Research by Money Supermarket found that 86% of recent movers described the process as ‘stressful’.

More than half (55%) said the process was more stressful than anticipated and 46% did not feel in control of the sale process.

The most stressful experience was packing their belongings from their old home, with 71% of people citing this as a problem. Finding a property at the right price (62%), finding the right location (57%) and dealing with estate agents (56%) were also highlighted by home movers.

This stress also had an impact on other aspects of a buyer’s life. One-in-five movers said they were left distracted at work, with 19% taking time off to get things sorted.

The same proportion of people also said they had to compromise their employment in order to move.

Relationships also suffered with a quarter (24%) of people finding their partner had been impatient with them

Dan Plant, consumer expert at Money Supermarket, said that the length of time taken to move also proved problematic for many movers.

“Whether for the first time, or stepping up the ladder, moving home is a momentous life choice for people to make,” he said.

“There is so much to consider, both before, and after keys are handed over, and as it takes an average of six months just to find a property, it’s understandably stressful and has a knock on effect in all aspects of people’s lives. It should be a really exciting time, but unfortunately the most common words people associate with moving are ‘tiring’, ‘draining’ and ‘frustrating’.”