Moving Industry Trends: How to Win Customers in 2019

Moving industry data can prove to be a powerful tool for moving companies, giving valuable information for where to focus resources. For the average person, a home is their largest financial asset and their decision making involving it opens a window into societal and economic trends to come. Understanding the events that will most likely take place in the next few years can help your company prepare to be positioned to take advantage. Let’s take a look at some interesting data from the last few years and what it might mean for the next few.

 

Where are people moving?

In 2018 60% of moves performed by professional moving companies we’re for interstate moves compared to 40% for local. This was significant shift (5%) from 2017 and is continuing in 2019, demonstrating the in-state moving demand is on the rise. How can you take advantage?

1. Referral – In moving, nothing is more important than great reviews and referrals. With Movegistics, our mobile bill of lading app allows crews to request reviews and referrals on-site increasing the likelihood of actually getting them.
2. Enhance Local Marketing – Create stronger relationships with top local real estate agents as well as home stagers. Most moving companies are already doing this, but what can you do to stand out? Send small personalized gifts, trinkets, and hand-written notes that will help you land the jobs when the opportunity arises.
3. Optimize & Advertise – Make sure your website is optimized using proper local SEO tactics to give yourself a fighting chance in Google, Bing, Etc. Its reality that most buyers will check here for information first! Also, create a marketing budget with Google Ads, local groups, newspaper, direct mail, and more.
4. CRM—A CRM is a major missed opportunity for most movers. When a prospect engages with your company put them into a moving company CRM, like Movegistics and periodically check in with them and send them free information.

 

Who is Moving?

With the growing opportunity for in-state moves (and the larger opportunity in interstate) it’s important to know who to target so your companies marketing efforts are not wasted, but enhanced! Understanding which demographics are moving will allow your outbound targeting to be more effective and generate a stronger return on investment.  Having information can allow your fleet to be properly organized to make the highest profit on each move. Operational efficiency can always be improved with more information!

1. 1 Bedroom Homes – Over 28%
2. 2 Bedroom Homes – Over 21%
3. 3+ Bedroom Homes—Over 28%
4. Partial and Studio – Over 22%

 

Moving Methods

There are three main ways to move from one location to another:

1. DIY (Do-It-Yourself)
2. Partial (Renting a truck and hiring labor)
3. Professional Mover

Over 45% of movers fell into the DIY category, a huge percentage that should leave movers a bit worried. Convincing families, companies, etc. to use a professional mover is becoming more difficult, but there are ways to stand out. A customer-focused moving business that removes any and all stress from a move can win the hearts of homeowners that are relocating. Strong software designed specifically for moving companies and customers brings them closer together to achieve a stress-free interaction.

 

Moving Reasoning:

1. Searching for their “forever home”
2. To be closer to family
3. For work or work-related opportunities
4. Lighter commute
5. Marital status change
6. College or a new location after college

Individuals and families are moving for a variety of reasons, knowing the driving factors allows your moving company to create messaging that speaks to the customer and will encourage them to move with you!

 

The moving industry is a rapidly changing field and provides insight into the things that matter to families and individuals and where they will spend money. Moving companies face stiff competition but can stand out from peers through proper marketing, relationships, and ultimately a cohesive process that is repeatable and enjoyable for customers. Schedule a demo with Movegistics to increase revenue and drive profits!