Table of Contents
National Moving Patterns: Who’s Moving, Where, and Why (Movers Near Me Searches Surge)
Top 5 Reasons People Relocate (Work, Family, Lifestyle) Using Professional Movers
Short-Distance Moves vs. Long-Distance Moving Companies: What’s Increasing
Why Valuation Coverage Should Be Part of Every Move with Certified Residential Movers
How DOT-Certified Long Distance Movers Ensure a Safer Relocation Experience
Murphy Moving & Storage’s United Van Lines Certification & US DOT Numbers
Key Takeaways✔ Local moves are increasing, especially among younger renters and families. |
Every year, millions of Americans decide to move across cities, states, and sometimes across the country. In 2025, that pattern holds steady, but the reasons behind these moves are shifting in subtle yet meaningful ways.
From changing lifestyles and new work arrangements to personal milestones and evolving priorities, people are rethinking where they want to live—and why. Some are looking for more space. Others are chasing better opportunities or just craving a fresh start.
Whatever the reason, relocation continues to be a major life event that reflects broader trends in how people live, work, and connect. The motivations may vary, but the result is the same: boxes packed, homes listed, and moving trucks on the road.
National Moving Patterns: Who’s Moving, Where, and Why (Movers Near Me Searches Surge)
In 2025, Americans continue to relocate in large numbers, with distinct patterns emerging in who is moving and where they’re going.
Who Moves the Most?
The majority of movers today tend to be renters rather than homeowners. Most are living in homes with two bedrooms or fewer and are typically couples aged 18 to 34, often with one or two children.
Gen Z and millennials are driving much of this movement, with younger generations more likely to seek out new locations that offer flexibility, opportunity, and affordability.
Moves made by individuals and families make up about 44% of relocations, followed closely by corporate moves at 38%.
Meanwhile, retirement continues to be a motivating factor for many older adults, with 235,000 Americans making moves to retire in 2022—a figure that continues to climb modestly.
Where Americans Moved in 2024
In 2024, moving trends reflected a growing desire among Americans to find a balance between affordability and quality of life. From large coastal metros to smaller inland hubs, many choose to relocate to areas that offer financial breathing room, outdoor access, and proximity to family—all common reasons people relocate today.
Shifting Toward the Southeast
The Southeast remains a magnet for movers seeking lifestyle upgrades without high costs. States like South Carolina (62% inbound), North Carolina (60%), and Arkansas (58%) saw some of the highest percentages of inbound moves.
This pattern also holds true at the metro level: Wilmington, NC (83%), Myrtle Beach, SC (80%), and Little Rock, AR (57%) were standout destinations for those hiring residential movers near me in search of calmer, less crowded surroundings.
These trends align with the broader movement toward less urbanized regions. Many families and individuals are leaving large cities, seeking long-term value and peace of mind.
For those undertaking a bigger transition—especially across states—choosing the right long distance moving companies and understanding available valuation coverage options have become essential steps in planning.
Top Inbound States of 2024
Americans continued to head south and west in search of opportunity, affordability, and family connections. The following states ranked highest for inbound moves:
- West Virginia
- Delaware
- South Carolina
- District of Columbia
- North Carolina
- Alabama
- Rhode Island
- Oregon
- Arkansas
- Arizona
Notably, Delaware climbed from #11 in 2023 to #2 in 2024, and Arizona made a significant jump into the top 10. These shifts suggest growing confidence in smaller markets with strong livability scores, often a key motivator when people start searching for a moving company in NYC or other major metro areas to assist with a cross-country move.
Where Americans Are Moving From
While the Southeast gained new residents, other parts of the country saw continued outflows. The Midwest and West regions, in particular, experienced a higher number of outbound relocations.
States such as Illinois (60%), Wyoming (57%), and Nebraska (56%) had some of the highest outbound percentages. Cities like Cheyenne, WY (73%), Springfield, IL (69%), and Lincoln, NE (59%) saw the most residents leaving.
These moves, whether handled by small operators or certified professionals with a USDOT number for movers, point to broader regional economic and lifestyle pressures—ranging from limited job growth to harsh climates and rising costs of living.
Top Outbound States of 2024
The following states saw the greatest number of residents heading elsewhere:
- New Jersey
- Illinois
- New York
- California
- Massachusetts
- North Dakota
- Wyoming
- Mississippi
- Nebraska
New additions to the outbound list—Mississippi and Nebraska—signal shifts that may be tied to economic stagnation or housing market volatility. Meanwhile, legacy outbound states like California, New York, and New Jersey continue to see residents exit at high rates.
