Relocating Americans are moving less stuff over shorter distances as 2024 election looms
Shorter distances. Smaller hauls. More strategy. That’s the state of American moves in 2024. If you’re feeling cautious about relocating this year, you’re not alone — and the data backs you up.
In this report, we analyze nearly 145,000 2024 move searches from the moveBuddha Moving Cost Calculator to show how Americans are moving right now and why it matters for your budget and timeline. Stick around for real customer experiences, expert insights, and ways to save on your next move.
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Key findings at a glance
Our midyear data confirms a more conservative approach to relocating in 2024. If you are optimizing for cost, predictability, and flexibility, you are squarely in the mainstream this year.
- Average distance is shrinking: The typical prospective move distance in 2024 is about 1,000 miles, a decline of roughly 10% compared to 2020. This shift suggests movers are prioritizing regional relocations to keep budgets in check and delivery windows tighter.
- Small moves lead the way: Nearly 39% of move searches in the first half of 2024 were for small hauls, such as a studio, a one-bedroom, or a few items. Smaller loads open up more service choices, including containers and small-move specialists, often at a lower price point.
- The majority are staying under 1,000 miles: More than half of 2024 moves fall below the 1,000-mile mark. This pattern lines up with cost-conscious decision-making and incremental moves closer to existing networks of work and family.
- Uncertainty is shaping behavior: Election-year caution and elevated housing costs are prompting people to relocate carefully — closer to home and with fewer belongings. Many households are delaying big, expensive cross-country moves until the economic picture becomes clearer.
What this report covers (and why it matters)
Two factors drive your moving cost and complexity more than anything else — how much you are moving and how far it needs to go. Understanding both will help you pick the right service type, set a realistic budget, and time your move for savings.
- Move size: Move size refers to the total volume and weight of your shipment (small, medium, or large). It affects everything from how many movers you need to whether a container, freight trailer, or full-service moving crew makes the most sense.
- Move distance: Distance determines transport options, delivery windows, and pricing models. Local and regional moves often have tighter schedules, while cross-country relocations usually come with broader delivery windows and more variables to manage.
Moving can be stressful — that is why we are here to help. We assist thousands of people every month and use that real-time insight to make your move smoother and more affordable.
The state of American moves 2024: Are hauls getting smaller?
Yes. Two in five moves are now “small.”
In 2020, searches split almost evenly across small, medium, and large moves. By 2023, small moves surged to 43%. In 2024, they remain elevated at nearly 39% — still the largest share by a wide margin.
Why this should matter to you: Smaller hauls are cheaper and easier to schedule. If you can downsize into a “small move,” you will unlock more options like containers, freight trailers, or small-move specialists — often at lower prices than full-service movers.
What is driving smaller moves?
Several forces are nudging movers toward leaner shipments in 2024. If you are on the fence about downsizing, these dynamics can help you decide what to keep and what to sell or donate.
- Affordability pressures: Elevated rents, utilities, and general living costs are pushing households to pare back. By shedding bulky or replaceable items now, many movers can fit into a smaller service tier and save significantly on transport.
- Renter-heavy mobility: Gen Z and early-career professionals tend to rent and move more frequently, which naturally keeps shipments lighter. These movers also value flexible options that do not lock them into long-term commitments.
- A wait-and-see mindset: Election-year uncertainty means fewer people are committing to large, expensive relocations. Many are opting for smaller, strategic moves that preserve cash and keep options open for 2025.
Real customers on small and strategic moves
“We specifically sought out small move specialists once we learned about van line minimum weight requirements.” — Lyle Zucker, MiniMoves, Clearwater, FL to Raleigh, NC Read the experience
Small-move specialists can be a smart play if you are moving a studio or one-bedroom and want predictable pricing without paying for space you do not need.
“Hybrid worked: a PODS container plus local moving help at delivery kept costs down.” — Bethany Diacou, PODS, Oakland, CA to Arlington, VA Read the experience
Hybrid moves — a container with hired labor — are popular for small hauls because you control the timeline and only pay for the labor you need.
Are Americans moving shorter distances in 2024?
Also yes. The average distance fell 10% since 2020.
