The Moving Industry’s Labor Crisis: How Worker Shortages Are Reshaping Your 2025 Relocation Experience

The moving industry is facing an unprecedented challenge that’s directly affecting consumers across the United States: a severe labor shortage that’s transforming how moving companies operate and serve their customers. As we navigate through 2025, the moving industry has stabilized post-pandemic, but new trends are emerging. Consumer demand is on the rise, seasonal cycles are shifting, and regional preferences matter more than ever.

This labor crisis isn’t just a behind-the-scenes issue—it’s fundamentally changing the moving experience for families and businesses planning relocations. Understanding these changes can help you make informed decisions and set realistic expectations for your upcoming move.

The Scale of the Labor Shortage

The numbers paint a stark picture of the current workforce landscape. Workforce participation remains below pre-pandemic levels. We are missing 1.7 million Americans from the workforce compared to February of 2020. This shortage is particularly acute in industries requiring physical labor and in-person work, like moving services.

Now with many jobs offering flexibility and the opportunity to work remotely, industries that require in-person attendance have an extra challenge in recruiting and retailing workers. Certain industries and occupations need employees to show up in-person to operate. The highest propensity for in-person work exists in the hospitality and food services, transportation, and retail trade industries, where nearly 80% of staff work fully on-site.

What This Means for Your Moving Experience

The labor shortage is creating a ripple effect throughout the moving industry that directly impacts consumers. Finding skilled staff was a major pain point, with 66% of moving companies reporting challenges in recruitment and turnover. This shortage is forcing moving companies to adapt their operations in several ways:

Higher Costs: This year’s research revealed that 94% of moving companies plan to increase prices by 10% or less. To increase value in the eyes of price-conscious customers, they’ll need to provide stellar service in return.
Longer Lead Times: With fewer available crews, booking your preferred moving date may require more advance planning
Enhanced Service Focus: Companies are investing more in training and retaining existing staff to maintain quality standards

The Technology Response

Forward-thinking moving companies are turning to technology to address workforce challenges. We know AI is transforming every industry on this planet, and the most innovative movers are not willing to miss out. It’s the most inexpensive way to make huge productivity leaps and boost profit margins. From AI sales assistants and voice agents to automatic note-taking and CRM updates, AI’s rapid adoption will likely redefine how moving companies operate.

This technological integration isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about maintaining service quality despite staffing challenges. Companies are using digital tools to streamline scheduling, improve communication with customers, and optimize route planning to make the most of available workforce.

Regional Impact: Orange County, FL Perspective

The labor shortage is affecting different regions uniquely. In Central Florida, including Orange County, the situation is particularly complex due to population growth and increased demand for moving services. Cities in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina, and North Carolina dominated our list this year, echoing moving trends from recent years. North Carolina continues to woo new residents with its lower cost of living, job opportunities, access to outdoor activities, and Southern hospitality.

For residents seeking a reliable Moving Company Orange County, FL, understanding these market dynamics is crucial. Local companies like Don’t Move A Muscle are adapting by focusing on personalized service, transparent pricing, and building strong relationships with their communities to attract and retain both customers and skilled workers.

How to Navigate the Current Market

Given these industry changes, consumers can take several steps to ensure a successful moving experience:

Book Early: With limited crew availability, scheduling your move well in advance is more important than ever
Be Flexible: Consider moving during off-peak times or days to access better availability and potentially lower rates
Choose Quality Over Price: Companies that invest in their workforce and technology may charge more but deliver better service
Communicate Clearly: Detailed communication about your needs helps companies allocate appropriate resources

The Silver Lining: Improved Service Standards

While the labor shortage presents challenges, it’s also driving positive changes in the industry. The labor shortage stems from various factors, including generational retirements, geographical shifts, and changing employee priorities. Workers today want more than just better pay, they’re also looking for intangible benefits like flexible scheduling and growth opportunities.

Companies are responding by improving working conditions, offering better benefits, and investing in employee development. This means the movers working on your relocation are likely to be more skilled, better trained, and more committed to providing excellent service.

Looking Ahead

Many forecast brighter days for the moving industry, driven by the economy, housing market recovery, and potential changes in administration. Movers anticipate an uptick in housing activity, creating opportunities for those prepared to scale, while recognizing the need to remain adaptable to policy, cost of living, and market fluctuations.

The companies that will thrive in this environment are those that embrace innovation, prioritize employee satisfaction, and maintain strong customer relationships. For consumers, this means choosing moving companies that demonstrate these qualities will likely result in better service experiences, even in a challenging labor market.

As the moving industry continues to evolve in response to workforce challenges, staying informed about these changes will help you make better decisions for your relocation needs. The key is working with companies that are adapting proactively to these market conditions while maintaining their commitment to customer service excellence.