In today’s ever-changing environment, Americans continue to seek new beginnings and connections — whether for loved ones, job opportunities, or a better quality of life. Findings from Penske’s latest annual survey, Settling In: A Consumer Moving Trend Survey, provides fresh insights into how and why people are moving.
Moving Motivations: Closer Connections and New Opportunities
According to the survey, nearly a third (28%) of U.S. adults have moved to a new city or town within the past five years. Among those who moved, the top reasons were:
- Wanting to be closer to family and loved ones (28%)
- Pursuing better job opportunities (27%)
- Seeking a lower cost of living or taxes (23%)
- Needing more space (23%)
The strong pull of relationships and affordability continues to influence moving decisions, with job prospects remaining a steady motivator compared to previous years. Our annual Top Moving Destinations list identifies the top cities consumers moved to in the past year based on one-way rental truck data. The list helps us not only see where consumers are moving to plan resources and tools, it also uncovers migration trends that show where people are moving for fresh starts.
Beating the Challenges of a Move
More than half of movers (53%) preferred renting a truck instead of handling the move completely on their own.
Of course, moving isn’t without its hurdles. The biggest challenges reported were:
- Packing and unpacking (55%)
- Adjusting to a new neighborhood or city (29%)
- Finding a new place to live (31%)
Luckily, we know how to plan, pack, and load for a move! To ease moving stresses, movers leaned on smart strategies to better prepare:
- Packing gradually over time (52%)
- Staying positive (45%)
- Seeking help from family and friends (41%)
- Taking regular breaks (41%)
Interestingly, two-thirds of movers also reported that despite the stress, the experience overall had a beneficial effect on their mental and emotional health.
Moving Mindsets: Fresh Starts and Positive Impacts
A powerful theme emerged in the survey: moving is seen as an opportunity for a fresh start offering a positive impact on well-being and growth.
- 82% of respondents view their move as a new beginning.
- 67% said moving positively impacted their overall well-being, fostering personal growth and new opportunities.
- 56% described moving as an exciting time and a fresh slate for the future.
For many, relocating means exploring new areas, building community ties, and embracing change with optimism.
Final Thoughts: Moving as a Milestone
The Settling In survey highlights a broader trend: Americans continue to move not just for necessity, but for meaningful life improvements. Whether it’s for family, work, affordability, or a better sense of community, today’s movers are motivated by a mix of practical and personal reasons — and overwhelmingly view relocation as a positive, transformative experience.
As Penske Truck Rental continues to support movers across the country, it’s clear that helping people “settle in” to their next chapter is about more than just transportation — it’s about enabling new beginnings.By: Tana Korpics