
The moving industry has undergone significant changes in recent years. The rise of online marketplaces has transformed the way people find and hire moving companies.
According to a recent survey, 70% of consumers use online reviews to research and compare moving companies. This shift towards digital research has led to a decline in traditional advertising methods.
The industry has also seen an increase in demand for specialized services, such as packing and storage. In fact, a survey found that 60% of consumers require packing services when moving.
Many moving companies are now investing in technology to improve their services and streamline operations.
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Member Benefits
As a member of the moving industry, you'll have access to top-notch advocacy on Capitol Hill, tailored specifically to our needs. This means we have a strong voice in the federal and state regulatory arenas.
You'll be part of the action, with a direct and active role in ATA's legislative, regulatory, and educational/consumer-facing advocacy efforts through the Conference's committees and working groups.
Stay informed with detailed updates on the legislative and regulatory issues affecting our industry. This will help you stay ahead of the curve and make informed decisions.
As a member, you'll also get automatic enrollment into our Arbitration Services and BOC-3 Filing Program. This will give you peace of mind and protect your business.
Here are some of the exclusive benefits you'll enjoy as a member:
- Exclusive access and invitations to industry conferences and webinars
- Exclusive opportunity to apply and participate in the industry's highest certifications and to become designated as a ProMover
News & Insights
The moving industry is seeing some significant trends, especially with the pandemic still affecting people's lives. 68% of people who have moved in the past 12 months report that moving during the pandemic was more difficult than moving before.
Despite the challenges, 59% of them say they would likely move again during the pandemic. This shows that people are still willing to take the leap and relocate, even with the added difficulties.
Renters are planning post-pandemic moves, with 56% saying they plan to move in the next year. Many of them, as many as 60%, hope to stop renting and own a home within the next three years.

The pandemic has accelerated a shift towards temporary moves and an exodus from large cities to suburban areas. This is partly due to people seeking more affordable housing and partly because of the rise of remote work, which gives employees more flexibility to choose where they live.
Improvements in quality of life are the most important factor for people considering a move in 2022, with 1 in 3 respondents citing it as a top priority. This suggests that people are looking for a better life, not just a new place to live.
Cost and Pay
The cost of hiring a local mover can add up quickly, but it's worth noting that their pay is well above federal and state minimum wage, with an average of $25 per hour.
Renters tend to be more settled than they used to be, with only one-third of all renters moving in 1988 compared to now.
Interstate Moves Cost $4,000 Avg

DIY moves can save you a significant amount of money. Renting moving trucks is cheaper locally than interstate, which is a key reason many people choose to go the DIY route.
Movers use their paychecks to support their families, which has a positive impact on the local economy.
Average Pay for Local Movers: $25/Hour
The average pay for a local mover is $25 per hour, which is well above federal and state minimum wage. This is a fair compensation for the physical labor involved in their job.
Renters tend to be more settled than they used to be, with only one-third of all renters moving in 1988, compared to an unknown percentage today. The housing market can also impact the number of homeowners who move.
Local movers are paid a premium for their hard work, with their hourly wage reflecting the physical demands of their job.
Move Statistics
People in the U.S. move an average of about 11.7 times over the course of their life. This is a staggering number, and it highlights the importance of the moving industry.
31 million people in the U.S. move each year, generating an estimated $86 billion in revenue for the industry in 2021. This is a significant contribution to the economy.
15.3 million American households move each year, which is a substantial number of families on the move. The moving services industry has a market size of $18.5 billion in 2021.
Almost 60% of the moves in the U.S. take place between May and August, making summer the most popular time to move. This is likely due to the warmer weather and the fact that kids are out of school.
Here are some key statistics about moving in the U.S.:
The most commonly moved items are household goods, making up 73% of moved items. This is no surprise, as most people have a lot of possessions to transport when they move.
122,600 people work in the moving industry in the U.S., with a payroll of over $3.5 billion. This is a significant workforce that supports the industry.
The moving industry has grown at around 3% each year since the Great Recession ended. This steady growth is a testament to the industry's resilience.
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Who Moves

