Every generation rewrites the map, but Gen Z is redrawing the whole road.
Moving is that thing that we all have experienced at some point. It is not just about getting from point A to point B; it's about packing boxes, finding a new place to live, and saying goodbye to one home and hello to another.
Imagine the whole process — from choosing where to go to getting there and settling in — being redefined by a new generation. That’s exactly how Gen Z is changing the way we move.
Unlike previous generations, Gen Z isn’t following the old script. They're not just looking for bigger houses in the suburbs or staying close to their hometowns. Instead, they’re embracing flexibility and a whole new set of values.
Recent studies show that Gen Z accounted for nearly 25% of all moves in the U.S. in the previous year, and their top destinations weren’t what you'd expect.
While Boomers head for quiet retiree towns, Gen Z is moving to urban hubs to chase affordability, opportunity, and experience.
What makes this shift even more interesting is how thoughtful and strategic Gen Z is about moving. They plan months ahead. They read reviews, compare services online, and look for eco-friendly options. They don’t just want to move; they want to move smart.
This has led to a noticeable Gen Z impact on moving trends.
If you’re wondering what’s really going on behind this new wave of movement, then let’s explore Gen Z moving habits and discuss the tools, choices, and values that are shaping an entirely new moving experience.
Who Is Gen Z and What Sets Them Apart?
Gen Z refers to the generation born roughly between 1997 and 2012. They're the first true digital natives, people who grew up with smartphones, high-speed internet, and social media as part of everyday life.
But technology isn’t the only thing that defines them. What truly sets Gen Z apart is their unique approach to life, shaped by the world they’ve grown up in.
Key traits that set Gen Z apart:
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Tech-Savvy: From comparing moving services online to using mobile apps for apartment tours, Gen Z uses technology at every step of the moving process.
- Value-Driven: They care deeply about social and environmental issues. This influences where they choose to live and how they move.
- Financially Cautious: Many Gen Zers are entering adulthood with student debt or high living costs. As a result, they prioritize affordability and flexibility over long-term commitments.
- Experience-Focused: They’re less interested in "settling down" early. Instead, they move for better jobs, lifestyle changes, or to explore new cities.
Because of these traits, Gen Z's moving habits look very different compared to previous generations. They are more likely to:
- Rent rather than own property
- Choose locations based on lifestyle and values, not just job proximity
- Rely on digital tools to plan and manage moves
- Seek flexibility through shorter leases or co-living spaces
In short, Gen Z's approach to relocation is more intentional and more informed. They don’t just move because they have to; they move with a plan and a purpose. And that’s exactly why we’re seeing such a noticeable Gen Z impact on moving trends today.
Where Is Gen Z Moving?
Now that we know who Gen Z is and what drives their decisions, let’s talk about where they’re actually going. When we look at how Gen Z is changing the moving experience in the USA, one of the biggest shifts we see is in their choice of location.
Unlike previous generations who often followed jobs or moved to the suburbs to settle down, Gen Z is choosing places that reflect their lifestyle, values, and budget.
Gen Z is moving to places that offer:
- Affordability
- Walkability
- Diversity & Culture
- Career Opportunities
- Better Quality of Life
Top Cities and States Gen Z Is Moving To
According to recent data, these are some of the top destinations for Gen Z in the United States:
| City/State | Why Gen Z Is Moving There |
|---|---|
| Austin, TX | Tech jobs, great food, music, and no state income tax |
| Denver, CO | Outdoor lifestyle, growing job market, progressive culture |
| Ann Arbor, MI | Affordable, highly walkable, strong sense of community |
| Nashville, TN | Music and arts culture, affordable housing, vibrant nightlife |
| Portland, OR | Eco-conscious, creative industries, and strong public transportation |
| Atlanta, GA | Diverse population, rising job market, hubs |
| Tampa, FL | Coastal lifestyle, low taxes, rising tech and startup scene |
It’s also worth noting that Gen Z preferences for moving include access to reliable internet (for remote work and content creation), safe neighborhoods, and a strong local culture.
And since many of them are still renters, they’re more open to moving again in a few years, which continues to reshape the landscape.
Moving trends are shifting. See where people are heading and why it matters. Explore top destinations for 2025.
Why Is Gen Z Moving?
When it comes to how Gen Z is changing the moving experience, their reasons for relocating are just as important as where they’re going.
- Affordability: Gen Z is highly cost-conscious. High rent and living expenses push them toward cities where their dollar goes further..
- Remote work flexibility: With remote jobs becoming the norm, many are no longer tied to one location. They’re free to choose places that match their lifestyle, not just their paycheck.
- Mental health and quality of life: Access to green spaces, walkability, and a slower pace of life are big factors. Gen Z moves where they feel happier and healthier.
- Career and education: Whether for college or early job opportunities, many are still finding their footing and are willing to move for growth..
- Experience over stability: Gen Z values new experiences and change. Moving is less about settling down and more about discovering what works for them now.
Ready to move like Gen Z? Skip the stress and compare top-rated moving companies now.
How Gen Z Plans Their Moves
Planning a move today isn’t what it used to be. With Gen Z, the process has become smarter, faster, and way more digital.
Unlike older generations who rely on word-of-mouth or local listings, Gen Z leans into technology and research before making a move.
Here’s how Gen Z typically plans their relocation:
Online Research
Before making any decision, Gen Z gets into Google searches, YouTube videos, social media threads, and review sites. They compare moving companies, read testimonials, and even look up neighborhood vibes before signing a lease.
Budgeting and Cost Transparency
Gen Z uses budgeting apps or online calculators to map out the full cost of a move, from security deposits to moving truck rentals. They want upfront pricing and no hidden fees, which shows a more responsible and informed approach.
