Brits Urged to Take One Simple Step to Protect Documents When Moving House
Moving house is widely recognised as one of life's most stressful experiences, and new research highlights just how chaotic it can be, with Brits frequently losing valuable items and breaking belongings. A poll of 1,000 adults who have moved in the last five years reveals that 14% spent over £150 replacing lost items, while 52% broke an average of four items during the move, costing £82 each time.
Commonly Lost Items and the Stress of Moving
The study, commissioned by the HMRC app in partnership with moving firm Pickfords, identifies chargers, clothes, and furniture screws as the most commonly misplaced items. Books were lost by 26% of respondents, and single socks or shoes by 21%. Beyond material losses, nearly nine in ten people find moving home stressful, with 51% citing the physical move as the worst part, and 38% dreading updating their new address.
Important documents emerged as the top concern for 59% of movers, surpassing worries about electronics or furniture. Passports, birth certificates, and driver's licenses are the documents people fear losing most. Alarmingly, only 63% are confident they could quickly locate key documents after a move, and 29% take over three weeks to update their address with institutions like banks, utilities, and doctor's surgeries.
How to Keep Documents Safe During a Move
Sarah McMann, chief digital product owner for the HMRC app, emphasised the risks: "Moving home can be stressful, there's a lot to keep on top of and it's easy for important documents to get lost along the way. We can help ease that pressure by keeping your tax information safe, secure, and easy to access." The research suggests that 80% of movers believe an app to track important documents would simplify the process, reducing the chaos felt by 75%.
To mitigate these issues, experts recommend taking one simple step before moving: digitally store or use a dedicated app to safeguard important documents. This approach can prevent loss and ensure quick access during the hectic transition. The HMRC app, for instance, offers a secure way to manage tax-related documents, but the principle applies broadly to all critical paperwork.
Top 20 Items Lost When Moving House
- Chargers
- Screws needed to reassemble furniture
- Clothing
- Books
- One sock or shoe
- Tools
- TV remote
- Jewellery
- Toiletries
- Photographs
- Small appliances like hairdryer or kettle
- Gardening equipment
- Financial documents
- Money
- Reading glasses
- Wall clocks
- Game controllers
- Family heirlooms
- Passport
- Furniture
In summary, moving house doesn't have to be a nightmare of lost items and broken belongings. By prioritising the safety of important documents through simple digital measures, Brits can reduce stress and protect their valuables during this challenging time.
