Americans are known for being on the go, and their tendency to change residences is no different. In fact, more than 43 million people move every year, and for many, this life-changing process is becoming routine. With peak moving season wrapping up, St Louis-based Mayflower Transit, the most recognized name in moving for more than 75 years, releases the 2006 Customer Relocation Study, recapping this busy time of year. The study tracks where Mayflower customers, over the last eight months, moved from, the most popular destinations and why they relocated.

Mobile American Society

Mayflower’s study found that more than half (54.5 percent) of those who moved in 2006 had relocated at least one other time in the last five years. Including their most recent moves,

- 45.5 percent of Mayflower customers have moved once;

- 29.2 percent have moved twice;

- 16 percent have moved three times;

- 5.8 percent have moved four times; and

- 3.5 percent have moved five times.

Where are they going?

In the state popularity contest, South Carolina, District of Columbia (D.C.), Delaware, North Carolina, Montana, and Kentucky topped the list with 60 percent or more of moves going into each of these states. The biggest losers included North Dakota, New Jersey, Connecticut, New York, Nebraska and Michigan, with more than 60 percent of moves coming out of each of these states.

Driving Forces

The pursuit of a paycheck was behind nearly half of Mayflower’s relocations this year. More than 45 percent of those who moved did so because of a new job (33.8 percent) or a company transfer (12 percent). Baby boomers are also making waves in the moving industry with 31.8 percent of those who have relocated heading to retirement locations. Finally, health and personal reasons round out the motives behind relocating at 22.4 percent.

About the 2006 Customer Relocation Study

The migration data is based on the 85,994 interstate household moves handled by Mayflower among the 48 contiguous states, as well as Washington, D.C., Alaska and Canada from January through August 2006. Other information is based on responses to Mayflower’s Customer Service Survey.

About Mayflower Transit

Mayflower Transit, founded in 1927, is one of the nation’s oldest and largest van lines utilizing a network of 700 affiliated agents throughout the United States and around the world. Mayflower’s headquarter offices are located in suburban St. Louis, Mo. Further information about the company is available at www.mayflower.com.