GITNUXREPORT 2025

Moving Industry Statistics

The booming U.S. moving industry generates $17.2 billion annually.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

The average cost of a local move is around $1,250, while long-distance moves average approximately $4,890

Statistic 2

About 40 million Americans move each year

Statistic 3

The median number of movers per household is 2.5

Statistic 4

Approximately 60% of people move to a different city or state at least once in their lifetime

Statistic 5

The top reasons for moving include job changes (about 23%), family reasons (22%), and housing-related issues (20%)

Statistic 6

Moving companies experience a peak in bookings during the summer months, especially June through August, accounting for about 60% of moves

Statistic 7

About 75% of consumers choose professional movers for long-distance relocations

Statistic 8

About 35% of households use online platforms to find moving services

Statistic 9

About 50% of people moving locally pack themselves, while the other half hire packing services

Statistic 10

The percentage of moves that are DIY (do-it-yourself) is approximately 55%

Statistic 11

The average number of moving quotes received per customer is 3 to 4

Statistic 12

The use of green and eco-friendly moving supplies is on the rise, with about 40% of movers opting for sustainable options

Statistic 13

About 20% of families move because of changes in school districts

Statistic 14

The typical wait time for a professional moving estimate is 24 to 48 hours

Statistic 15

The average cost of moving insurance is about $200 to $300 for basic coverage

Statistic 16

Approximately 65% of U.S. movers utilize portable storage containers for moving

Statistic 17

The percentage of renters versus homeowners who move annually is roughly 23% and 13% respectively

Statistic 18

About 33% of movers relocate for employment opportunities, making it the leading reason for relocation

Statistic 19

About 15% of customers request additional storage during or after their move, primarily due to delays or downsizing

Statistic 20

The average tip for movers in the US is around 10-15% of the total bill, depending on service quality

Statistic 21

More than 50% of movers plan their move at least 2 months in advance, ensuring better scheduling and planning

Statistic 22

Approximately 70% of movers hire professional storage solutions when relocating to apartment or condo units

Statistic 23

About 42% of customers prefer to book their move online rather than in person or over the phone, indicating digital preference

Statistic 24

Durability and protective quality are the most important factors for consumers when choosing packing supplies, with 75% prioritizing these features

Statistic 25

Approximately 80% of long-distance moves are booked within three months of planning, illustrating the importance of early scheduling

Statistic 26

The most desired feature in moving insurance is coverage for replacement value, preferred by about 60% of consumers

Statistic 27

The most common type of moving truck rented in the US is the 26-foot truck

Statistic 28

Cross-country moving companies have seen a 12% increase in demand over the past two years

Statistic 29

The rise in online moving booking platforms has increased market competition for traditional moving companies by approximately 30%

Statistic 30

The average lifespan of a moving truck in the industry is approximately 5 years, after which it is typically replaced or upgraded

Statistic 31

The proportion of moving companies offering online booking and tracking has increased by 45% in the past three years

Statistic 32

Moving companies have increased their use of technology, with 60% adopting virtual surveys to provide quotes

Statistic 33

The use of AI-based route optimization tools by moving companies has increased by 50% over the past two years, improving efficiency and reducing costs

Statistic 34

The average income per move for a professional mover in the US is approximately $650, varying by region and company size

Statistic 35

The percentage of reuse or recyclable packing materials used by professional movers is about 25%, as eco-awareness grows

Statistic 36

The industry has seen a 30% increase in demand for climate-controlled storage units over the past five years, reflecting growing concern over sensitive items

Statistic 37

The average age of moving trucks in the industry is around 7 years, with many companies upgrading fleet every 5-6 years

Statistic 38

Relocation companies have increased their use of customer reviews and ratings in marketing, with over 70% actively soliciting feedback post-move

Statistic 39

The share of mobile app-based moving solutions has grown by 55% over the past two years, indicating a shift to digital customer engagement

Statistic 40

The share of moving industry employment that is seasonal increases by about 25% during peak moving months, mostly June through August

Statistic 41

The use of drones for inventory and damage inspection during the moving process has increased by 45% over the past three years, enhancing accuracy and speed

Statistic 42

Less than 20% of moving companies currently offer full virtual moving consultations, but this number is expected to grow rapidly

Statistic 43

The industry is seeing a rise in hybrid moving models combining traditional and digital services, accounting for approximately 30% of new business models

Statistic 44

Insurance claims for moving damages have decreased by about 12% over the past five years, thanks to better handling and packing practices

Statistic 45

The percentage of international moves booked via online platforms is rising, now accounting for roughly 25% of total international relocation moves