Top 5 Reasons People Relocate (Work, Family, Lifestyle) Using Professional Movers
While the reasons people relocate continue to evolve post-pandemic, the latest data reveals a return to pre-2020 trends. In 2022, motivations for moving were more personal than professional—centered around housing quality, family dynamics, and community preferences. With professional movers in high demand, especially in urban and suburban areas, Americans are prioritizing comfort, connection, and security when choosing where to go next.
1. Desire for a Better or Larger Home
The most common reason for relocating in both 2021 and 2022 was the desire for a newer, larger, or better-quality home. In 2021, 17.2% of movers sought housing upgrades—a jump from 14.6% in 2020—but that number settled back to 14.4% in 2022, reflecting a normalization in housing demand after the pandemic-era boom.
As remote work stabilized and housing markets cooled, many still chose to move into upgraded homes, particularly in less crowded cities. For those navigating bigger transitions, especially interstate ones, long distance moving companies remained a top resource for managing these complex moves.
2. Family-Related Reasons
In 2022, 26.5% of movers cited family-related motivations—the second most common general category. This includes marriage, divorce, and establishing a new household, all of which gained traction as people resumed plans that were previously delayed during the pandemic.
The percentage of movers citing a change in marital status rose from 4.8% in 2021 to 6.0% in 2022, nearly matching the pre-pandemic 2020 figure. For many making fresh starts or forming new family units, finding trusted residential movers near me became the first step in building their next chapter.
3. Seeking Better Neighborhoods
The share of people moving for neighborhood-related reasons—like improved safety or reduced crime—rose from 4.1% in 2020 to 6.0% in 2021, then dipped slightly to 4.7% in 2022. Though lower than its peak, this trend still reflects a desire to live in more secure, community-focused areas.
Whether leaving urban congestion or seeking a stronger sense of belonging, many who relocate for this reason rely on professionals with a verified USDOT number for movers, ensuring proper compliance and accountability throughout the move.
4. Relationship Status & Life Events
The emotional weight of marriage, divorce, or cohabitation has always shaped relocation trends. The drop in weddings and divorces during COVID (an estimated 12% decline in 2020) had a ripple effect on moves, but by 2022, those patterns began to normalize.
This rebound led many to reassess living situations, with a noticeable increase in moves due to marriage or separation. In these often time-sensitive transitions, having reliable valuation coverage in place provides peace of mind when transporting meaningful belongings.
5. Employment-Related Moves
Interestingly, 2022 marked the first time since 2017 that job-related reasons were not more common than other motivators. Employment-based moves dropped to some of their lowest levels, even though minor growth was noted in secondary categories like “other job-related reasons” (up from 0.3% to 0.5%).
Still, employment remains a factor—especially for business transitions and team relocations. For these cases, companies often turn to experienced office movers to relocate staff or equipment efficiently. In cities like New York, professionals looking to streamline their career-based move continue to seek out a trustworthy moving company in NYC.
Short-Distance Moves vs. Long-Distance Moving Companies: What’s Increasing
Based solely on United Van Lines’ 48th Annual National Movers Study data, long-distance moves are clearly on the rise. This is evident from major interstate relocations across the U.S., often from high-cost states to more affordable regions with a higher quality of life. These patterns align with long-distance moving trends rather than short-distance (local or intrastate) moves.Evidence of Long-Distance Moves Increasing
- State-to-State Relocation Trends: Movers are leaving states like New York, California, Illinois, and New Jersey, and heading to states like Delaware, South Carolina, Arizona, and North Carolina. These are not neighboring moves; they represent significant long-distance transitions.
- Southeast Surge: States such as South Carolina (62% inbound), North Carolina (60%), and Arkansas (58%) are showing large gains, suggesting long-distance migration to these areas.
- Outbound Trends in Midwest and West: High outbound rates from Illinois (60%), Wyoming (57%), and Nebraska (56%) reflect long-distance relocations out of less desirable areas, not short-distance reshuffling.
Additional Indicators of Long-Distance Demand
- New Entrants in Inbound Rankings: States like Delaware and Arizona climbed rapidly in the rankings, pointing to increased demand from long-distance movers seeking affordability and lifestyle upgrades.
