National Moving Month – May 1, 2027

National Moving Month
Categories:
Tags:
ActivitiesLifestyle
Where:
United States
Date change rule:
Every May
Holiday emoji:
📦

National Moving Month takes place throughout May, marking the official start of the busiest moving season. This is the time to plan, pack, and prepare for a smooth transition to a new home. Discover expert tips, essential resources, and smart strategies to make your next move an adventure, not a chore.

Want to sponsor National Moving Month? Learn how

Expected National Moving Month Deals

National Moving Month throughout May sees a surge in activity, with many companies offering incentives to attract customers during the peak season. Expect discounts from major moving services like U-Haul, PODS, and Atlas Van Lines on truck rentals, storage solutions, and packing supplies. Retailers such as The Home Depot and Lowe’s often feature promotions on moving boxes, tape, and organizational tools. Additionally, home service providers like internet and utility companies may offer special setup deals for new residents. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as May approaches.

Platform Guide for National Moving Month

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalMovingMonth. Share visually appealing tips for packing, organizing, and decorating your new space.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalMovingMonth. Post polls about moving challenges and share community resources for local movers.

LinkedIn

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #NationalMovingMonth. Share insights on career relocations, employee benefits for moving, and industry trends.

Social Media Tips for National Moving Month

Individuals

Start decluttering early, create a detailed moving checklist, and label boxes clearly to simplify unpacking. Research reputable moving companies or rental options well in advance.

Creators

Produce 'Day in the Life of Moving' vlogs, DIY packing hacks, or room transformation videos. Collaborate with local real estate agents or home organizers for content ideas.

Brands

Offer special discounts on moving supplies, rental trucks, or storage units. Partner with local real estate agencies or home staging companies for cross-promotional campaigns.

Partners & Brands for National Moving Month

  1. U-Haul

    Founded in 1945 by Leonard Shoen in Ridgefield, Washington, U-Haul is a leading North American rental company for moving trucks, trailers, and self-storage. It pioneered the concept of do-it-yourself moving.

  2. PODS

    Portable On Demand Storage (PODS) was founded in 1998, offering a flexible solution for moving and storage. Customers can pack at their own pace, and PODS handles the transportation and storage.

  3. Atlas Van Lines

    Established in 1948, Atlas Van Lines is one of the largest moving companies in the United States, known for its extensive network of independent moving agents. They specialize in both residential and corporate relocations.

  4. The Home Depot

    Founded in 1978 in Marietta, Georgia, The Home Depot is the largest home improvement retailer in the U.S. It provides a vast array of moving supplies, from boxes and packing tape to dollies and utility knives.

  5. Mayflower Transit

    Founded in 1927 in Indianapolis, Indiana, Mayflower Transit is one of the oldest and most recognized moving companies. It offers comprehensive moving services, including packing, loading, and transportation.

  6. National Association of Realtors

    Founded in 1908, NAR is the largest trade association in the U.S., representing over 1.5 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries. They track housing market trends and relocation data.

  7. Lowe's

    Founded in 1946 in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, Lowe's is a major home improvement retailer. It offers a wide selection of moving essentials, including durable boxes, bubble wrap, and furniture covers, to aid in a smooth move.

National Moving Month Hero

Leonard Shoen

Leonard Shoen (1916–2009) was the founder of U-Haul, revolutionizing the moving industry by making do-it-yourself moving accessible and affordable. He started the company with a single trailer in 1945, building it into a household name. Shoen's vision empowered countless individuals to manage their own relocations, profoundly impacting how Americans move.

History of National Moving Month

New Yorkers “are stricken down on the first of May, by a type of madness, which will not allow them to rest till they have relocated their residence,” as one observer put it in 1799. Farmers from New Jersey would travel to Brooklyn to lend out their wagons at exorbitant rates since there weren’t enough carts to handle the volume of business. By 1820, the streets were clogged with carts transporting home possessions, and Moving Day had become ‘pandemonium.’ This was due to a considerable increase in the number of propertyless renters, and the streets were jammed with carts conveying household belongings. The practice was still in use in 1848 when the Tenants League condemned it as a way for landlords to increase rents on a year-to-year basis.