Statistic 46

The U.S. moving industry generates approximately $17.2 billion in revenue annually

Statistic 47

The global moving industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% from 2023 to 2030

Statistic 48

In 2022, the average number of employees in the moving industry was approximately 250,000 in the US alone

Statistic 49

The average price for rental of portable storage containers is around $100 to $200 per month, depending on size and location

Statistic 50

The most common items moved are furniture, appliances, and personal electronics, accounting for over 80% of the cargo

Statistic 51

The number of small moving companies (fewer than 50 employees) represents about 68% of all moving companies in the US

Statistic 52

About 60% of moves are local, with the remaining 40% being long-distance

Statistic 53

The average weight of goods moved in a local move is approximately 7,500 pounds

Statistic 54

The average duration of a local move is approximately 4 to 8 hours

Statistic 55

The average delay in moving companies’ scheduling is around 2 days due to high demand

Statistic 56

The survival rate of small moving companies after five years is around 45%, according to industry data

Statistic 57

The average price for packing services can range from $300 to $1,000 depending on the volume

Statistic 58

The most frequent complaint from customers about moving companies involves damages or lost items, reported by about 28% of consumers

Statistic 59

The average duration of international moves is about 6 to 8 weeks due to customs clearance and logistics

Statistic 60

About 55% of household moves involve at least one piece of fragile or valuable items requiring special handling

Statistic 61

The average cost for storage in a moving process ranges from $150 to $300 per month, depending on size and location

Statistic 62

The average number of service disputes per month reported by moving companies is around 5%, relating mostly to damages and delays

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Key Highlights

The U.S. moving industry generates approximately $17.2 billion in revenue annually
The average cost of a local move is around $1,250, while long-distance moves average approximately $4,890
About 40 million Americans move each year
The median number of movers per household is 2.5
Approximately 60% of people move to a different city or state at least once in their lifetime
The top reasons for moving include job changes (about 23%), family reasons (22%), and housing-related issues (20%)
About 60% of moves are local, with the remaining 40% being long-distance
The average weight of goods moved in a local move is approximately 7,500 pounds
The global moving industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% from 2023 to 2030
Moving companies experience a peak in bookings during the summer months, especially June through August, accounting for about 60% of moves
About 75% of consumers choose professional movers for long-distance relocations
The most common type of moving truck rented in the US is the 26-foot truck
The average duration of a local move is approximately 4 to 8 hours

With Americans moving nearly 40 million times a year and the industry generating over $17 billion annually, the U.S. moving industry is experiencing rapid growth, technological innovation, and shifting consumer preferences that are reshaping how we relocate across towns and continents.

Consumer Behavior and Demographics

The average cost of a local move is around $1,250, while long-distance moves average approximately $4,890
About 40 million Americans move each year
The median number of movers per household is 2.5
Approximately 60% of people move to a different city or state at least once in their lifetime
The top reasons for moving include job changes (about 23%), family reasons (22%), and housing-related issues (20%)
Moving companies experience a peak in bookings during the summer months, especially June through August, accounting for about 60% of moves
About 75% of consumers choose professional movers for long-distance relocations
About 35% of households use online platforms to find moving services
About 50% of people moving locally pack themselves, while the other half hire packing services
The percentage of moves that are DIY (do-it-yourself) is approximately 55%
The average number of moving quotes received per customer is 3 to 4
The use of green and eco-friendly moving supplies is on the rise, with about 40% of movers opting for sustainable options
About 20% of families move because of changes in school districts
The typical wait time for a professional moving estimate is 24 to 48 hours
The average cost of moving insurance is about $200 to $300 for basic coverage
Approximately 65% of U.S. movers utilize portable storage containers for moving
The percentage of renters versus homeowners who move annually is roughly 23% and 13% respectively
About 33% of movers relocate for employment opportunities, making it the leading reason for relocation
About 15% of customers request additional storage during or after their move, primarily due to delays or downsizing
The average tip for movers in the US is around 10-15% of the total bill, depending on service quality
More than 50% of movers plan their move at least 2 months in advance, ensuring better scheduling and planning
Approximately 70% of movers hire professional storage solutions when relocating to apartment or condo units
About 42% of customers prefer to book their move online rather than in person or over the phone, indicating digital preference
Durability and protective quality are the most important factors for consumers when choosing packing supplies, with 75% prioritizing these features
Approximately 80% of long-distance moves are booked within three months of planning, illustrating the importance of early scheduling
The most desired feature in moving insurance is coverage for replacement value, preferred by about 60% of consumers

Consumer Behavior and Demographics Interpretation

With Americans moving at a pace that fuels a $4,890 long-distance industry, it's clear that whether for job shifts, family ties, or housing woes, nearly 70% of us prefer to plan ahead and lean on professional help—highlighting a nation that's constantly in transit and increasingly eco-conscious, digital-savvy, and insurance-aware in our pursuit of new beginnings.

