Q1 2025: Moving Industry Data

As we step into 2025, the moving industry faces a mix of challenges and opportunities. Shifting demographics, changing rental patterns, and economic pressures are reshaping the market. Building on our Q1 2024 report, this year’s analysis dives into the trends that will shape movers’ decisions and strategies, offering insights for moving companies and interested third parties, such as private equity analysts, to better understand the market.

Renters Are Changing: A New Opportunity

In 2024, we observed the rapid rise of high-income renters. Households earning over $150,000 annually have increased by an incredible 82% since 2015. This trend is continuing, and these renters are reshaping the moving industry. Unlike traditional renters, this group is more likely to rent single-family homes instead of apartments, prioritizing flexibility and lifestyle over ownership (Source 1, Source 2).

Why is this happening? High mortgage rates, which stabilized between 6-7% last year, have made buying less appealing for some families. This is especially true in tech-driven cities like Raleigh, Charlotte, and Austin, where jobs are plentiful, and amenities are attractive. Moving companies that market directly to this demographic, focusing on convenience and premium service options, can tap into this profitable segment (Source 1).

A Shift Toward Regional Moves

The decline in long-distance moves observed in 2024 has carried into 2025. The average move distance dropped significantly to 32 miles, a stark contrast to 103 miles in 2022. This shift shows that people are staying near major metro areas while moving to suburbs or nearby cities. Movers must adjust by focusing on regional services, tailoring pricing, and ensuring they hold multi-state licenses where needed (Source 3).

Southern states like North and South Carolina continue to lead in inbound migration. Cities like Myrtle Beach and Greenville-Spartanburg attract retirees and young professionals alike. Movers should target these growing areas and build relationships with real estate agents and retirement communities to secure steady business (Source 2, Source 3).

Retirees Are Driving Growth

Retirement-related moves have surged, rising 44% year-over-year in 2024, a trend dubbed the “silver surge.” Retirees are drawn to states like Florida, the Carolinas, and Tennessee for their warm climates, affordable housing, and quality healthcare. Movers who tailor their services to retirees—offering assistance with packing, unpacking, and even storage—can set themselves apart from competitors (Source 3).

Multi-generational households are also becoming more common as families consolidate for economic or personal reasons. Moves involving entire families or extended relatives are typically larger and more complex, requiring specialized planning. This presents another opportunity for movers to differentiate themselves with tailored services (Source 1, Source 2).

The Rental Market: A Mixed Bag

For the first time in years, national rent prices decreased in 2024, falling 0.6% year-over-year. The steepest declines were in Sun Belt cities like Austin and Raleigh. However, new rental units are flooding the market, with nearly 800,000 units under construction, the largest wave of completions since the 1980s. Renters, who typically move more often than homeowners, present a key market for movers (Source 1).

High-income renters continue to dominate, and their preference for single-family homes offers movers opportunities to capture higher-value jobs. Movers should consider partnering with property managers in high-growth areas to gain a foothold in this evolving market (Source 4, Source 3).

Economic Pressures: Fewer Moves, Higher Stakes

The housing market remains tight. Inventory levels are still low, with only 2.9 months of supply available—far below the six-month supply needed for balance. High-interest rates are discouraging homeowners from selling, limiting opportunities for movers to serve this segment. This has made renters and short-distance movers even more important targets (Source 3, Source 1).

In 2024, fewer than 8% of Americans moved, the lowest percentage in recorded history. This reflects the challenges posed by high-interest rates and a lack of affordable homes. Moving companies must find ways to adapt to this smaller customer base by offering specialized services and using data-driven marketing to reach the right audiences (Source 2).

Key Takeaways for Movers in 2025

Focus on High-Income Renters: With more affluent renters choosing flexibility over homeownership, moving companies should offer premium services to meet their expectations (Source 1).
Adapt to Regional Trends: With fewer long-distance moves, movers should refine their operations to handle shorter relocations more efficiently. This includes adjusting pricing strategies and securing the necessary licenses for regional moves (Source 3).
Leverage the “Silver Surge”: Retirees are a growing segment of the moving market. Movers can capture their business by partnering with retirement communities and offering services tailored to this group (Source 3).
Build Relationships in the Rental Market: The influx of new rental units, particularly in the Sun Belt, creates opportunities for movers to serve this mobile customer base. Building partnerships with property managers and offering discounts for repeat customers could be highly effective (Source 4).
Use Data to Drive Strategy: The days of broad, untargeted advertising are over. Movers must leverage CRM and local real estate data to identify high-opportunity neighborhoods and tailor their outreach accordingly (Source 2).

A Resilient Industry

Despite a challenging economic environment, the moving industry remains resilient. Movers who understand these trends and adapt their strategies accordingly will not only survive but thrive in 2025. By targeting high-income renters, focusing on regional flexibility, and catering to the needs of retirees, movers can position themselves for success.

The insights from this year’s report show that adaptability and innovation are the keys to staying ahead. Companies that embrace data-driven decision-making and specialized services will emerge as leaders in an ever-changing market. Whether serving renters in high-demand metro areas or retirees moving to the Sun Belt, movers who are prepared to meet the needs of tomorrow will have a competitive edge.

For Moovsoon, we aim to find every data point to help movers with their business. If you need any data or want to provide feedback on our “Making Moves” reports, contact us at info@moovson.com.