44% of all moves in the U.S. are of individuals or families, making them the most likely to relocate their spaces.
Individuals and families often move due to wanting to upgrade to a new house, moving for work, or rising rents.
How People Move
People are always on the move, and it's not just about relocating for work or school. 44% of all moves in the U.S. are of individuals or families, making them the most likely to relocate their spaces.
The reasons for moving vary, but the most common ones are wanting to upgrade to a new house, move for work, or move due to rising rents.
If you're planning to move, you have a few options to consider. According to a Google Survey of 1,500 people in the U.S., here are the most popular ways people choose to move:
It's interesting to note that while hiring professional movers is a popular option, many people prefer to take matters into their own hands, especially when it comes to DIY-only moves.
Corporations Account for 38% Moves

Businesses are the next most likely to move their commercial space, making up 38% of all moves. This can include everything from small startups to larger companies looking to set up shop in a new location.
Military families move more often than the rest of the categories, but they make up a relatively small percentage of total moves. This is likely due to the frequent relocations required by their work.
Younger people have an easier time moving, as they tend to be more flexible and open to change.
Less Than 10% of Companies Have Over 100 Employees
Only a small percentage of moving companies have a large workforce, with less than 10% employing over 100 people.
Most of these companies have multiple locations, which can be local or nationwide, like Uhaul with locations all over the U.S.
Local moving companies often operate out of one location and are frequently family owned, with just one or two movers.

Large corporations like Uhaul have hundreds of locations nationwide, giving them a pseudo-monopoly on the national moving market.
This means that the majority of moving companies are small, with direct jobs held by movers and people employed directly by the companies.
Indirect jobs related to infrastructure, storage, and logistics also exist, supporting the moving industry as a whole.
Millennials on the Move
Millennials are moving less than previous generations, with local migration rates dropping from 14-15% to 9.4% between 2006 and 2021.
The pandemic didn't change this trend, with long-distance migration also decreasing from 6-7% to 5.8% during the same period.
Only 42% of millennials between the ages of 25 and 35 are married and living with their spouse, compared to 82% of members of the Silent Generation who were the same age in 1963.
Most millennials in this age group, 56%, do not have children, which might contribute to their reduced mobility.

Millennial homeownership rates are just 48%, much lower than their older counterparts.
Despite this, 80% of millennials say they would be willing to take a pay cut to move to their dream location.
This willingness to relocate for the right opportunity is a key aspect of millennial behavior, but the lack of job market opportunities and affordability of housing are major barriers to movement.
Here's a comparison of millennial mobility rates to previous generations:
Note: Unfortunately, the article section facts do not provide data for Gen X and Baby Boomers in 2021, but it's clear that millennials are moving less than previous generations.
Who Is
People who move frequently are often referred to as "digital nomads."
They're individuals who use technology to work remotely and travel the world.
Many digital nomads are entrepreneurs or freelancers who have the flexibility to work from anywhere.
Some people move frequently due to military service or diplomatic postings.

Others are international students or scholars who study abroad for a semester or a year.
These individuals often have a unique perspective on the world and are able to adapt quickly to new environments.
People who move for work or education often have to navigate complex visa requirements and cultural differences.
They may also have to find new housing and establish a network of contacts in a new location.
Many people who move frequently have to balance their love of travel with the need for stability and routine.
State Migration
Florida is the most popular state to move to, with a net domestic migration gain of 220,890 in 2020.
Almost 60% of moves in the U.S. take place between May and August, making summer the most popular time to move. This can be a challenge for those planning a move, but with proper planning, it's definitely possible.
Texas is also a popular destination, with nearly 1 in 4 moves into the state coming from California in 2022.