- Urban-to-Suburban/Small City Shift: There’s a trend toward relocating to less densely populated areas and closer to family, which often entails moving longer distances outside of major metros.
Why Valuation Coverage Should Be Part of Every Move with Certified Residential Movers
When you’re planning a move—whether across town or to another state—there’s always some level of risk involved. No matter how careful the team is, accidents, delays, or unforeseen issues can happen. That’s why valuation coverage isn’t just a smart addition—it’s an essential layer of protection.
1. Because Even Professional Movers Can’t Prevent Every Mishap
Certified residential movers near me are trained, experienced, and cautious. But the moving process includes a lot of variables: traffic delays, weather issues, tight staircases, or fragile items that don’t respond well to bumps in the road. Valuation coverage ensures that if anything is lost or damaged, you’re not left covering the cost alone.
2. Because Moving Is an Investment
Relocating isn’t cheap—especially when hiring top-rated movers or a moving company in NYC, where labor and logistics are more demanding. You’re already investing in professionals to reduce stress. Valuation coverage protects that investment by offering financial recovery if something goes wrong during packing, loading, or transit.
3. Because Long-Distance Moves Carry Greater Risk
Cross-country or state-to-state moves have more touchpoints, time, and travel miles involved. This increases the chance of something being broken, misplaced, or delayed. Most long distance moving companies offer multiple valuation options to match the scale and value of your move, which is especially important when transporting high-dollar or sentimental items.
4. Because Not All Moving Companies Are Equal
Choosing a provider with a valid USDOT number for movers is a strong start, but it doesn’t guarantee compensation if things go sideways. Valuation coverage is what holds movers accountable and ensures you’re not depending solely on goodwill or limited terms. It formalizes responsibility.
5. Because It’s Not Just Households—Businesses Need It Too
For companies changing locations, valuation coverage is just as critical. Residential and office movers often handle sensitive equipment, expensive tech, and proprietary assets. A single mishap without coverage could result in costly downtime or losses that aren’t easily absorbed.
How DOT-Certified Long Distance Movers Ensure a Safer Relocation Experience
Safety in moving goes beyond heavy lifting—it’s about regulation, reliability, and accountability. DOT-certified long distance movers follow specific federal guidelines that are designed to reduce risk at every stage of the relocation process. Here’s how they deliver a safer, smoother move.
1. Operates Under Federal Oversight
A valid USDOT number for movers means the company is registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation and subject to strict federal regulations. This includes safety audits, vehicle inspections, and compliance with interstate commerce laws. Certification helps weed out rogue operators and ensures customers are working with legitimate, accountable professionals.
2. Uses Professionally Maintained Vehicles
DOT-certified long distance moving companies must maintain their fleet to meet commercial safety standards. This includes routine inspections of brakes, tires, suspension systems, and weight limits. Proper vehicle maintenance drastically reduces the risk of breakdowns, delays, or accidents—especially during multi-day, multi-state moves.
3. Provides Transparent Protection Options
Certified movers are required to offer customers different levels of valuation coverage, helping protect against financial loss if items are damaged or lost. Unlike unlicensed operators, DOT-compliant movers explain these options clearly in writing, helping customers make informed decisions based on the value of their belongings.
4. Trains Movers to National Standards
All personnel—including loaders, drivers, and customer service staff—must follow documented procedures. This results in consistent handling, secure packing, and safer transport. If you’re a business moving delicate electronics with office movers, trained crews reduce mishaps through better handling practices.
5. Offers Binding Estimates and Trackable Service
DOT regulations require certified movers to provide written estimates and maintain itemized inventories. This not only prevents unexpected charges but also keeps the entire process traceable and accountable. For customers working with a moving company in NYC, where space, timing, and logistics are tight, this level of structure is key to preventing last-minute surprises.
6. Streamlines Complex Moves
Cross-country and long-haul moves involve layers of coordination: routes, fuel stops, weigh stations, timing, and regulations across state lines. Certified movers are equipped with the experience and planning systems to manage these details efficiently. This is particularly important for customers relocating due to common reasons people relocate—such as job transfers or major life transitions—when delays or damage can add stress to an already complex situation.
Murphy Moving & Storage’s United Van Lines Certification & US DOT Numbers
From small residential moves to large-scale corporate relocations, Murphy Moving & Storage stands out as a trusted leader in the moving industry. Their combination of national certifications, personalized service, and professional partnerships ensures a safer, more reliable experience for every customer.
