Moving to a new home can be an exciting yet challenging experience. From selling and packing up your belongings to finding a new place that fits your lifestyle, there are many factors to consider when deciding to move. Throughout their lifetime, the typical American will relocate about 11 times. Moving can be a difficult experience, regardless of how often you’ve done it. The benefits of moving can outweigh the hassle and challenges, but what motivates people to pick up and leave their current dream houses in search of something new? [1]
According to a report by IBISWorld entitled “What Moved America: 2021 Moving Industry Statistics You Should Know,” the data as of January 2022 indicates that approximately 10% of Americans relocate annually. [2]
Moving Statistics in General
Projected growth in establishment numbers is expected due to an increase in demand.
- The average number of moves throughout one American’s lifetime is 11.7 times.
- Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, approximately 8.93 million people in the US have relocated their homes. [3]
- There was an increase of approximately 94,000 individuals moving compared to the previous year, with most moves occurring in March.
- On an annual basis, 9.8 percent of Americans relocate.
- Individuals who move often tend to be in a partnership between the ages of 18 and 34 with one or two children. As individuals age, their likelihood of relocating declines substantially.
- Annually, 15.3 million households in America move, with an average family size of 2.3 members.
- Every year, 3 million people relocate to a different state within the US.
- Statistically speaking, most moves occur during the summer season, specifically between May and Labor Day. [4]
- It is estimated that there are around 50,000 moving trucks in the United States.
10 Common Reasons People to Move to a New Home
1. Family:
Many move closer to family members like parents, siblings, and children. Empty nesters may downsize and move closer to their adult children or grandchildren. Other family-related reasons for relocating include providing care for aging parents or wanting to be a part of a larger extended family.
2. Career:
This, for job-related reasons, is common for young professionals. The study found that 19.4% of people move for employment. Reasons for job-related moves include:
- Career advancement
- Easier commute
- Finding a new job
- Job loss, offer, or transfer
- Retirement [5]
Deciding to move to a new home for a career & bright future can be one of the most challenging decisions a person can make. It requires careful consideration and planning, as there are many factors involved that can affect both your personal and professional lives.
3. Cost of Living:
Moving can be an effective way of alleviating financial strain. Depending on the area, living expenses, taxes, insurance, and housing costs can drastically differ. By relocating to an area with a lower cost of living, individuals and families may find that they have more disposable income and greater financial stability.
4. Retirement:
Retiring to a new home is a popular option for seniors ready to move on from their full-time job and enjoy a slower pace of life. Many opt to move away from their current city in favor of warmer climates or somewhere with less hustle and bustle.
5. Climate:
For some, the weather is a significant factor when choosing a new home. Whether they’re seeking a warmer climate, a more appealing climate, a milder climate, or one with more snowfall, people may be swayed by their ideal climate when deciding where to move.
6. Healthcare:
The quality of healthcare is another common reason why people choose to relocate. If someone has an ongoing medical condition or needs access to more specialized care, they may opt for a change of scenery in order to find better treatment options elsewhere.
7. Education:
Moving closer to better school districts is a common reason for relocating. Parents may want to move for their children to attend their school of choice, whether a higher-rated public school or prestigious private school. Young adults will often move to another state to attend college as well.
8. Safety:
When selecting a new residence, the safety of the surrounding area is a significant consideration for numerous individuals who seek a protected living environment. Moving to a city with lower crime rates or a gated community can provide greater security.
9. Lifestyle:
People may choose to move in order to experience a different lifestyle than what they’re used to. Whether it’s experiencing the amenities of an urban city or the serenity of rural living, relocating can be an effective way of changing up one’s daily routine. A larger house & additional space are a reason some people move as they wish for an improved way of life.
10. Adventure:
For some, moving to a new home is an exciting adventure that allows them to start fresh and explore a different area. Whatever their reason may be, relocating can be a great opportunity for individuals and families to experience something new.
From researching the area and ensuring your finances are in order to find a new home that fits your needs, relocating can be a big undertaking. With enough preparation and planning, it can also be a rewarding experience that opens up new possibilities.
Preparing for a Move
The most challenging task in all of this is packing your belongings into a truck to move to a new location. For this reason, hiring a professional moving company like Master Movers can make all the difference. Their expertise, efficiency, and attention to detail ensure a smooth, stress-free moving experience. With their trained team of professional movers, state-of-the-art equipment, and commitment to customer satisfaction.
Master Movers is dedicated to handling your possessions with care and precision. Whether you’re moving locally or across long distances, their comprehensive range of services caters to your specific needs, from packing and loading to transportation and unloading.
By entrusting your move to Master Movers, you can enjoy the peace of mind of knowing your belongings are in capable hands. Contact Master Movers today and take the first step towards a successful and hassle-free move.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I decide if it’s time for me to move?
Consider your personal and financial goals, current living situation, and quality of life. If you are experiencing one or more of the reasons listed above, it may be time to consider a move.
Is it better to buy or rent a home?
It depends on your personal and financial situation. Buying a home can provide stability and build equity, while renting offers more flexibility and lower upfront costs. When owning a home, there are additional maintenance costs to consider in addition to mortgage payments. Consider your long-term goals before making a decision.
How much money should I save before moving to a new home?
It depends on your situation, but experts recommend saving enough money for a down payment, closing costs, moving expenses, and a few months’ worth of living expenses.
How can I sell my current home quickly?
You can hire a real estate agent, price your home appropriately, stage your home for potential buyers, and be responsive to offers and negotiations.
What are the factors that cause people to move to a new home?
The most common reasons the average person moves to a new home include job opportunities, cost of living, quality of life, retirement, school age, climate, healthcare, education, safety, lifestyle, extra space, housing-related reasons, family reasons, and adventure.
Are there any financial benefits to relocating?
Depending on the area, taxes, insurance, and housing costs can drastically differ. By relocating to an area with a lower cost of living, individuals and families may find that they have more spending power.
Sources:
[1] Bureau, U. C. (2021, December 3). Calculating Migration Expectancy Using ACS Data. Census.gov. https://www.census.gov/topics/population/migration/guidance/calculating-migration-expectancy.html
[2] Moving Services in the US – Market Size | IBISWorld. https://www.ibisworld.com/default.aspx
[3] 8.9 Million People Relocated Since the Beginning of the Pandemic. (2020, December 4). www.nar.realtor. https://www.nar.realtor/blogs/economists-outlook/8-9-million-people-relocated-since-the-beginning-of-the-pandemic
[4] US News & World Report. https://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/my-money/2013/09/11/the-best-time-to-move-for-renters
[5] Port, D. (2020, January 17). Why Do People Move? – NewHomeSource. https://www.newhomesource.com/learn/why-do-people-move/