Industry Trends and Innovations

The most common type of moving truck rented in the US is the 26-foot truck
Cross-country moving companies have seen a 12% increase in demand over the past two years
The rise in online moving booking platforms has increased market competition for traditional moving companies by approximately 30%
The average lifespan of a moving truck in the industry is approximately 5 years, after which it is typically replaced or upgraded
The proportion of moving companies offering online booking and tracking has increased by 45% in the past three years
Moving companies have increased their use of technology, with 60% adopting virtual surveys to provide quotes
The use of AI-based route optimization tools by moving companies has increased by 50% over the past two years, improving efficiency and reducing costs
The average income per move for a professional mover in the US is approximately $650, varying by region and company size
The percentage of reuse or recyclable packing materials used by professional movers is about 25%, as eco-awareness grows
The industry has seen a 30% increase in demand for climate-controlled storage units over the past five years, reflecting growing concern over sensitive items
The average age of moving trucks in the industry is around 7 years, with many companies upgrading fleet every 5-6 years
Relocation companies have increased their use of customer reviews and ratings in marketing, with over 70% actively soliciting feedback post-move
The share of mobile app-based moving solutions has grown by 55% over the past two years, indicating a shift to digital customer engagement
The share of moving industry employment that is seasonal increases by about 25% during peak moving months, mostly June through August
The use of drones for inventory and damage inspection during the moving process has increased by 45% over the past three years, enhancing accuracy and speed
Less than 20% of moving companies currently offer full virtual moving consultations, but this number is expected to grow rapidly
The industry is seeing a rise in hybrid moving models combining traditional and digital services, accounting for approximately 30% of new business models
Insurance claims for moving damages have decreased by about 12% over the past five years, thanks to better handling and packing practices
The percentage of international moves booked via online platforms is rising, now accounting for roughly 25% of total international relocation moves

Industry Trends and Innovations Interpretation

As the American moving industry shifts gears toward digital and eco-friendly solutions—embracing virtual surveys, AI route optimization, and green packing—the challenge remains for traditional movers to keep their trucks, like their market share, from aging out early, all while navigating a competitive landscape that’s more connected and conscious than ever.

Market Size and Economic Impact

The U.S. moving industry generates approximately $17.2 billion in revenue annually
The global moving industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% from 2023 to 2030
In 2022, the average number of employees in the moving industry was approximately 250,000 in the US alone
The average price for rental of portable storage containers is around $100 to $200 per month, depending on size and location
The most common items moved are furniture, appliances, and personal electronics, accounting for over 80% of the cargo
The number of small moving companies (fewer than 50 employees) represents about 68% of all moving companies in the US

Market Size and Economic Impact Interpretation

With a $17.2 billion annual revenue and a steadily growing global footprint, the moving industry, dominated by small companies handling over 80% of the cargo—mainly furniture and electronics—proves that whether you're relocating a couch or just storing a few boxes for a month, these often underappreciated movers keep the nation—and nearly the world—on the move.

Operational Challenges and Insurance

About 60% of moves are local, with the remaining 40% being long-distance
The average weight of goods moved in a local move is approximately 7,500 pounds
The average duration of a local move is approximately 4 to 8 hours
The average delay in moving companies’ scheduling is around 2 days due to high demand
The survival rate of small moving companies after five years is around 45%, according to industry data
The average price for packing services can range from $300 to $1,000 depending on the volume
The most frequent complaint from customers about moving companies involves damages or lost items, reported by about 28% of consumers
The average duration of international moves is about 6 to 8 weeks due to customs clearance and logistics
About 55% of household moves involve at least one piece of fragile or valuable items requiring special handling
The average cost for storage in a moving process ranges from $150 to $300 per month, depending on size and location
The average number of service disputes per month reported by moving companies is around 5%, relating mostly to damages and delays

Operational Challenges and Insurance Interpretation

While most moves are local, averaging 7,500 pounds over just a few hours, the industry's survival rate hovers at 45%, delays are common, and despite handling fragile cargo and costly packing, nearly a third of customers still cite damages, revealing that in moving as in life, timing, trust, and a bit of luck are everything.