The way people search for moving information offers a unique window into how they navigate one of life’s biggest transitions. Their searches reveal what matters most—affordability, convenience, and the right lifestyle fit. This analysis breaks down key relocation trends and how real estate businesses can better connect with and support these movers.
The Four Types of Relocation Search Intent
Relocation search behavior can be grouped into four main categories, each corresponding to a different stage of the moving process:
- Transactional Intent – These are urgent, action-driven searches like “last-minute movers near me” or “cheap cross-country movers.” They often include location-based terms and qualifiers like “best” or “affordable,” signaling an immediate need.
- Commercial Investigation – In this phase, people compare service providers with searches such as “movers in [city]” or “long-distance moving companies NYC.” These searches show a deliberate approach, where cost and reputation play a big role in decision-making.
- Informational Intent – These searches dominate the early planning stages, covering topics like packing tips, moving costs, and tax implications. Users look for educational content to help them understand their options.
- Navigational Intent – This occurs when people search for specific brands or official resources, such as “U-Haul prices” or “update address with DMV.” These searches suggest the user already has a provider or process in mind.
Geographic and Seasonal Search Patterns
Location-based searches drive much of the relocation-related activity, with terms like “apartments in Austin TX” or “best neighborhoods in Charlotte.” These searches tend to peak between April and July, though 2023 saw shifts due to changing market conditions.
Search behavior also changes with the seasons. During peak moving months (May-September), people focus on immediate concerns with searches like “summer moving tips” and “quick movers.” In the off-season, interest shifts toward affordability, with terms like “winter moving discounts” and “storage unit deals.”
Economic Factors Driving Search Trends
Financial considerations are playing an increasing role in relocation decisions. In 2024, there was a 21% increase in searches related to cost-saving moves, such as “low-cost cities” and “tax-friendly states.” This reflects a broader trend of economic migration as people seek more affordable places to live.
How People Search for Relocation Information
Relocation research spans multiple platforms. Google searches are just the starting point—users also rely on review sites and social media. Notably, 23% of people use autocomplete suggestions in their searches, highlighting the importance of predictive search optimization. Voice searches are also growing, with more natural-language queries like “What’s the cheapest way to move cross-country?”
Mobile devices now account for over 60% of relocation searches, making mobile-friendly content essential. People also search for “on-the-go” solutions, such as “same-day movers near me.”
The Impact of Remote Work on Relocation Trends
The rise of remote work has significantly changed how and where people move. With over 36 million Americans planning relocations based on remote work, searches for “remote-friendly cities” and “best states for hybrid work” have surged. There’s also been a 40% increase in interest in suburban and rural living, seen in searches like “small-town homes” and “rural internet providers.”
Environmental Considerations in Relocation
Sustainability is becoming a bigger factor in relocation decisions. In 2024-2025, there was a 30% year-over-year increase in eco-friendly moving searches, including “green movers” and “zero-waste packing.”
Migration Trends Across the U.S.
Data shows clear migration patterns. The most popular destination states include North Carolina, Texas, Florida, Arizona, and Tennessee, while California, New York, Illinois, New Jersey, and Massachusetts see the highest outbound moves. These trends are largely driven by cost of living, tax rates, and remote work opportunities.
How Businesses Can Use Search Data
Real estate businesses serving the relocation market can leverage digital tools to track search trends and improve their marketing strategies. Google Trends helps identify seasonal shifts, while SEMrush and Ahrefs highlight high-intent keywords. AnswerThePublic is useful for finding common relocation-related questions.
Key Strategies for Businesses
To connect with people searching for relocation services, businesses should:
- Use specific geographic keywords in content and metadata.
- Offer in-depth resources that answer common moving questions.
- Adjust content to match seasonal search trends.
- Optimize for mobile and voice search.
- Address concerns about sustainability and remote work.
Relocation search behavior continues to evolve, influenced by technology, economic shifts, and changing lifestyles. Understanding these trends allows businesses to better support people through the moving process. Staying adaptable and responsive to these search patterns will be key to success in this space.