1. Extensive Resources
Murphy Moving & Storage is equipped with a robust fleet, climate-controlled warehouse space, and a highly trained crew. This scale allows the company to take on complex relocations with confidence—whether you’re searching for residential movers near me for a local transition or coordinating with office movers for a commercial move. Their infrastructure ensures minimal disruption and maximum care.
2. Certified Professionals
Each team member at Murphy Moving & Storage completes an intensive 30-hour certification program through United Van Lines. This ensures expert-level handling, packing, and logistics knowledge across every phase of the move. It’s a major reason why the company remains a top choice among movers, especially for those prioritizing professionalism and consistency.
3. Dedicated Move Coordinator
From your first estimate to final delivery, Murphy Moving & Storage assigns a dedicated move coordinator to manage every detail. This one-on-one support simplifies the process—whether you’re dealing with building access in a high-rise or navigating timelines with a moving company in NYC. The result is a smoother, less stressful relocation.
4. Federal & State DOT Certifications
Murphy Moving & Storage is fully licensed and operates under US DOT #2633811 and NYS DOT #12022. These certifications ensure full compliance with federal and state regulations—providing customers the confidence that their move is handled legally, safely, and transparently. This is essential for long-haul clients working with long distance moving companies, where credentials are critical.
5. Trusted Mayflower Agent & United Van Lines Partner
As an agent for Mayflower, named the #1 overall moving company of 2025 by U.S. News, Murphy Moving & Storage gives customers access to the highest-rated national network in the industry. Its affiliation with United Van Lines, recognized as the Best Full-Service Moving Company, further strengthens that trust. These partnerships matter—especially for those moving for top reasons people relocate, such as upgrading homes, job changes, or family transitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I save money on a long-distance move?
Flexible scheduling, downsizing belongings, and comparing quotes from certified long distance moving companies can help lower costs. Booking early and avoiding peak times also makes a big difference. Ask about bundled services or discounts that may apply. Choosing movers with a valid USDOT number for movers ensures quality without hidden fees.
Are long distance movers worth it?
Yes, especially for complex or cross-state moves where professional handling and logistics matter. Reliable movers can manage packing, transport, and timing far more efficiently than DIY options. For many, the time and risk saved outweigh the cost. This is particularly true for common reasons people relocate, like job transfers or family changes.
What is the cheapest way to move long-distance?
The most affordable option is often renting a truck and handling the move independently, though it involves more time and effort. Using residential movers near me for partial services like packing or loading can also help cut costs. Always compare estimates from several providers. Make sure any moving company in NYC or elsewhere is transparent about fees.
How much should I budget for a long-distance move?
Budgeting depends on distance, size, and services needed, so estimates can vary widely. Costs can also increase if valuation coverage or packing services are included. Reach out to multiple long distance moving companies for quotes. Confirm they are licensed with a USDOT number for movers to avoid surprise charges.
How far in advance should I hire movers?
It’s best to book movers at least 6–8 weeks in advance, especially during busy seasons. Early booking helps secure preferred dates and better pricing. For business relocations, office movers may need even more notice. Planning ahead also gives time to verify credentials and coverage options.
Get Expert Help for Office or Residential Moves in NYC!
Moving in NYC—whether it’s an apartment, townhouse, or office suite—comes with unique challenges that require the right support. Murphy Moving & Storage offers certified, full-service relocation solutions tailored to the fast-paced demands of NYC life. With deep local experience and trusted handling of both residential and commercial moves, our team makes relocating within, to, or from NYC more efficient and secure.
Contact Murphy Moving & Storage today to schedule a professional move in NYC!
References
- Schmidt, E. (2024, March 14). Moving Statistics 2025. ConsumerAffairs. https://www.consumeraffairs.com/movers/moving-statistics.html
- United Van Lines. (2024). 2024 National Movers Study: Southeast Surges as Top Moving Destination Amid Economic Pressures. https://www.unitedvanlines.com/newsroom/2024-national-movers-study
- Kerns-D’Amore, K. (2023, September 19). Why People Move. U.S. Census Bureau. https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2023/09/why-people-move.html
- Core, K. (2025). Best Moving Companies of 2025. U.S. News & World Report. https://www.usnews.com/360-reviews/services/moving-companies#mayflower