Here are the top 5 states that people move to and from, based on 2022 data:
These states are seeing a lot of migration traffic, and it's interesting to see the patterns that are emerging.
The Pandemic's Impact
The pandemic's impact on state migration was significant, with many people choosing to relocate either permanently or temporarily due to flexible working arrangements and a desire to be closer to family.
The moving industry was severely affected, with 67% of moving companies reporting driver shortages attributed at least partially to pandemic-related job loss.
In 2021, moving companies struggled to meet demand, resulting in 71% of them experiencing delays that exceeded what is normal for the peak moving season.
This was partly due to worker shortages, with nearly 40% of reported moves influenced by either remote work policy or COVID-19.
Customer complaints about cancellations rose 250% in 2021 compared with 2019, highlighting the challenges faced by moving companies during this time.
Here are some key statistics that illustrate the pandemic's impact on the moving industry:
- 71% of moving companies experienced delays in 2021 that exceed what is normal for the peak moving season.
- 67% of moving companies reported driver shortages.
- Customer complaints about cancellations rose 250% in 2021 compared with 2019.
- Nearly 40% of the reported moves in 2021 were influenced by either remote work policy or COVID-19.
State Migrations
Florida is the most popular state to move to, with a net domestic migration gain of 220,890 in 2020. Texas, North Carolina, and Florida were the top three most popular states to move to in 2021, with Florida also being a top destination in 2020.
The in-to-out ratio, which compares the number of moves into a state to the number of moves out, shows that Montana, Maine, and Florida were the top three states with the highest proportion of inflow in 2021. Florida had an in-to-out ratio of 2.1, with 22% of 2022 inflow into Tennessee coming from Californians.
Texas saw significant growth between 2010 and 2020, with the state growing by 4 million, more than any other state. The top cities to move to in East Tennessee in 2022 are Chattanooga and Johnson City.
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California, on the other hand, had a significant exodus in 2022, with 100 moves out for every 37 moves into the state. The top states welcoming Californians in 2022 were Texas, Florida, and Washington.
Here are the top states that saw the highest percentage change of inbound to outbound moves between 2020 and 2021:
- Texas: 22%
- Florida: 18%
- North Carolina: 16%
- South Carolina: 15%
- Georgia: 14%
And here are the states that lost popularity, with the lowest percentage change of inbound to outbound moves from 2020 to 2021:
- New Jersey: -12%
- California: -11%
- New York: -10%
- Illinois: -9%
- Ohio: -8%
Note: The percentages are based on the data from the article section examples.
Economics and Waste
Moving creates more waste than most of us realize. Understanding this is the first step to doing something about it in your next move.
Moving generates a significant amount of waste, with estimated waste production in the country each year. This staggering amount of waste is a concern for many, and it's essential to consider the environmental impact of our actions.
The estimated waste generated in moves across the country each year is substantial, with a large amount of waste being produced.
The Economics

The moving industry is a significant contributor to the US economy, employing 114,240 people and generating a total market size of $19 billion. The industry has been growing steadily, with an annual rate of 3.2% over the past three years.
One interesting fact about the moving industry is that it is predominantly composed of small businesses, with 7,324 businesses currently operating. This is likely due to the fact that many people prefer to work with smaller, more personalized companies.
The moving industry is also closely related to the self-storage industry, which generates around $39.5 billion in revenue each year in the US. This is a significant amount of money, and it's no wonder that 9.4% of American households rent storage units.
There are nearly as many storage facilities in the US as there are restaurants from popular chains like Starbucks, McDonald's, and Dunkin' Donuts. To be exact, there are 50,523 storage facilities and 50,693 restaurants combined.
Relocation Waste Impact

Moving creates more waste than most of us realize. Understanding this is the first step to doing something about it in your next move.
In the US alone, estimated waste generated in moves across the country each year is staggering. We're talking about a significant amount of waste here.
A lot of this waste comes from the packaging materials used during the moving process. Cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, and tape are all contributors to this problem.
The estimated waste generated in moves across the country each year is a concern that affects us all.
Timing and Frequency
Timing and Frequency play a crucial role in the moving industry.
June is typically the most common month of the year to move. It's no surprise, given that summer is the busiest time of year to move, with nearly 45% of annual U.S. moves taking place between May and August.
The busiest dates to move are June 1st and 30th, while September 1st and 30th come in slightly behind. I've seen firsthand how these dates can impact moving schedules.
Here's a breakdown of the total percentage of moves that happen in each month of the calendar year:
The data clearly shows that summer is the peak moving season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What industry is a moving company under?
A moving company falls under the Moving Services industry, which encompasses both residential and commercial moving services. This industry provides essential relocation solutions for individuals and businesses across the United States.
What is a moving business called?
A moving business is also known as a removalist or van line. It specializes in relocating goods from one location to another.
How profitable is the moving industry?
The moving industry typically has a profit margin of around 10%, indicating moderate profitability. However, actual profit margins can vary depending on factors such as business efficiency and market conditions.
Sources
- https://www.trucking.org/moving-storage-conference
- https://www.bookcleango.com/blog/moving-industry-statistics
- https://franchise.twomenandatruck.com/moving-industry-statistics
- https://www.movebuddha.com/blog/moving-industry-statistics/
- https://baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2024/03/20/moving-industry-slow-season-
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