Cartmen were known to charge up to a week’s earnings to have their possessions moved, while truckmen were known to take customers’ belongings to police headquarters if they refused to pay on delivery, charging them for the extra transportation. In 1856, it was reported that the strict adherence to the custom of Moving Day was eroding — with some people moving a few days before or after the regular Day, resulting in a ‘moving week.’ The month of May was declared National Moving Month by Allied in 1997.

May is designated as National Moving Month because it marks the beginning of the busiest period of the year for the real estate business, movers, and many households. With the end of the school year and the beginning of longer, sunny days, the summertime is the most popular for relocating.

National Moving Month timeline

1799
An Individual Observes New Yorkers Move

An individual notes that on May 1, New Yorkers are struck by a form of lunacy, which will not allow them to rest until they have shifted their residence.

1820
Moving Day Becomes Pandemonium

Moving Day becomes mayhem because of a significant rise in the number of propertyless tenants, with the streets clogged up with carts transporting household belongings.

1856
People Start Moving a Few Days Before

Some individuals start moving a few days before or after the usual day, thereby creating a ‘moving week.’

1997
National Moving Month is Born

Allied moving services designate the month of May to be National Moving Month.

National Moving Month FAQs

When is National Moving Month?

In 2027, National Moving Month will again take place throughout May, encouraging early preparation for summer moves. This period highlights the importance of organized and efficient transitions.

Why is May National Moving Month?

The designation of May as National Moving Month reflects the annual surge in real estate activity and family moves. It serves to raise awareness about the industry and provide resources during this high-demand period.

How many Americans move each year?

The U.S. Census Bureau reports that millions of Americans relocate annually, with a significant portion occurring during the peak summer months initiated by National Moving Month. This constant movement drives a multi-billion dollar industry.

What are the busiest days for moving?

While National Moving Month highlights the entire period, demand for moving services spikes on specific days. The last week of any month, particularly when it falls on a weekend, sees the highest volume of residential moves due to lease cycles.

National Moving Month Activities

  1. Share on social media

    Use #NationalMovingMonth to post and create awareness about this on social media. It’s a fun way to bring attention to a month of madness.

  2. Hold a garage sale

    Have a garage sale to help eliminate the items you don’t use anymore in your home. These items can make the process of relocation challenging.

  3. Update your mailing address

    Ensure that all your friends, family, and the post office have your current mailing address. This will ensure you from violating the law, protect you from identity thieves, and ensure that you get all of the critical correspondence you need.

5 Interesting Facts About Moving

  1. Individuals relocate 11 times during their lives

    An individual in the United States may anticipate moving 11.7 times in their lifetime, based on present age structures and average rates of change, with no more than one relocation per year allowed under current conditions.

  2. Moving is a stressful experience

    When it comes to stressful events in a person's life, moving ranks third — behind only the death of a family member and divorce.

  3. Friday is the most common day

    In the past, Fridays have been the most popular day of the week for home relocation, with 30 % of all relocations taking place on this day.

  4. Professional movers are cheaper

    Local moving firms may be less expensive in the long run than a do-it-yourself move.

  5. 50% of relocations take place in summer

    Every year, about 40 million Americans relocate, with more than half of those relocations occurring between May and September.

Why We Love National Moving Month

  1. School is out

    School is one of the main reasons people migrate in the summer. No one wants to interrupt their child's academics, and changing schools mid-year may be difficult for youngsters.

  2. Social season

    Moving out of town requires rebuilding your social group, and summer is the perfect time to do it. The nice weather and longer days inspire people to come out.

  3. Good weather

    Summer moving is common since the weather is better. You can escape bad weather and rain.

National Moving Month dates

Year Date Day
2027 May 1 Saturday
2028 May 1 Monday
2029 May 1 Tuesday
2030 May 1 Wednesday
2031 May 1 Thursday