2025 'State of Moving' Survey Unpacks Economic Realities and Logistical Frustrations Affecting the Relocation Process

Packing pains and tight budgets persist as movers find new ways to make their relocation feasible

AVON, Ohio, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Moving today is harder than ever—and not just because the couch won't fit through the door. With economic pressures, tighter budgets and a widespread disdain for packing casting a shadow over the task, many dread the process. In fact, according to a recent survey* conducted by Duck^® brand, a leading maker of packing and moving supplies, the aversion toward packing runs so deep that over two-thirds of Americans say they'd rather do almost anything else—like serving on a jury (20%), getting a root canal (14%) or even shaving their head (9%).

Today's economic climate also is giving potential movers pause. Nearly 80% of Americans have thought twice about moving due to the current state of the economy, citing concerns such as coming up with a security deposit or down payment. Over 40% have either adjusted their moving timeline, delayed or called off a move due to the impacts of higher housing costs or inflation, with 70% of people saying moving now is more expensive compared to past moves. For individuals who are still planning to relocate, a major reason is moving to an area with a better cost of living.

How are those packing up the moving truck making the move more feasible? By scaling back and spending less. Thirty-seven percent are cutting back on eating out to help afford a move, and 34% are taking on side gigs to help with the cost. Additionally, nearly half (45%) are heavily decluttering to save money on packing and moving expenses, while 32% plan to skip out on professional movers entirely to stretch their budgets. 

"While the financial strain is a large piece of the moving puzzle, what's interesting is that one in four people still say packing everything up is the most frustrating part of moving," says Heather Hammond, Senior Manager, Packing Tapes at Duck^® brand. "Luckily, we can help with both. At Duck^® brand, we offer affordable, high-quality packing and moving supplies that are easy to use and help streamline expenses, while also providing the durability essential to keep items safe and protected during a move."

Considering that nearly 75% of people have had poor quality moving supplies cause a disaster during a move, prioritizing sturdy boxes, high-performing bubble cushioning for fragile items and easy-to-use packing tape can make all the difference in simplifying the moving process. Choosing products like Duck Max Strength^® Packing Tape, which is designed to seal even the heaviest boxes safely and securely, can help prevent items inside from being damaged during delivery.

While moving can certainly test our patience and wallets, it also has a way of bringing people together. The majority of Americans, almost 90%, are willing to help their friends and family move with only the promise of pizza as repayment.  

To learn more about the Duck^® brand products that help make packing and moving stress-free, visit https://www.duckbrand.com/products/moving-storage.

*Survey conducted by Duck^® brand in May 2025 polled 1,000 Americans to learn more about the state of moving in 2025

ABOUT DUCK^® BRAND
The Duck^® brand offers an array of tapes, moving and packing supplies, shelf liner and home products that provide simple, imaginative and helpful solutions for a variety of tasks around the home, school, office and jobsite. Duck brand is marketed by Shurtape Technologies, LLC, an industry-leading manufacturer of adhesive tape and consumer home and office products, with facilities worldwide. Visit DuckBrand.com for additional product information and everyday inspiration, imagination and creativity. Keep up-to-date on Duck^® brand news by joining our nearly 5 million fans on Facebook^® (Facebook.com/DuckTape) and (Facebook.com/TheDuckBrand), following us on Twitter^® (@TheDuckBrand) and Instagram (@TheDuckBrand), following our boards on Pinterest^® (Pinterest.com/TheDuckBrand) and watching us on YouTube^® (YouTube.com/TheDuckBrand).

SOURCE Duck(R) brand