Flexible Timing and Advance Planning
Gen Z doesn’t wait until the last minute. Many plan their move weeks or even months ahead. Whether it's aligning their move with a job start date, college semester, or lease turnover, they’re strategic.
Digital Tools & Mobile Apps
From booking movers online to using apps for virtual apartment tours and digital lease signings, Gen Z expects everything to be accessible from their phone. Their planning process is fast, efficient, and mobile-first.
Peer Recommendations & Social Proof
They trust what others say, especially people their age. Whether it's TikTok reviews of moving hacks or Instagram stories about a city’s cost of living, social media plays a surprising role in how they plan and where they go.
Gen Z doesn’t wait—and neither should you. Get your free quote and start planning your move today.
Gen Z’s Preferences in the Moving Process
When it comes to the actual moving process, Gen Z does things differently. Their choices reflect what matters most to them: convenience, control, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.
Let’s break down what they look for when it’s time to move:
DIY with Digital Help
Many Gen Zers prefer a do-it-yourself move, but with tech support. Whether it’s renting a truck through an app or using checklists from TikTok, they want full control without the chaos. They’re not against hiring help; they just want to be able to compare prices, read reviews, and book everything online.
Flexible Moving Services
Gen Z likes options. Some may book a full-service mover; others might only hire help for loading heavy furniture. They look for providers that offer flexibility and full-service moving.
Sustainable Choices Matter
Environmental awareness is high among this generation. Recyclable packing materials, plastic-free moving supplies, and fuel-efficient trucks are all things they actively seek out.
Short-Term Leases and Co-Living
Many Gen Z movers aren’t interested in long-term commitments. They shift toward short-term rentals, furnished apartments, and co-living spaces where amenities are shared. This kind of flexibility aligns with their desire for freedom.
Minimalist and Smart Packing
They own fewer things and move more often. This leads to faster moves with less clutter. It is a sharp contrast to the traditional idea of renting storage units or hiring movers for a full truckload.
Smart moves start with smart tools. Use our checklist to stay ahead of the chaos. Download your free moving checklist.
The Role of Technology in Gen Z’s Moving Experience
If there’s one thing you can count on with Gen Z, it’s this: if it’s not digital, it’s not happening. Technology isn’t just a tool for this generation — it’s part of how they think, plan, and act.
From apartment hunting to unpacking, every step of the process is powered by apps, websites, and online platforms. Here’s how:
- Online Apartment Searches: Gone are the days of driving around neighborhoods looking for “For Rent” signs. Gen Z relies on platforms like Zillow, Apartments.com, and even TikTok to find out new places.
- App-Based Booking: Whether they’re hiring movers, renting a truck, or finding someone to help them pack, Gen Z wants to do it from their phone. Companies like TaskRabbit, U-Haul, and Dolly are becoming go-to platforms because they offer digital convenience and upfront pricing.
- Digital Checklists and Moving Tools: They use apps like Sortly to inventory their belongings, Google Sheets to plan their timelines, and Trello or Notion to manage to-do lists.
- Social Media as a Decision-Making Tool: TikTok and Instagram are more than just entertainment for Gen Z; they’re research platforms. Gen Z searches hashtags like #MovingTips or #FirstApartmentTour to learn from others or vet service providers.
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Automation and AI Tools: Some Gen Z movers are even starting to use AI-powered tools for budgeting, scheduling, and mapping routes. This helps them save time, reduce stress, and make better decisions.
How Gen Z Compares to Other Generations
Below is a simple comparison that shows how Gen Z stacks up against older generations when it comes to relocation:
| Category | Gen Z | Millennials / Gen X / Boomers |
|---|---|---|
| Motivation to Move | Flexibility, lifestyle, affordability, and remote work | Job relocation, homeownership, and family needs |
| Planning Process | App-based, tech-forward, highly researched | More traditional, offline methods |
| Moving Style | DIY + digital help, flexible services | Often, full-service movers or complete DIY |
| Living Preferences | Urban, walkable, co-living, short-term leases | Suburbs, ownership, long-term stability |
| Technology Use | High — apps, AI tools, virtual tours | Moderate to low — especially among Boomers |
| Sustainability Concerns | Strong — seeks eco-friendly materials and services | Less emphasis on environmental impact |
Challenges Faced by Gen Z When Moving
Even though Gen Z is modernizing the relocation process, that doesn’t mean it’s always easy.
Here are some common challenges Gen Z face:
- Financial stress: Rising rent, student debt, and entry-level salaries make moving a financial challenge.
- Limited rental history: Many are first-time renters with little credit, making it harder to secure leases without co-signers or large deposits.
- Housing shortages: High demand in popular cities creates competition and fewer affordable options, even in traditionally low-cost areas.
- Emotional stress: Moving often brings anxiety, especially when relocating alone or far from support systems.
- Frequent transitions: With many still in school, early career stages, or remote work, Gen Z moves more often, which adds planning pressure and uncertainty.
The Future of Moving – What Gen Z Is Teaching Us
If there’s one thing we’ve learned by now, it’s that Gen Z isn’t just moving differently; they’re reshaping the entire relocation landscape. And when we talk about how Gen Z is changing the moving experience in the USA, we’re also talking about where the entire industry is headed.
Here’s what Gen Z is teaching us about the future of moving:
- Booking movers, touring homes, and signing leases are expected to be done online.
- Gen Z is less concerned with “settling down” and more focused on finding the right place for right now.
- Environmental sustainability and social impact all play a role in how and where you choose to live. This shift is accelerating the Gen Z impact on moving services.
- From AI-powered budgeting apps to digital inventory systems, Gen Z is proving that moving doesn’t have to be chaotic.
