Top 12 Reasons Why People Move

In late 2020, research showed that Americans were moving at the lowest rate since the Census Bureau began tracking mobility and migration in 1947. As the population ages, we see fewer older folks relocating. As for the millennials, there are a variety of reasons they are not moving - from the cost of living in cities to starting families much later than prior generations. 

Pre-COVID Reasons for Moving

Traditionally, the average person will move approximately 11 times in their life. What were the most common circumstances for these moves?  Here is a list of the top 12 reasons:



• To relocate to a new or better home
• To establish their own household
• For other family reasons
• For a new job or job transfer 
• To find cheaper housing
• For other housing reasons
• To own their own home instead of renting 
• To be closer to work or easier commute
• Change in marital status
• For other unspecified reasons
• To attend or leaving college
• Wanting a better neighborhood w/ less crime

Moving in 2020

COVID-19 changed a lot of this.  According to a July 2020 Pew Research, one-fifth of the adults in the United States said they moved, had someone move in with them, or know someone who moved as a result of the pandemic.  The top reasons included:



• No longer able to afford rent/mortgage
• Feeling unsafe in their city or town
• Closing of college housing
• Loss of employment

While many of the reasons for relocating in 2020 were under unfortunate circumstances, wealthy and financially-independent citizens moved from the densely-populated cities into the suburbs and countryside.  With real estate in high demand, the seller’s market resulted in high mortgage rates and many potential buyers in limbo with little to choose from.  Improving control of the virus and preventing more lockdowns will help eventually even out the market.  Once that happens, we can take another look at the most common reasons for relocation and see if they’ve changed again in a post-COVID climate.

We Can Help With Any Move

As a family-owned and operated moving company, we are sensitive to the good, the bad, and the ugly of today’s moves.  If you’re looking to move within Connecticut, relocate your business to a home office, or get out of Dodge all together, we can help. 

Give us a call for a free estimate for all of your packing, storage and moving needs.