Spring and summer are typically the most popular times to move, so it makes sense that May is National Moving Month! Residential moves increase significantly after the end of the traditional school year. Most of the 35 million people who move each year do so between May and September. The COVID-19 pandemic may change your situation a bit this year, but there are still many good options for finding and moving to a new home.
Why Do People Move?
If you are moving locally within the greater Nashville area, you are probably doing so because you want to live in a new home. According to the Brookings Institution, 51.4% of local moves in the US in 2018-2019 were related to housing. People who move locally typically have a desire for new, better, or more affordable housing. Just over a fourth of local moves are for family reasons such as establishing a new household, getting married, or for another change in marital status. Only 12.5% of local moves were for employment reasons.
In contrast, long distance moves are typically for job-related reasons. Just over a third of moves outside the local area, 34.5%, are due to reasons related to the labor market, including starting or relocating to a new job. The next most popular reason for moving long distance was family related, followed by just over a quarter of people who moved long distance for housing reasons.
The Trends
From the late 1940s to the 1960s, one-fifth of Americans moved to a new home every year. This period in US history was one of rapid economic growth and a robust housing consumption. That trend has slowed significantly for a number of reasons. The population has grown older, more households are dual earners making it more challenging to move long distance for a new job, and younger people are not moving as much as they did in the 1950s and 60s. By the late 1990s, only about 15-16% of the population moved each year. That number dropped to 13-14% in the early 2000s.
Find a Trusted Mover
If you are preparing to move this summer, there are some steps you can take to ensure it is a successful move. While you may want to pack and move everything yourself to save money, there are many advantages to hiring a trusted professional mover to do the work for you.
Moving is one of the most stressful events in a person’s life. Beyond the fact that you are moving to a new home, and possibly a new state, with all the challenges that come with that, you will be much less stressed letting a professional handle your move.
Professional movers know what it takes to pack and transport your possessions safely and efficiently. They have the packing materials and equipment needed to ensure that your items will arrive in your new home in great condition and ready for you when you arrive. Trusted movers are trained for safety and are able to handle the physical aspects of a move, which can be draining for you and any friends or family members you may have recruited to help.
COVID-19 Adjustments to National Moving Month
The COVID-19 pandemic has made finding and moving to a new home a little more challenging, but it can be done during National Moving Month. Many real estate agents are conducting home tours and processing paperwork virtually. They are finding that homes are still becoming available, as people are still moving for new jobs or family changes, and many people still just want a new home for themselves and their family.
Professional movers are taking all the necessary precautions to ensure that your move is safe and that everyone stays healthy. If you want to or need to move during the coronavirus outbreak, take steps to clean and sanitize your current home as well as your new home. Use hand sanitizer and soap and water frequently. Your movers will also take preventive steps, such as screening their crews for the virus and wearing masks throughout your move.
Ready to Plan Your Move During National Moving Month?
At Fox Moving and Storage Nashville, we’re ready to help you with your local or long-distance move. We are prepared to take every precaution necessary to maintain your safety and well-being throughout the process. Our professional team members will always take care of the details of your move so you can focus on a stress-free process. Contact us for more information about your move. Call Fox Moving & Storage Nashville at 615-965-5640 to learn more about our services and to get a free quote.