Are Americans Restless and Moving is a way to Solve this?

A recent article in Architectural Digest (AD) says that the number of Americans moving had declined significantly until now.

“In the 2000s, about 20% of Americans would move in a given year compared to figures in the low teens more recently. Even data including the peak years of the coronavirus pandemic shows a decline. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, 13.7% of Americans moved in 2019 compared to 12.8% in 2021.”

AD goes on to report that the downward trend has changed despite the shifts in the economy. That’s good news for relocation services, but it’s also good news for those who are looking beyond our current economic environment for change.

Architectural Digest reports:

• Gen Z and millennials are on the move. About 39% have relocated or plan to in 2023, driven by affordability, jobs, and safety concerns.
• Americans crave more affordable living: 29% plan to move this year to lower their cost of living.
• Gen Z (28%) and baby boomers (18%) would be willing to move to communities that share their beliefs and values.
• More than 30% of younger generations (Gen Z and millennials) want to relocate to a safer area.

What are the top reasons that people consider moving?

• Cost of housing People are changing locations due to higher prices in rent, and interest rates. If you can find a house at a lower price, there could be a chance that you can find a more reasonable interest rate. Don’t decide without studying the market. Shop for housing and then shop for a relocation team. Be honest in both cases about your budget.
• Safe neighborhoods that offer parks and walking spaces This is a huge request, but people have found that being outdoors is great for their health. Whether you run or walk, you want to know that others are doing the same thing, and you’ll be safe as you exercise. Larger cities have found that breaking down into trendy neighborhood centers works regardless of your age. Having access to green space increases physical activity and overall health.
• New job offers The job market has cooled some, but plenty of companies are hiring and want to know if you will relocate to their home city. Other companies are moving, changing locations, and growing. Often, they will ask you to relocate with them! If you find yourself faced with a decision that concerns relocation, do your homework. This could be a great opportunity and your relocation team will be available to help!
• Closer to family and friends Relationships are more important than ever. People want to be near others. We learned the disadvantages of isolation from going through the Pandemic and realize being close to those we know leads to a healthier lifestyle. In fact, Architectural Digest sites this is one of the top reasons people move.

“Whether you are in your 20s or 60s, living in a safe area and being close to loved ones are the top reasons that may spur a move.

“Additional factors that are more age-specific rank differently. For instance, Gen Z and millennials rank moving for a new job as the number two reason to move. Meanwhile, taxes rank in the top five reasons for Gen X and baby boomers.”

• Better housing and schools When you decide to move, this is always on the list of things to consider. If you have children, you want to know about the schools that are available. If you are relocating due to a job change, you want to know your housing is safe and nice. Local authorities can provide insight on both of these along with safety and educational opportunities.
• Downsizing People downsize for many different reasons. Some want to travel more, and others want to shed responsibility. People also upsize. Moving from a New York City apartment to a home along coastal Alabama can be as different as night and day! According to the Apartment Advisor: “The average size of a New York City, NY apartment is 793 square feet, while the median apartment size for New York City, NY is 745 square feet.”

Just for fun: “The average rent of a studio apartment in New York City, NY is $3,550. The average rent of a 1-bedroom apartment in New York City, NY is $4,450. The average rent of a 2-bedroom apartment in New York City, NY is $5,844. The average rent of a 3-bedroom apartment in New York City, NY is $6,108.”

It is easy to see why people are relocating to smaller towns and cities where they can have plenty of interaction and still live comfortability.

What prevents people from moving?

• Cost: Before settling to stay where you are, search for a relocation team. Ask to speak with an agent who can help you understand how to save on your move. Don’t just walk away from any opportunity, take time to “believe” your move is possible. Ask for advice, and then plan. Make a list of pros and cons and how you can make this move happen. Read our blog about moving on a budget! Also, consider how you can put more “sweat equity” into your move.
• Too Stressful There are seasons for everything! If you already face a lot of stress, this may not be your time to move. Movers want you to move but most who have been in business as long as we have been moving people, want to see clients happy and enjoying their relocation. The last thing a mover enjoys seeing is a less-than-positive review. When it comes to selecting a relocation team, choose a group that is concerned for your well-being. It is a business venture for you and that team, but any move is also a type of partnership. After all, you will work with your relocation team for more than a few weeks.
• Lack of Motivation: if you feel like you are in a dead-end, you must rise above your current situation and step out again.

Moving may come out of necessity, but it can also be the jumpstart you need for a better future. Despite what the economy does, Americans of all ages continue to question where they need to live. Change continues to be exciting and moving is not as hard as many are tempted to think!

Where you choose to live and why are deeply personal decisions. How and where you live affects your day-to-day life. For example, is housing affordable where you are now or where you want to go? Will you feel safe? Do your family and friends live nearby? Being brave doesn’t count, if you choose to move to a city where you know no one!

If you are planning a move soon, we recommend you begin with a moving plan. Call relocation services and ask about quotes for your move but also ask questions about what is expected from you and what you expect your team to do!

More than likely, you will receive your quote easily but then you want to “dig deeper.”

Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels