2014's Top U.S. Moving Destinations

For the second year in a row, Oregon has been named the top moving destination within the U.S. according to United Van Lines' 38th Annual Movers Survey. As the nation's largest household goods mover, the company tracks state-to-state migration patterns, and reports that 66% of Oregon moves were inbound in 2014 as opposed to outbound. South and North Carolina were close behind, each at 61%. Oregon is popular due to its outdoor recreation, culture, and arts and entertainment scene, among other factors. In fact, CNNMoney cites Portland as one of America's most innovative cities. It notes that Portland built a light rail in 1986 instead of a new highway, and commends the city's sustainability and high percentage of bicycle commuters thanks to a 1973 bicycle plan, urban trails, and short blocks.

This is part of a larger patten in which people are leaving the Northeast (with 1/4th citing retirement as the reason) to southern and western states, where housing costs tend to be lower, the weather is more temperate, and job growth is at or above the national average.

States with at least 55% of moves going into the state are considered "high inbound" (marked in blue), states with at least 55% of moves going out of the state are considered "high outbound" (marked in yellow),  and states with relatively equal inbound and outbound rates are considered "balanced" (marked in gray). The migration map below depicts which states fit into each of the above categories:

States with the highest outbound rates include New Jersey (65%), New York (64%), and Connecticut (57%). New this year, Ohio is on the outbound list, ranking sixth with an outbound rate of 59%. Thinking about moving to or from Central Ohio? Visit my website and contact me to see how I can help. I am a full time Realtor with a lifetime of experience serving sellers and buyers in Ohio. 

Making Moving Easy

Moving homes can be an exhausting process. Fortunately, you can do many relatively simple things to get through it as smoothly as possible. You have control over hiring the moving company. Do your research--are they licensed and insured? Do they have testimonials or client ratings posted online? You can also take referrals from neighbors and friends. Once you've hired a moving company, treat its crew well--they are the ones responsible for handing your items. Cold refreshments go a long way!


Before you pack, measure the width of the doors in your new home to ensure all furniture will fit. Examine tax laws on moving: some move-related items are tax deductible. Don't forget to change your address.

You can often come by boxes for free--ask a local store if it has spare boxes you may take. When you're packing, label all boxes with handling instructions ("this side up" / "fragile"), the contents of the box, and the room it's meant to go in. Pack heavy items in small boxes to make them easier to carry. Do not pack flammable, explosive, or corrosive materials--doing so is illegal! The image to the right can help you identify which products fit into these categories.

Finally, never lose sight of the bill of landing (the contract between you and the movers). It's an imperative document to have should problems arise.

For now, happy packing and safe travels!