21% of Americans took on debt to move: USA TODAY Homefront survey
Sam M. Huisache/Updated Aug. 21, 2024
In this article
Cost of moving
Motivation for moving
Moving and stress
Paying for a move can quickly become a financial headache, especially if you don’t find a cheap moving company.
A July 2024 USA TODAY Homefront survey of 2,184 Americans who relocated within the past year revealed that 21% of Americans went into debt to pay for their move. The majority of Americans who moved (55%) admitted they underestimated the actual expense. Respondents spent more than $7,000 for long-distance moves over 400 miles away, and 91% said the process was stressful.
“The stress of moving often depends on why you’re relocating,” said Andrew Rasmussen, Ph.D., professor of psychology at Fordham University in New York City. “For many people in the U.S., it’s usually an exciting time — perhaps starting a new job or seeing it as an improvement in life. However, for a significant number of people, moving might be necessary due to financial struggles.”
Explore our full findings to learn about common misconceptions and moving mistakes to avoid.
Key findings
Most Americans who moved within the past year (55%) underestimated the cost of their move, spending $545 more than planned, on average. Close to 1 in 5 (21%) went into debt as a result of their move.
About a third of Americans (34%) who moved in the past year cited affordable housing as a reason for the move, while 27% said they moved to an area with a lower cost of living.
Nearly two-thirds said a policy issue contributed to their decision to move, such as climate change (23%) or abortion and reproductive rights (15%).
Nine in 10 Americans (91%) found their move stressful, with the most common stressors including the physical toll of packing (39%) and the cost of the move (38%).
55% of Americans underestimated the cost to move, sending 1 in 5 into debt
Struggling to accurately budget for a big move is not only common, but costly. On average, Americans who moved within the past year spent $545 more than they initially expected. The average anticipated cost for their move was $4,415 — compared to the actual average of $4,960 based on our survey results. This financial strain led 21% of respondents to take on debt to cover their moving expenses, including 24% of those who moved interstate.
Moving is often a pain due to the coordination required. Even if you hire help, you’re still overseeing the process.
Andrew Rasmussen
The average cost of moving varies significantly by distance — moves under 20 miles were $1,452, those up to 99 miles cost $3,006, and moves of 100 miles or more soared to $7,064, according to our survey. While it’s enticing to move to a new state for a change of scenery or a substantially lower cost of living, anyone traveling triple-digit mileages should be prepared to increase their moving budget.
With unexpected costs, many people regret some of their moving decisions. More than three-quarters of Americans who moved reported regrets (76%), with 29% specifically citing the cost of moving as a regret — the most common in the survey.
Millennials were particularly remorseful, with 34% expressing regret over the amount of money they spent. About 1 in 5 millennials also had complaints about their movers (19%), compared to 13% of respondents overall.
“Moving is often a pain due to the coordination required,” Rasmussen said. “Even if you hire help, you’re still overseeing the process. You’re watching others handle your precious belongings or handling them yourself.”
1 in 3 Americans say they moved for more affordable housing
A swath of Americans are prioritizing affordable rent and mortgages, even if it means incurring debt and spending thousands on relocating in the short term.
The drive to find more affordable housing is evident, as 34% of respondents cited it as a reason for their move. This result was especially common among those who moved 99 miles or fewer, with the pursuit of a more affordable house or apartment as their most common motivation.
In contrast, those who relocated at least 100 miles were likely to seek a fresh start or job opportunity. This demonstrates that the distance of a move can correlate with the reasons behind the relocation.
62% of Americans say public policy played a role in their move
Public policy was a factor in the moving decisions of nearly two-thirds of Americans (62%). Among the issues influencing moves, health care and crime or gun violence were each cited by 28% of respondents, while 26% mentioned taxes.
Climate change was another notable issue, with 23% of all respondents considering it a factor in their decision to move.
Our results show millennials are concerned with public policy where they live. The majority of millennials (ages 28 to 43) have reached parenting age and are now navigating new family responsibilities.
Additionally, 29% of millennials find managing children to be a significant stressor during a move, and 20% regret the disruption caused to their children’s schooling due to their move. About 31% of millennials relocated specifically to access better school districts, highlighting how education policies impact their moving choices.
91% of Americans say moving was stressful
Moving is a universally challenging experience, with 91% of Americans reporting some level of stress during their move. Among the most common stressors, the physical toll of packing and unpacking emerged as a top issue with 18% of respondents reporting injuries sustained in the process.
