Moving and Grooving: A Guide for a Stress-free Move [Infographic]
Thanks to our growing mobility and the country’s expansive highway system, moving is a common part of life in the United States. However, moving can be one of the most stressful things you can experience. What can you do to eliminate the stress of relocating?
Moving in the U.S.
The average American will move 11.7 times in his or her lifetime. In 2013:- 12.5% of the U.S. population (or 39,656,992 people) relocated within the country.
- 1,040,000 people moved to the U.S. from abroad.
- 50% of movers lived in one- or two-bedroom homes.
- Two-thirds of all moves were to a different state. One-third were local.
- About 40% of moves occurred in the summer.
- 1.23% of all moves occurred August 1, making it the busiest moving day.
- June 1 was the second busiest moving day.
- July 1 was the third.
- Most popular city: New York City
- Most popular state: California
Most Common Reasons for Moving
According to the U.S. Census, the main reasons that people moved between 2012 and 2013:- A new or better home/apartment – 14.8%
- Establishing household – 10.4%
- Job transfer/new job – 9.0%
- Cheaper housing – 8.3%
- Home ownership over renting – 5.8%
- Easier commute – 5.4%
- Change in marital status – 5.1%
- Better neighborhood – 3.2%
- Other job related reasons – 2.3%
- Lost job or looking for work – 2.1%
Hiring Movers vs. Renting a Truck: Comparing Costs
Moving companies operate in crews of 3 or 4, charging $25 to $35 per hour per crewmember. Local Moves- Studio or one-bedroom home - $200 to $300
- Two- to three-bedroom home - $300 to $400
- Four- to six-bedroom home - $400 to $600
- Studio or one-bedroom - $2,700 to $3,500
- Two- to three-bedroom home - $3,500 to $5,500
- Three- to four-bedroom home - $5,500 to $8,000
- Load and unload the truck yourself
- Potentially deal with heavy appliances
- Factor in gas costs
Pulling Off a No-Stress Move
1. Donate. Donate unwanted items to charity. Your donation is tax-deductible, and you’ll have less stuff to worry about moving—and less stress. 2. Use care when loading/unloading your truck. If you go the DIY route:- Enlist the help of family and friends to load and unload.
- Invest in moving equipment:
- Straps
- a dolly
- a hand truck
- Keep a set of tools handy for breaking down and setting up large items.
- Cover furniture with blankets.
- Move heavy appliances closer to the cab.
- Place longer items (such as mattresses and sofas) against the sides of the truck.
- Place items with drawers (such as desks and dressers) facing the walls or against mattresses to prevent them from opening.
- Keep heavy boxes in the center of the truck.
- Lastly, fill in empty spaces with small items.
- Passports
- Birth certificates
- Deeds
- Wills
- Insurance papers
- Chargers
- Toiletries
- Towels
- Snacks
- Water bottles
- Books, games, and other forms of entertainment