So far in 2024, the average prospective move distance is around 1,000 miles (roughly Chicago to Denver). Over 55% of moves are under 1,000 miles — a notable shift toward regional relocations.
In a typical year, the moving industry sees a tradeoff: the longer the move, the smaller the load. In 2024, that rule is less relevant. We are seeing both shorter distances and smaller hauls at the same time.
What is driving shorter moves?
Shorter relocations are a logical response to cost and risk in today’s market. Here are the biggest reasons we are seeing more regional moves.
- Housing costs and mortgage rates: High home prices and rate lock-in are keeping many owners in place. When people do move, they often choose closer, incremental jumps to control costs and maintain flexibility.
- Remote and hybrid work: With less pressure to live in expensive job hubs, movers are targeting more affordable areas within driving distance of family or existing networks. This reduces risk while still improving quality of life.
- Job-market volatility: Layoffs and slower hiring in high-cost metros are curbing long-distance corporate relocations. Workers who do move are prioritizing stability and shorter commitments while the market resets.
Real customers on distance, timing, and risk
“Our move cost increased by 65% near Memorial Day and the delivery crew was smaller than expected.” — Ryan Bak, AZ to DE, booked with Safeway (Atlas agent) Read the experience
Peak-season timing and last-minute changes can spike prices. If you must move in May through August, lock quotes early and confirm crew details in writing.
“The container arrived 40 days late. We had to hire movers at destination because of the delay.” — Hassan Olawale, PODS, PA to WA Read the experience
When you are moving far, build buffer time into your plan. Long hauls and busy lanes can stress schedules, especially during peak months.
Expert perspective: What an election year does to moving
“Historically, election years tend to be slow for the moving industry,” says Anthony Disorbo, owner of American Van Lines. “People start to feel more secure about making moving plans once the vote is in.”
moveBuddha founder Ryan Carrigan agrees: “With soaring home costs, many homeowners are staying put. Renters and downsizers are driving the majority of moves, often with fewer belongings.”
Translation for your wallet: Waiting until after November could mean more inventory, more flexibility, and better pricing — especially if mortgage rates ease in 2025.
Who is driving the 2024 move trends?
The profile of the average 2024 mover looks different than during the boom years. These groups are making the most moves and shaping demand for service types.
- Gen Z and early-career movers: Younger renters move more frequently and typically own fewer large items. Their preference for flexible leases and cost-conscious services keeps shipments light and timelines nimble.
- Renters and downsizers: Many households are trading space for savings by relocating to smaller homes or neighborhoods closer to work and family. This shift reduces both move size and the need for large, full-service crews.
- Remote and hybrid workers: People with location flexibility are choosing affordability and quality of life over prestige metros. They are also more likely to consider hybrid solutions that blend DIY and professional help.
Real movers choose flexibility
“We needed short-term storage while we looked for a new place and had several fragile items to protect.” — Daniel E. Rauch, Bold Moving & Storage, Washington, DC to Cambridge, MA Read the experience
Storage adds flexibility when housing timelines do not align — just budget for the additional handling and monthly fees.
“Hybrid move, did our own packing and unloading; used a freight trailer to save money.” — Matt Percival, Movingplace, Berkeley, CA to St. Paul, MN Read the experience
DIY and hybrid options work best for smaller loads and flexible schedules — especially when you are focused on keeping costs down.
How to use 2024 trends to save on your move
If you are planning a move this year, lean into what the market is already rewarding: smaller loads, off-peak timing, and flexible service models. The tips below can trim your budget without sacrificing a smooth delivery.
- Right-size your service: Match your load to the right solution by comparing small-move specialists, containers, freight trailers, and full-service movers side by side. If you are uncertain which option fits, browse our guides to the best moving container companies and top long-distance movers to see typical pricing and pros and cons.
- Declutter aggressively: Turning a medium move into a small move can save hundreds on local relocations and thousands on cross-country jobs. Sell, donate, or recycle items you can replace affordably at destination — our guide to small moves shows how to keep it light.
- Avoid peak dates when possible: Rates climb during weekends, month-ends, and the May through August busy season. Aim for mid-week, mid-month dates or push your move to shoulder months for better pricing and more flexible delivery windows.
