Brits get itchy feet in their home after five years, study finds

The research, carried out by OnePoll, found Londoners get itchy feet the quickest of any region – as they want to move less than four years in.

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The average Brit starts to get itchy feet in their home after five years, a study has found.

Researchers revealed after living happily in their homes for years, the five-year-itch hits, resulting in property owners browsing websites and estate agent windows for their next buy.

Looking online at property websites (59 per cent) and taking an interest in ‘for sale’ homes in your neighbourhood (32 per cent) are the major tell-tale signs people are considering a move.

And 31 per cent admit thinking about what they can do to get their home ready to sell (31 per cent) is another indication they’re ready to make the switch.

Anthony Ward Thomas, of Anthony Ward Thomas Removals, which commissioned the study of 2,000 adults, said: “Moving can be a challenging task, but it doesn’t need to be.

“It’s not a surprise for 54 per cent of people, cost is the most important factor when making a move.”

The research, carried out by OnePoll, found Londoners get itchy feet the quickest of any region – as they want to move less than four years in.

Those in the capital aren’t as willing to stay put in their property either, as they said they could stay at their current home for another seven years at a push – compared to those in the East Midlands who would live at their current abode for more than 13 years.

Other top signs people are looking to move home include getting fed up with the neighbours (24 per cent), not having enough storage space (23 per cent) and no longer enjoying spending time in your home (22 per cent).

However, one of the major factors putting people off moving was the thought of shifting their stuff (55 per cent).

Despite this, only 43 per cent of people who moved home previously said they used a removal company to help them.

Yet 59 per cent said if they were to move now, they’d get outside help from a specialist – highlighting just how important they are.

In fact, a staggering show of support, 92 per cent of those who had used a removal company said they would use one again.

Among the major benefits included not having to do the heavy lifting (62 per cent), being less stressful (50 per cent) and having one less thing to worry about (45 per cent).

Others included saving time (42 per cent) and not getting injured lifting heavy things (40 per cent).

Anthony Ward Thomas added: “As our results show, one of the major factors which puts people off moving is having to move their belongings.

“Using a professional company to help you pack up, move out and move in buys you peace of mind.

“It should be any delivery firm’s number one priority to ensure every single item is looked after as if it were their own and to care about every move.”

FIVE TELLTALE SIGNS YOU’VE GOT ITCHY FEET:

1. Looking online at property websites
2. Taking an interest in ‘for sale’ signs in your neighbourhood
3. Getting fed up with the neighbours
4. Not having enough storage space
5. No longer enjoying spending time in your home

TOP 5 TIPS FOR MOVING HOME, FROM ANTHONY WARD THOMAS:

1. Make a move plan – include all tasks on it and assign them to people and/or companies helping you
2. Clear the clutter – give yourself 5 categories: keep, sell, bin, store or giveaway
3. Hire professionals – don’t cut costs and do a DIY move, it pays to have peace of mind
4. Pack from the top down – start at the top and work downwards, labelling your boxes with what’s in them, where they’ve come from and where they’re going to
5. Box of essentials – from a kettle, mugs and coffee to bedding for the first night and the kid’s iPads, pack up useful items in one box.