JK Moving Services, the nation’s largest independently owned and operated moving company, has created a list of trends that are expected to shape the regional and national moving industry in 2025.
“With housing supply loosening up a bit in the DC region and beyond, we expect a strong residential move year since more people will have a chance to buy a home. For commercial moving, we predict a good year as the government and many companies prepare for moves back to the office while others continue to embrace off-site work and will shrink their spaces, both of which will result in needing moving and logistics help. There are some unknowns—particularly in the greater DC area—which can affect our industry if government agencies shrink or relocate, but overall, we are expecting a very strong year,” said David Cox, President, JK Moving.
Return to Work
COVID altered work patterns and habits of the modern workforce as many people and companies adopted hybrid or 100% telework policies. In 2025, the high-profile push for return-to-office by many companies and the federal government will create opportunities for commercial moving. These workplaces will have to adapt their workplaces to accommodate more staff on-site. This could include new furniture, upgraded technology, different space layouts, expansion into more office space, and offering and building more onsite amenities—like childcare, parking, fitness facilities, and coffee bars. In addition, the trend will affect residential moves as more employees move to be closer to the office to cut commute times.
Decommissioning
Paradoxically, commercial movers also will be helping many clients who are downsizing or going fully virtual as they adapt to workforce changes. According to a Moody’s report, the national office space vacancy rate was at 21.4% for most of 2024, a trend they expect to grow. The need for expert decommissioning services like JK Moving offers will continue to increase as these companies shrink their footprint or move out. Decommissioning is the process of dismantling and removing a facility or system that is no longer in use. It is a complex and multi-step process that can vary depending on the type of facility.
Technology
Many moving companies are making major investments in technology to create a more streamlined experience for consumers that also helps control costs. JK’s state-of-the-art, AI-based phone survey app allows consumers to develop virtual estimates by “seeing” and measuring furniture in each room. AI is increasingly being deployed to help consumers get the help they need and to answer important move questions. Safety technology in moving vehicles helps protect drivers, save gas, control costs, and provide a greener experience. Relatedly, use of technology is driving the growth in data centers—especially in the DC region—creating the need for specialized move services.
Pent Up Demand
The National Association of REALTORS® predicts that the worst of the housing inventory shortage is coming to an end across the nation, including in the DC metro area. JK is preparing for a stronger residential move year as home buyers have more choices with mortgage rates expected to remain stable and housing supply expected to increase—albeit less in the DMV. As always, the spring season will be the busiest as families plan for moves after the school year ends.
Senior Moves
According to data from the Administration on Community Living, people 65 and older made up 17.3% of the population in 2022 and is expected to rise to 22% by 2040. The aging US population is propelling the need for specialized housing—including 55+ independent housing and assisted living. Whether moving into one of these types of homes or choosing to age in place, more movers will offer expertise in helping with the logistics of downsizing and decluttering and understanding what’s involved to ensure a comfortable and effective transition for seniors. JK has trained senior move consultants who partner to make it more seamless for customers and their families.
Living Abroad
As the global nature of work continues as well as remote working, international moves both personally and professionally will drive an increased specialization by moving companies that cater to the intricacies of relocating abroad or vice-versa moving to the US from abroad. Experienced international movers help clients navigate the challenges of regulations, taxes, fees, different customs, and packing and unpacking that supports a smooth move.
ABOUT JK MOVING SERVICES
For more than 40 years, JK Moving Services – the largest independently owned and operated moving company in North America – has provided local, long-distance, and global relocation services to a variety of commercial, residential, and government clients. Headquartered in Sterling, Virginia and voted Independent Mover of the Year by the American Trucking Association, the company maintains a full-time, professionally trained staff of relocation and move management experts committed to providing the highest level of customer care. www.JKMoving.com
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Contacts
Shawn Flaherty, 703-554-3609
