NEW YORK — What could be more stressful and terrifying than having to land a plane in an emergency? One in four Americans say they found something even more nerve-racking — moving!
A new survey of 2,000 Americans who have moved in the last five years investigated the seemingly overwhelming task of moving and found more than a few startling answers to some of the moving-related “would-you-rathers.” Specifically, Americans said moving was more overwhelming than losing a job (27%), switching careers (23%), and even running for president (21%)!
Commissioned by College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving and conducted by Talker Research, the poll also found that the average American has already moved five times in their lifetime and expects to move three more times in the future. Respondents said their top reason for moving was to embark on a new phase in life (37%).
That goal was followed by wanting to access better opportunities (31%), live closer to family (27%), and get outside their comfort zones (23%). Nineteen percent even moved to make a fresh start — wanting to live somewhere where no one knew them.
Although moving can be liberating, anxiety (53%) and excitement (52%) were the top emotions people felt during this chaotic process. Joy (35%), hope (32%), and dread (21%) were also common among movers. Interestingly, some Americans also felt relief, with many saying it was because they were finally moving on to a better stage in life (38%) and getting distance from a toxic environment (25%) and toxic people (24%).
Looking at the logistics of moving, the average American turned the job into a 16-hour day and only took two rest breaks during their most recent move.
“As the study shows, moving is one of the most difficult and overwhelming things in life,” says Nick Friedman, co-founder of College HUNKS, in a statement. “Not only is it logistically and physically strenuous, it’s an emotionally-charged process. Organizing your things, downsizing, and getting ready to move into a new space often dredges up big feelings, not to mention belongings and things you completely forgot about or don’t use anymore.”
If you think Americans take everything with them during the average move, think again. While packing up and getting ready for the big day, the average person gets rid of a whopping 36 percent of their possessions.
More than one in three (36%) were anxious about having too many belongings and not enough help to move, and a fifth (19%) were even worried about having a nervous breakdown.
When asked about tips for the best possible moving experience, respondents suggested setting aside more time than you think you’ll need to pack up (43%), saying goodbye to clutter and unused belongings (43%), asking for help from friends and family (37%), and hiring a moving service (23%).
“Whether or not you choose to hire a moving company for your next move or ask friends or family to pitch in, make sure to ask for help if you can,” Friedman says. “Calling moving challenging is an understatement since it stretches you physically and emotionally. So give yourself enough time and grace to complete this big change and know that you don’t have to do it all alone.”
Survey methodology:
This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 Americans who have moved in the last five years was commissioned by College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving between Apr. 19 and Apr. 30, 2024. It was conducted by market research company Talker Research, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society (MRS) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).