Are you currently planning for the big move into your new family home? Congratulations! The start of a new chapter is truly exciting However, there is a lot of work to do in relation to organizing the logistics. This guide to the latest moving industry trends will help you find the road to success.
Whether you’re relocating for work, to reunite with family, or to embrace a new way of living doesn’t matter. A look at the moving industry statistics will help you understand the potential costs and save you from getting ripped off. In turn, you can start the process with the confidence you deserve.
Whatever stage of the moving preparations you’re at, the Mercury Auto Transport team is here to help. Check out the moving industry statistics below and your big move will instantly look in better shape. Here’s all you need to know.
Key Takeaways
- Average moving costs can range from $200 – $17,000+ depending on the size of the home and the distance covered.
- 27.3 million Americans move annually, although this is down from over 35 million just a few years ago.
- Millennials (15%) and Gen Z (12%) are the most likely to move while the 60+ demographic is far less active.
- Moving industry statistics show that the sector is worth $21.7bn in 2023, which signals growth despite recent challenges.
- Interstate moving is completed by an estimated 3 million Americans annually while 58% of all moves occur in the same county.
- An estimated 20% of Americans say they either changed their residence due to the pandemic or know someone who did.
Interesting General Moving Statistics 2023
When considering the 2023 moving industry trends ahead of your move, it’s important to know that several variables will influence the expected costs. This includes the location, distance between the two properties, and the number of possessions that need to be transported. Furthermore, complex issues like shipping a vehicle will have a lasting impact.
As a rule of thumb, Forbes(1) estimates the average costs of moving a three-bedroom house locally in the U.S. to stand at $2,100 while long-distance moves average out at $5,500. Depending on the size of your property, however, you can expect to pay the following fees for a short-distance move;
- Studio apartment – $200 to $1,000.
- 2 bedroom – $450 to $2,250.
- 3 bedroom – $700 – $3,500.
- 4 bedroom – $900 – $4,500.
- 5 bedroom – $1,500 – $7,500.
Of course, prices will increase greatly if moving interstate or overseas. Long-distance moving costs can start from $950 (or up to $2,800) when taking the possessions of a studio home on a 250-mile journey to $17,000 (or as low as $7,800) when moving the household goods of a five-bedroom property 2,500 miles.
Types of Moves and Trends Prediction
Moving industry statistics show that 27.3 million Americans(2) (8.6% of the population) move home each year. However, no two home movers are identical, which is why it’s important to understand local and long-distance moving industry trends.
A deeper analysis of the data can help homeowners and renters find the cheapest way to move across the country or county. Knowledge is power and knowing what to look for will streamline the process of finding professional movers. Choosing the practical and cost-efficient firm also ensures that the expert route will deliver better outcomes than the DIY approach.
For the clearest insights, it’s important to look at the local moving industry trends as well as long-distance moving industry statistics. Some of the key findings in relation to local, interstate, and international moving are;
- Moving industry statistics show that 58% of all moves occur within the same county(3) while a further 23% are in the same state.
- Interstate moving is completed by an estimated 3 million Americans annually(4), at an average cost of $4,100.
- New Jersey, South Carolina, and Maryland have seen the biggest growth(5) in recent times as people move to those states. Conversely, New York, Texas, and North Carolina have seen the largest volume of people moving out.
- An estimated 2-2.5% of moves(6) are international with residents emigrating from America.
- Forecasts suggest that more people will move over the next few years due to 55% of adults stating a desire to relocate(7), along with the return to normality after COVID-19 and falling house prices.
As people stick to local moves, they must also appreciate issues like driving in the city while moving but may be positioned to stay in their current job and avoid other challenges faced with long-distance relocations.
Moving Rates
While 27 million Americans relocate each year, it is shown that 75% have some regrets(8) due to issues ranging from the property size to the time taken to complete the process, hassle, and unexpected costs.
The top states that people are moving to are; Florida (2%), South Carolina (1.79%), Montana (1.59%), Idaho (1.57%), Delaware (1.4%), Tennessee (1.27%), Arizona (1.27%), South Dakota (1.23%), North Carolina (1.18%), and Texas (1.16%).
It is also shown that up to 80% of all moves(9) happen in the summer season of April through to September with the busiest days being May 30 – June 1. The weekends are generally far busier than Mondays through Thursdays, largely because people are off from work.
However, the increased demand may increase the costs associated with hiring a moving company for household goods or shipping your care across the country. Every homeowner must take this into account when planning their move.
Moving Demographics
Research into the demographics of people who move makes for interesting reading too. The U.S. Census Bureau stats(10) show that Hispanic Americans (15%) and African Americans (10%) are more likely to move than White Americans (8%).
The same study also highlighted that Millennials (15%) and Gen Z (12%) are the age groups that move most frequently. In comparison, just 5% of people aged 60+ move annually. Another clear distinction is between homeowners (5%) and renters (16%), which aligns with the fact that housing prices are cited as the main reason for moving by 44% of buyers.
Other interesting stats show that males are 1.8% more likely to move than females(11) while BA degree holders (8.5%) move more frequently than people who only graduated high school. Meanwhile, people who have never married have a moving rate that is more than twice that of married couples.
Stats About The Moving Industry
Analyzing property prices isn’t the only key step toward a successful move. You will also need to factor in living costs, hidden fees such as legal expenses, and moving costs.
The costs attributed to the move itself are often overlooked. Painting a clearer image courtesy of the latest moving industry statistics should enable you to avoid any nasty surprises.