- Get binding estimates: Ask for a binding or binding-not-to-exceed estimate based on a verified inventory, and make sure all services are listed in writing. Clarify access details, flights of stairs, and special handling so your quote reflects the real job.
- Build buffer time into your plan: Delays happen more often during peak season and on long routes. Give yourself overlap on housing dates and consider hybrid approaches — such as hiring moving labor at delivery — to stay on schedule if timing shifts.
- Protect high-value items: Crate, insure, and label anything fragile or expensive. Ask about valuation coverage, how to file a claim, and whether a company offers third-party insurance for added peace of mind.
Need a quick, apples-to-apples cost check? Use our Moving Cost Calculator to price multiple service types in minutes.
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Methodology and data notes
We analyzed more than 144,000 move searches in the moveBuddha Moving Cost Calculator from January 1, 2024 through June 30, 2024. Searches reflect consumer intent and provide an early read on where and how people plan to move.
- Move size definitions: We group shipments by the amount of household goods a typical customer reports, which strongly correlates with truck space and labor needs. These categories are designed to compare service types consistently across markets.
- Small: A few items, a studio, or a small one-bedroom. This tier fits well with containers, small-move specialists, and partial-load options.
- Medium: One to two bedrooms. Medium moves often compare well across containers, freight trailers, and traditional van lines depending on distance and timing.
- Large: Three or more bedrooms. Large shipments typically benefit from full-service movers or dedicated freight space to manage complexity and delivery timing.
- Distance: We calculate mileage from the origin city to the destination city entered by users. This allows apples-to-apples comparisons across local, regional, and cross-country routes.
- Limitations: Very small or purely local DIY moves may be underrepresented because many of those customers do not seek professional help or formal quotes. As with any intent dataset, final booked moves may differ based on changing timelines, housing availability, or personal circumstances.
FAQs: The state of American moves 2024
Are Americans moving less in 2024?
Yes, overall demand is softer than recent years. Election-year caution, high housing costs, and mortgage rate lock-in are keeping many would-be movers in place or choosing smaller, closer relocations. That said, renters and downsizers are still active, which explains the elevated share of small moves. If you are on the fence, consider short-term leases and smaller shipments to stay flexible.
Is 2024 a good year to move?
It can be — especially for smaller moves and off-peak dates. If you need to move a large household cross-country, expect a broader delivery window and a higher budget, particularly in the summer months. If your timeline is flexible, planning for late fall or early 2025 could yield better pricing and more availability. Use our Moving Cost Calculator to test scenarios and compare options.
Why are small moves so common now?
Renters and downsizers are driving a big share of relocations, and they typically own fewer bulky items. Many households are also trimming belongings to fit into cheaper service tiers and reduce risk if plans change. Add in higher living costs and an uncertain economy, and lighter, more tactical moves make a lot of sense. If you can convert a medium move into a small one, you may save substantially.
How far are people moving in 2024?
The average prospective move distance is about 1,000 miles, down 10% since 2020. More than half of moves are under 1,000 miles, signaling a shift to regional relocations. Shorter moves typically have tighter delivery windows and simpler logistics, which many consumers prefer in an uncertain market. If you are planning a longer haul, build in extra time for transport and delivery.
What is the best way to price my move?
Compare multiple service types — full-service movers, containers, and freight — to find the best fit for your load size, route, and timing. Ask for binding or binding-not-to-exceed estimates based on a confirmed inventory, and make sure access challenges are disclosed. Reviewing a few quotes side by side will quickly show where the value is for your exact situation. For instant ballparks, start with our Moving Cost Calculator.
Moving strategically in 2024
Movers this year are making smart, economically driven decisions: fewer belongings, shorter distances, and more flexible service types. With an election on deck and mortgage rates still elevated, that caution makes sense.
Expect more activity in 2025 as uncertainty clears. In the meantime, right-size your move, avoid peak dates, and get binding quotes so you know exactly what to expect on moving day.
Ready to price your move and compare service types? Use our calculator to see real numbers for your route and move size, then lock in the option that fits your budget and timeline.
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