Moving Stress Statistics & How Homebuyers Can Avoid Costly Surprises

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By Reed Schaffhauser 

Moving is one of life’s most demanding transitions, and for many Americans, the stress is enough to put them off buying a new home altogether. To understand what’s driving that anxiety, we surveyed over 1,000 Americans about their moving experiences, from the financial strain and logistical headaches to the unexpected issues that can arise after the boxes are unpacked. 

Key findings include: 

–       38% say moving stress deters them from buying a new home 

–       13% consider moving to be the most stressful life event 

–       17% have gone into debt to afford a move 

–       54% have found a major issue with their home after moving in 

–       94% of homebuyers say a thorough inspection will make them more confident in their decision to move 

When it comes to what makes moving so overwhelming, hassle and costs are among the top stressors. Nearly a quarter (24%) are drained by the labor of packing and unpacking, 21% are stressed over costs, and 18% dread hauling too many heavy items to their new location. 

Some respondents (13%) even consider moving to be the most stressful life event, above things like health emergencies, weddings, divorce, having a baby, and job loss. Whether it’s due to costs or physical and mental exertion, over a third (38%) say stress due to moving makes them less likely to buy a new home. 

When it comes to minimizing moving stress, the top tactics include: 

1. Purging belongings ahead of moving – 72% 
2. Having friends help them move – 69% 
3. Packing months in advance – 62% 
4. Renting a storage unit – 18% 

It’s no secret that moving is expensive, with plenty of hidden costs like breaking a lease, getting upcharged by movers, or finding a surprise plumbing issue. 

When it comes to how much Americans splurge on moving, the average spend on their last move was $2,334. Additionally, 1 in 6 (17%) even reported going into debt. Among 2026 movers, the average spend to break a lease is $1,682, and the average debt they will take on for moving expenses is $2,310. 

Moving comes with plenty of unknowns, but your home shouldn’t be one of them. While you can’t always avoid the stress of packing boxes or coordinating movers, you can reduce the risk of costly surprises by scheduling a thorough home inspection before closing. 

At BPG Inspections, our experienced inspectors help buyers uncover potential issues early—from plumbing and electrical concerns to pests and radon—so you can move forward with confidence. With clear reporting, fast scheduling, and trusted professionals on your side, BPG helps make one of life’s biggest transitions a little less stressful. Find out more at bpginspections.com.