Here are some of the key statistics that can support homeowners and tenants ahead of their moves;
- There are 17,154 moving industry companies(12) operating in America as of 2023.
- While 8.4 million Americans move annually, only 22.7%(13) hire a full-service professional moving company
- Moving industry statistics show that the sector is worth $21.7bn(14) in 2023.
- The moving industry is 18th on the list(15) of Transport and Warehousing sectors.
- Just under half(16) of all moving companies hire fewer than five employees.
Many people who complete an interstate move will also ship their cars across the country. When taking this route, achieving alignment with all aspects of the move is essential.
How The Pandemic Affected The Moving Industry
The COVID-19 pandemic impacted virtually every aspect of our lives and moving industry statistics show that home moving was no different. In fact, it has started new moving industry trends that highlight a changing landscape.
While 27 million people moving home per year is still a high figure, it has fallen considerably from over 35 million(17) in just over half a decade. The pandemic is unquestionably one of the chief reasons.
In fact, as per the World Economic Forum, the 2020 statistics showed the smallest level of movement since records began over 70 years ago(18). This is despite the overall population having more than doubled in that time.
The same research also shows that people opted to leave cities during the pandemic with around five million Americans trading cities for suburbs and rural areas. However, an estimated 25% of people who made this type of move during the pandemic returned to the place they previously levied in.
Moving industry statistics courtesy of the Pew Research Center additionally found that one in five U.S. adults(19) say they either changed their residence due to the pandemic or know someone who did while 60% moved in with a relative.
Meanwhile, the growth of Work-From-Home models has enabled people to consider permanent movies away from the city. With the help of an accredited car transport company and professional moving company, long-distance relocations become far more convenient.
Waste Created Due to Moving
While year-on-year U.S. carbon emissions did fall by 10.2% in 2020(20), this can largely be attributed to the pandemic. The fact that over 6,340.2 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents are produced annually cannot be ignored. It won’t be possible to cut out emissions completely during your move, but they can be heavily reduced.
House moves can produce an average of about 17 kilos(21). Here are five tips for reducing waste during a move. In turn, you’ll be able to relocate with a clear conscience.
#1. Clean the home with eco-friendly materials
It’s likely that you will need to deep clean your property before moving. This is the first situation where a conscious effort to complete a greer move will serve you well. Opt for chemical-free cleaners and you will produce fewer emissions during the deep clean process.
Furthermore, it can inspire you to make the switch to green cleaning materials as you begin the next chapter in your new home.
#2. Hire a moving company
Hiring a professional moving company will save money and reduce emissions in the long run. The experts will develop a practical strategy to complete the move in one trip. Finding one that uses low-emissions vehicles under the EEV Standard will reduce emissions further.
On a side note, it can save you from cross-country driving risks while also allowing you to focus on other aspects of the move.
#3. Declutter ahead of the move
Moving more items will naturally require more resources and fuel, which translates to increased emissions. Holding a garage sale or responsibly disposing of unwanted goods before the move can make a significant difference. It’ll also save money in the process.
Additional improvements can be made by making the switch to paperless technology for a variety of home entertainment features.
#4. Limit unnecessary trips
Unforeseen circumstances, such as delays with the move, may force you to use services like self-storage. Where possible, though, reducing the number of trips will reduce costs and emissions – as long as the remaining journeys are completed efficiently and effectively.
Extending the efforts to specialist items like cars with help from an accredited vehicle transport company will bring even greater returns.
#5. Take care with packaging supplies
When planning your big move, you must not limit yourself to the possessions themselves. The packaging supplies are another potential source of emissions. Using eco-friendly materials that can either be recycled or reused will have a positive influence.
Alternatively, buying second-hand packing supplies can be useful. Or you may find that local stores are happy to donate them to you.
Conclusion
Moving home is one of the most exciting times in your life. Before opening the door to a new chapter, however, it’s vital that the right preparations are in place.
The above moving industry trends and statistics will have hopefully provided the insight you need to make calculated choices about logistics. In turn, you can hope to save time, money, and the environment. Or if you still need help, feel free to get in touch with our experts for further advice. The road to a smoother relocation awaits.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving Industry Statistics
Who uses moving services the most?
Moving industry statistics show that individuals account for 44% of all moving company customers(22) while young families, and couples under 34 with 1-2 children, are the most common demographic.
What kind of insurance do I need for a move?
While it isn’t a legal obligation, removals insurance is advised, especially when considering a cross-country move. You can expect to pay 1-5% of the total property value.
What makes moving expensive?
Add-ons including disassembling and reassembling furniture, packaging materials, supplies, self-storage, and arranging a last-minute move can all add to the costs. Moving Friday through Sunday can significantly increase the costs(23) too.
What months do people move the most?
The peak moving season is mid-May through mid-September(24), with Labor Day signaling the start of the off-peak season.
How frequently do people move?
Moving industry trends show that the average American moves home once every five years(25) throughout most stages of their lives. This equates to 11.7 relocations in a lifetime.
Sources
1- Forbes
3- Ruby Home
4- Get One Desk
5- Shyft Moving
6- Forbes Home
8- CNBC
9- Moving Labor
12- Ibis World
13- Move Buddha
14- Statista
15- On Cue
16- Simplyss
17- Forbes
20- Macro Trends
21- VICE
22- Movers Dev
23- Steinway Movers
24- House Beautiful
25- Verified Movers
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