Written by: Kate Becker
Date:

Did you know that an average American moves 11 times in their life? At first glance, this number might surprise you. However, once you take into consideration every moving-related factor, the number 11 won’t sound that scary anymore. But, what about families? How many times does the average family move? Let’s take a look at what moving statistics have to say about these numbers. Here are some of the information about family relocations that will most definitely be of use to you if you plan to relocate any time soon.

Moving with a Family – What Is There to Know?

Deciding to move to a different city with your family isn’t something you can do with ease. There are so many things that need to be taken into consideration before you can make the decision that will change your and your kids’ lives. So, we can all agree that family relocations are a bit more specific than other types of moves. This is why it is necessary to prepare for it as much as possible.

Family sitting on a bed and reading a guide on how many times the average family move
With the help of simple moving guides, your entire family can prepare for the upcoming relocation.

In America, it is perfectly normal to move your household many times

If you think you are currently the only person who is dealing with the moving chaos, know that you are not alone! Americans tend to move a lot. Recent studies have shown that every year, tens of million people move within the USA. The numbers tell us that once an average American turns 18, they will move their household once every 5 to 7 years. Having that many relocations in one year mean you will need to choose your moving date carefully. It would be best to avoid “busy” months. That is when most moving companies are booked and their prices tend to be higher. To help you set the moving date, we have gathered some information regarding the number of relocations per month.

Infographic showing moves in the USA:
January: Around 5% of moves take place in January.​

February: Approximately 4% of moves happen in February.​

March: Around 5% of moves occur in March.​

April: Approximately 6% of moves take place in April.

May: Approximately 10% of annual moves occur in May.​

June: Around 12% of moves take place in June, making it one of the peak months.​

July: Similar to June, July also sees about 12% of all moves.​

August: Approximately 11% of moves happen in August.​

September: Around 9% of moves occur in September.​

October: Approximately 8% of moves take place in October.​

November: About 7% of moves happen in November.​

December: Approximately 6% of moves occur in December.​

As you can see, most relocations happen in the summer so it would be best to avoid it if you want to save a couple of bucks on your move. On the other hand, if you have kids, the summer will be a perfect time for the move since they won’t be at school. You need to pick the date very carefully… It needs to suit your family and your wallet! So, apart from solely focusing on how many times does the average family move, you will also need to think about your moving budget. Worry not, you can get a free moving estimate on our website to plan your budget with ease.

The traits of family-friendly cities and neighborhoods

Some of the most important moving tips regarding family relocations are focusing on the importance of finding a neighborhood that is family-friendly. After all, you can’t just move to the first suburb you find on the Internet! Instead, you need to research thoroughly the neighborhood before deciding whether it will be a good place for your family. It would be best to choose a neighborhood that is safe, has friendly residents, and a wide variety of outdoor activities. In addition to this, if any good schools are close by, that should also be considered as a plus.

Infographic showing what makes one neighborhood family-friendly:

low crime rates
friendly community
proximity to amenities
a wide range of services within the walking distance
lots of outdoor activities

Who Moves More – American Families or European Families?

As a company that has been a part of the moving industry this long, we have noticed that there are so many people who are wondering how many times does the average family move in the USA compared to European families. To give you an answer to this question, we, at Verified Movers, took a look at moving statistics from various years. The numbers show us that Americans are more mobile than Europeans. The reason why American families move more is mostly because of their employment. Americans change their jobs and get job transfers more often.

In addition to this, it seems like Americans think that it is way much easier to find a job in the USA. But even though they can get employed faster that doesn’t mean all of them will be able to find a stable job.

Infographic showing the number of Americans who have moved:
2020: 13.8% 
2021: 8.4%
2022: 8.7%.
2023: 7.8%
2024: 7.8%
  • 2020: Around 13.8% moved.
  • 2021: The rate declined to 8.4%, marking the lowest since 1948.
  • 2022: 8.7%.
  • 2023: the relocation rate further declined to 7.8%, making it the new lowest rate on record.

What Are the Reasons Why Families Choose to Move to a Different Home?

So, we have already mentioned that families move a lot because of job transfers and the search for new job opportunities. But, what are the other reasons why they choose to leave their home and find a new one? What makes one family decide it is time to hire some of the best long-distance moving companies and move to a different address? Well, let’s take a look at some of the most common reasons why one family could consider relocating their household.

