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Unpacking Moving Industry Trends: Why, When, and Where Americans are Moving

Unpacking Moving Industry Trends: Why, When, and Where Americans are Moving

According to U.S. Census data, 11.2 percent of Americans move each year on average. That's over 35 million Americans who will make the big decision to pack up and move on this year. The big questions are: what makes Americans want to move, when are they doing it, and where are they going? Continue reading to understand moving industry trends that will better prepare you to make tough moving decisions.

Why Americans Move

According to U.S. Census data, most Americans move specifically to change their current housing situation. This includes a desire for new or better housing, housing that is their own, or cheaper housing. Meanwhile, other Americans are moving due to a new job or for personal family reasons. Other less common reasons include a change in marital status, leaving for college, seeking a neighborhood with less crime, retirement, or just wanting a change of climate.

top reasons Americans move According to 2016 U.S. Census Data

When Americans Move

Among those using a professional moving service or renting a moving truck (those that are trackable), Fridays are the most popular day to move. According to My Moving Reviews Annual Data Report, 20 percent of moves in 2017 were done on a Friday. Moving on this day allows more time to unpack and be ready for work on Monday. The least popular days to move? Sundays and Tuesdays. If you can move on either these days, you will most likely get better prices on moving services.

most popular moving days Friday is the most popular day of the week for moves

The summer is by far the busiest time of year for moving. The overall busiest moving month? June, with about 13 percent of total moves. Interestingly, the overall busiest moving day of 2017 was June 30. The second? Just one day later on July 1.

most popular months to move

June is the most popular month for moves

Where Americans Move

So, which states are Americans heading to, and which ones are they leaving?
Top inbound states for 2017:
  1. Vermont
  2. Oregon
  3. Idaho
  4. Nevada
  5. South Dakota
  6. Washington
  7. South Carolina
  8. North Carolina
  9. Colorado
  10. Alabama
Top outbound states for 2017:
  1. Illinois
  2. New Jersey
  3. New York
  4. Connecticut
  5. Kansas
  6. Massachusetts
  7. Ohio
  8. Kentucky
  9. Utah
  10. Wisconsin

Green = top 10 inbound states for 2017. Orange = top 10 outbound states for 2017

Moving Advice

If you're thinking about moving, whether it's across town or across the country, make sure you have plenty of moving supplies and set time aside to plan and prepare. Start by getting tips on how to remove the stress of moving.
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