With more people in the UK moving homes during summer than any other season, new research from Pay Less for Storage highlights the UK cities that make life easiest for movers.
By looking into metrics like van hire availability, storage options, chain-free housing, and short-term rental supply, the study ranked towns and cities across the country to reveal where moving day is a breeze… and where it’s a logistical headache.
The cities were ranked on:
- Van hire availability – makes it easier to secure transport without last-minute panic or inflated costs.
- Storage access – gives movers the flexibility to manage belongings when the timings between homes don’t quite match up.
- Chain-free housing – reduces delays and chances of the entire thing falling through, making the buying or selling process quicker and less dependent on others.
- Short-term rental options – offer a vital safety net if move-in and move-out dates don’t line up perfectly.
- Available homes per person – means more choice and less competition, making local moves smoother and faster.
Together, these factors help take the pressure off moving day, especially during the busy summer season.
The best UK cities for moving house
These cities scored highest thanks to factors that help make moving day faster, cheaper, and less stressful. Whether you’re relocating for work, family, or a fresh start, these locations offer the kind of infrastructure that takes the hassle out of moving this summer.
| Rank | Place | Score |
| 1 | Salford | 84/100 |
| 2 | Chichester | 80/100 |
| 2 | Cambridge | 80/100 |
| 4 | St Davids | 78/100 |
| 4 | Lincoln | 78/100 |
| 4 | Durham | 78/100 |
| 7 | Manchester | 76/100 |
| 7 | Stirling | 76/100 |
| 7 | Brighton | 76/100 |
The hardest UK cities for moving house
At the other end of the scale, these cities leave movers facing extra challenges. For anyone planning a summer move, these locations could mean longer waits, higher costs, and more stress on moving day.
| Rank | Place | Score |
| 73 | Wolverhampton | 44/100 |
| 73 | London | 44/100 |
| 75 | Newry | 42/100 |
| 76 | Dundee | 40/100 |
| 76 | Belfast | 40/100 |
| 76 | Preston | 40/100 |
| 76 | Sunderland | 40/100 |
| 80 | Newport | 38/100 |
| 80 | Bangor | 38/100 |
| 82 | Lisburn | 32/100 |
Three tips for a stress-free move
Moving house is never easy, but the right preparation can make a huge difference, especially in cities where moving resources are in short supply.
Matthew Wallace, moving expert at Pay Less for Storage, shares his top advice to help summer movers stay on track:
“Moving is one of life’s biggest stress points, but it doesn’t have to be chaotic. The trick is planning ahead, from booking your van early to thinking about short-term options if timings don’t quite line up. Where you move matters, but how you move can matter just as much!”
Start packing early and label everything clearly
“One of the biggest causes of moving-day stress is leaving packing too late. People often underestimate how much time it takes and suddenly you’re throwing things into boxes at midnight the night before.
“Starting early means you can pack gradually, stay organised, and spot anything you might want to sell, donate, or throw out. Labelling is just as important. A simple marker pen telling you which room a box belongs in can save hours of hunting around at the other end.
“You’ll thank yourself when you’re not opening ten boxes just to find the kettle or your toothbrush.”
Create a moving-day essentials kit
“It might sound like a small thing, but having a moving-day essentials kit can make a huge difference. When everything’s packed away, the last thing you want is to be digging through boxes trying to find your phone charger, medication, or a clean mug for a cup of tea.
“I always recommend keeping one bag or box aside with those important items. Think: kettle, tea bags, snacks, toilet roll, important paperwork, chargers, and anything else you’ll want as soon as you arrive… oh, and the new house keys will definitely help!
“Sorting all this ahead of time helps you settle in faster and takes the pressure off an already busy day.”
Check access at both ends
“People often focus so much on packing and timings that they forget one of the most important things: checking access at both ends of the move. That means knowing where your van can park, whether you need a permit, and if there are any restrictions on the route.
“I remember one extreme case where someone hired a tall moving van but hadn’t checked their route properly – they got stuck at a low bridge en route to their new home and had to back up an entire convoy of cars behind them to escape. It’s rare, but these things can happen!
“A quick check beforehand (even test-driving the journey beforehand in your own car) can save you from a lot of unnecessary hassle on moving day.”