many of these incidents are avoidable with a little planning and the right help. Here are my five top tips to avoid any breakages while moving home.
- Invest in quality packing materials – Strong boxes, bubble wrap, and packing paper make all the difference. Avoid reusing old boxes that may have lost their strength.
- Label everything clearly – Mark boxes with ‘Fragile’ or ‘This Way Up’, so your movers know how to handle them.
- Use a trusted removal service – Always use a site like Compare My Move to search for reviewed, vetted, and insured removal professionals. You can compare services and prices to find the best fit for your move.
- Disassemble larger furniture – Taking apart tables, beds, and shelving where possible reduces the risk of damage during transport.
- Take time to pack properly – Rushing leads to breakages. Set aside dedicated time to carefully pack, pad, and secure your belongings.