Moving to a new home is one of the biggest changes we can make in life.
David Chapman
The emotional impact of leaving behind a familiar place also contributed to stress, affecting 37% of those who moved.
“Change is stressful,” said David Chapman, Ph.D., a professor of finance and real estate at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond. “Moving to a new home is one of the biggest changes we can make in life. There is normally a catalyst that has caused the need for the move. This catalyst may be graduation, change in employment, marriage, increase or decrease in family size or loss of a spouse. All of this makes it one of the most stressful events in life.”
Concerns over the safety of belongings further heightened Americans’ anxiety, with 23% of those who moved saying they worried about their belongings getting damaged or lost. Unfortunately, those fears were validated by the 35% of respondents who said they did actually have items get lost or damaged.
Hiring professional movers can alleviate much of the physical stress of moving, but choosing a reputable company requires some research. The process of selecting a reliable moving company added to the stress for 30% of those who hired movers.
The time-consuming nature of moving adds another layer of stress for many Americans. Our survey found that moving took an average of 11.4 days — from the time respondents began loading their belongings to the time they finished unloading at their new residence. This often requires taking time off work, further increasing the overall cost of the move and potentially impacting income.
For long-distance moves of 400 miles or more, the process can stretch to an average of 18.2 days, exacerbating these challenges.
Tips for a stress-free move
Moving doesn’t have to be stressful. To calm your anxieties as you approach your move, follow these tips.
Plan early
Begin organizing your move well in advance. Early planning allows time to address unexpected issues and ensures a smoother process. Not falling into procrastination can help prevent stress. “The faster you have to leave and the less you’ve planned, the more financially challenging the move will be,” Rasmussen said.
Research moving companies
Whether hiring professionals or renting a truck, check customer ratings and reviews. For interstate moving companies, verify credentials with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This helps you avoid scams and ensures reliable service.
Pack strategically and declutter
Start packing non-essential items first and gradually pack more as the moving date approaches. Use this opportunity to declutter by donating or selling items you no longer need. Having fewer unwanted items to pack can save you energy and time.
Familiarize yourself with the new area
Research and, if possible, visit your new home and neighborhood before moving. Understanding the new environment helps prepare for potential challenges. Note the location of the nearest supermarkets or hospitals. For a smoother transition, look into social groups and events before you move, so you can plan opportunities to meet locals in your new neighborhood.
“Social support is critical to both physical and mental health,” said Nicole Y. Weekes, Ph.D., a professor of neuroscience at Pomona College in Claremont, California. “Therefore, creating community in your new setting should be a priority.”
Prepare essentials and stay organized
Pack a separate bag with essentials such as toiletries, clothes and important documents. Label boxes clearly for easier unpacking. To facilitate the transition, notify your employer, utility providers, banks and the U.S. Postal Service of your new address.
Final take
Given the cost and uncertainty of moving, it’s no wonder why Americans consider it an anxiety-inducing experience. Despite the challenges of moving, 70% of respondents reported greater happiness after relocating. While moving can be costly, physically taxing and time-consuming, Americans are typically willing to make a short-term sacrifice for the long-term benefits of the move.
Understanding the pros and cons of moving can help you navigate the process with fewer hassles — and set yourself up for a strong start in your new home.
Our methodology
The research team at USA TODAY Homefront examined moving costs, experiences and opinions in a survey of 2,184 Americans who moved residences within the past year. The survey was conducted using Pollfish, a third-party market research and survey platform, and ran from July 12–21, 2024.
We weighted responses to align with population demographics across age and gender to be representative of all U.S. adults (aged 18+). The margin of error is +/- 3% with 95% confidence.
Questions about our study? Please contact Homefront at press@homefront.usatoday.com.
Reference policy
We encourage journalists to share our findings on Americans’ moving experiences. If you choose to do so, please link back to our original story and credit USA TODAY Homefront for the research.
Sam M. Huisache, Contributing WriterHomefront
Learn more about Sam M. Huisache
Sam Huisache is a contributing writer at USA TODAY Homefront specializing in real estate trends, housing affordability and sustainable building methods. Sam has more than two years of experience in the real estate technology field and has led numerous projects aimed at integrating sustainable practices into urban development and fostering greener living environments. Sam studied political science at New York University and social enterprise management