  • Job Relocation
  • Need for More Space
  • Better School Districts
  • Financial Reasons
  • Change in Family Dynamics
  • Improved Quality of Life
  • Closer to Family or Friends
  • Retirement
  • Desire for Change
  • Better Housing Opportunities
Woman playing with her children
Most families change homes often so they can make their children’s lives better, happier, and safer.

Do Families Move Locally or Over Long Distances?

What do you think – are families moving locally or they are moving over long distances more? Most of them choose to move within the state they currently live in. Only 10% opt for moving to a different state and starting their lives there. When you think about it, it is much simpler to move a couple of blocks away or to a next-door town than to a different state. However, this doesn’t mean that local relocations shouldn’t be organized or planned.

Every step of every relocation needs to be properly prepared. It is true that you will relocate locally faster and simpler, but you will still want to have a plan and a moving checklist by your side. Also, your kids will handle the move better if they know what is going on and are aware of the moving schedule. This is why you should do your best to prepare for the change that is about to happen or simply put your movers in charge of preparations.

USA States Families Are Moving to and From

Apart from answering how many times does the average family move, we will also provide you with brief info of where families are moving to. Even though Americans move a lot and it is a bit hard to track their routs, we can list a couple of states that stand out. Some stand out because so many people are moving away from them. And some stand out because so many people are deciding to relocate to them. If you too are thinking about moving with your family, you will want to be aware of them. Who knows, maybe you too will choose to relocate to some of the most popular states we have listed for you!

Top outbound USA states

Not so many people are moving to a different state but those who decide to do it are mostly relocating from the same states. We have listed ten states that stand out because so many people are leaving them every year. Keep in mind that even though some states have found their place on our list, that doesn’t mean they are bad. People have different needs and they change over the years. For example, a couple that has just got a baby won’t like NYC’s noisy nightlife anymore. Instead, that family will want to relocate to a quiet place. But that doesn’t mean they have suddenly started to hate NYC. It simply means their needs and requirements have changed.

Top 10 Outbound States in the U.S.:

  • California
  • New York
  • Illinois
  • New Jersey
  • Pennsylvania
  • Michigan
  • Connecticut
  • Ohio
  • Louisiana
  • Maryland

Top inbound USA states

These were the states most people are relocating from. But, what about those where most people are moving to? Let’s take a look at the states that are the most popular option for families and people who plan to have kids.

The Top 10 Inbound States in the U.S.:

  • South Carolina
  • Florida
  • Texas
  • Arizona
  • North Carolina
  • Tennessee
  • Georgia
  • Nevada
  • Idaho
  • Utah

As you can see these states aren’t the ones that are known for their nightlife, clubs, or parties. Even though you can find great parties and events in all of them, these states are better known for other things. They are much calmer and are great for people who love spending their time outside and go on adventures. But, no matter how good they are, you will still have to prepare your kids for moving there. There is a big chance your kids will get confused because of the move but you can make the entire process simpler for them. Talk to your children, explain to them the process of relocation and include them in it if they are old enough. This is how you will take the stress and other negative emotions away from your move. And, that is why you shouldn’t skip this step no matter what.

So, How Many Times Does the Average Family Move?

We now know why families are relocating and where they are moving to. We have gone through different reasons of relocations but we still haven’t answered one, the most important question – How many times does the average family move?

According to different data and information, the average American family moves every 5 years. Most of them have parents that are in their 20s and 30s. Also, most families have more kids in those years and that is why they need to find bigger and better homes. They need to find a place that is perfect for children so they switch homes so often.

Couple sitting with a baby
Most couples choose to relocate to a bigger home when they find out they are having a baby.

Something has caught our eye while we were looking at these numbers. It seems like as people get older, their tendency to relocate goes way down. Elderly couples relocate only because of their retirement or because they want to be closer to their grandkids. These two reasons are the most important and most common reasons for the relocation of the elderly.

Thinking About Moving with Your Family Soon? Rely on Verified Movers

As you can see, both individuals and families tend to change their addresses a lot. If you decide to move, too, you don’t have to do everything on your own and we will gladly prove this to you! Feel free to get in touch with us and we will be able to find the best moving companies according to your needs and requirements. And that is not all! You can also learn about the relocation process by reading our comprehensive guides or get a precise moving estimate free of charge. We have answered your question regarding how many times does the average family move, but we can do so much more for you. Whether you need to move locally or over long distances, we will do our best to help you move with ease.