This article is part of a recurring series highlighting recent talent mobility industry reports. If you would like the WERC editorial team to consider covering a specific industry report, email mobility@talenteverywhere.org.
American Home Shield’s 2026 State of Moving Forecast Survey of 1,004 Americans across the United States found that a significant share of Americans are planning to move, with more than two in five respondents indicating they intend to move this year. Younger generations are leading this trend, particularly Gen Z, with 59% expecting to move, followed by millennials (39%), Gen X (36%), and baby boomers (31%). Most expected moves are relatively local, with the majority of people planning to stay within their city or state, a quarter planning to move interstate, and just 2% planning to head overseas. Seasonal timing also plays a role, with most moves planned for spring and summer.
Key Motivations Behind Moving Decisions
The reasons for moving are varied but often tied to lifestyle changes. The most common motivation, indicated by more than a third of those who intend to move, is simply a desire for a change of scenery, followed by major life events such as marriage or having children (27%). Housing needs also play a major role, with a quarter looking to upsize or downsize their homes. Work and family considerations influence smaller but still notable portions of movers (17% each).
Housing Preferences: Size, Affordability, and Trade-Offs
Additionally, 14% of respondents are moving specifically to purchase a home, highlighting continued interest in homeownership despite economic pressures. Of those considering a first-home purchase, millennials lead with 13% planning it, followed by Gen Z (12%), Gen X (6%), and boomers (3%); two-thirds of these prospective buyers are already actively searching for homes.
Preferences for housing reveal a desire for moderate space, with the average ideal home size just over 2,200 square feet, with Gen Xers interested in larger housing (average 3,123 sq. ft.) and boomers content with less space (1,656 square feet). Affordability is also a key concern, with 28% prioritizing it over location. About a third are considering fixer-upper properties to reduce costs, and half are exploring home warranties as a way to manage home repairs financially.
Cost of Living and Location Priorities
Cost of living is a decisive factor in moving decisions, as the higher costs of living in cities and downtowns are balanced with factors like walkability and culture when considering moving to lower-cost suburban and rural areas. Thirty-one percent of respondents currently live in a high-cost area, 18% in a low-cost area, and the remainder somewhere in the middle. Nearly three in five are planning on moving to a place they can both afford to live and want to live, with the rest pretty evenly split between prioritizing location over affordability and vice versa. That said, 45% of respondents said they are planning on moving to a suburb, 31% to a city, 15% to a rural area, and 9% to a small town.
Popular destination states include California, Florida, and Texas, while places like Washington, D.C., Arkansas, and Montana are seeing higher rates of outbound migration.
Emotional Challenges and Moving Experiences
Moving expenses and emotional factors are also shaping the relocation experience. On average, respondents expect to spend nearly $2,200 on their move. Many report mixed emotions, including anxiety, excitement, and optimism. Cost-saving measures are common, with most people choosing to handle their moves themselves rather than hiring full-service movers. Packing is identified as the most stressful part of the process, followed by concerns about finding affordable housing and adjusting to a new community. Negative experiences with moving companies, such as damaged items or hidden fees, are also relatively common.
Adapting Mobility Strategies for a Changing Workforce
For talent mobility professionals, these findings point to a shifting landscape that requires greater flexibility, personalization, and cost sensitivity in mobility programs. While relocation volume may remain strong—especially among younger talent—most moves are local or regional, suggesting increased demand for short-distance relocation support, housing guidance, and commuter-based solutions rather than traditional long-haul packages.
Affordability concerns and interest in homeownership also highlight the need for expanded benefits such as home-finding assistance, financial counseling, and cost-of-living guidance. Additionally, the emotional and logistical stress associated with moving underscores the value of end-to-end support services that improve the employee experience. As workforce mobility becomes more employee-driven and lifestyle-oriented, organizations that adapt their relocation strategies to align with these priorities will be better positioned to attract, retain, and support talent in an increasingly competitive environment.