Securing a home has become the most stressful part of moving house in Australia, according to new research from Airtasker.
The platform’s Moving Report found Australians face more than 60 separate tasks when relocating, with house-hunting ranking as a major time and stress driver alongside packing, planning and preparing an existing property for sale or lease.
Buyers typically spend around 12 hours attending inspections, making offers and navigating the purchasing process.
Renters spend more than 11 hours searching, applying and attending viewings.
When buying and selling simultaneously, total moving-related tasks can consume up to 86 hours – more than two full working weeks.
On top of that, Australians take an average of 4.45 days off work to manage inspections, preparation and moving logistics.
More than half of those surveyed rated finding a home as very or extremely stressful, with renters reporting slightly higher stress levels than buyers.
Tight rental supply, competition, financial pressures and timing constraints all contribute.
Overall, 94 per cent of movers reported experiencing at least one emotional or physical challenge during relocation, with physical exhaustion and emotional overwhelm the most common.
Women reported higher stress levels across nearly all categories, while mid-life movers reported the greatest disruption due to work, family commitments and more complex household logistics.
The financial toll is also significant.
Renters face an average relocation cost of $5,128, rising to $7,676 when the value of lost time is included.
Despite the challenges, nine in ten Australians handle at least part of their move themselves, often to save money.
However, more than half later report wishing they had paid for additional help.
The research was based on internal platform data, desk research and a survey of 1,000 Australians who moved in the past five years.
