As we look ahead to 2026, the moving and relocation industry is entering a new chapter shaped by economic pressure, changing workplace norms, and fast-moving technology. At JK Moving Services, we’re tracking the trends that will influence both residential and commercial relocation this year, including one major challenge and one major opportunity: rising costs and the continued rise of AI.
“Last year was lackluster for residential moves, but pent-up demand and expected lower interest rates will make 2026 much stronger. Commercial moves will still be hampered by excess inventory and changing norms,” said David Cox, President, JK Moving. “The biggest challenge facing our industry is rising costs, while the biggest opportunity is AI with the potential to streamline business and reshape the customer experience.”
Below are the key trends we expect to shape the regional and national moving landscape in 2026.
Residential moving: Rates, reality, and pent-up demand
In 2025, many people held off on buying or selling homes as anticipated mortgage rate declines did not materialize. Interest rates will remain a major factor in shaping the real estate market in 2026, but many trade groups, including the National Association of REALTORS®, are expecting rates to drop. NAR is forecasting a double-digit increase in home sales as a result.
At the same time, regardless of what happens to rates, we expect many consumers will decide it’s time to move anyway after three years of elevated rates. In other words, waiting has a limit, and life plans do not always pause for market conditions.
Costs: The biggest industry headwind
Rising costs across the board, including labor, vehicles, facilities, and especially insurance, will be a significant issue for the moving industry in 2026.
At JK, technology is helping mitigate insurance-related costs while also improving safety and performance. Safety technology in moving vehicles helps protect drivers, reduce fuel use, and control costs. Specifically, JK’s drive cam program has been instrumental in improving our safety record and positively impacting incident and accident rates.
Technology: AI is reshaping the customer experience
AI is redefining how business gets done across industries, and moving is no exception. Many moving companies are investing in technology to create a more streamlined experience for consumers, while also improving accuracy and helping manage costs.
Increasingly, agentic AI is helping reimagine the customer experience. AI-driven analytical tools support better route planning, crew size planning, estimate accuracy, and sales experiences.
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. We’re also an early adopter of agentic AI, helping consumers get tailored support in a faster, more intuitive way.
Commercial relocations: Smaller footprints, more complexity
Commercial moving continues to shift as organizations reconsider how much space they need and how they work.
According to a Moody’s report, the national office space vacancy rate will reach 24% in early 2026. Remote and hybrid work has reshaped commercial office moving. When organizations require less office space, there’s typically lower volume for traditional commercial relocations.
At the same time, many businesses have moved away from physical assets. With fewer filing cabinets and paper-based storage, there is simply less product to move. Together, these shifts have had a negative impact on commercial real estate, and many markets are beginning to convert commercial space into residential.
One area that will remain essential: decommissioning services. Decommissioning is the process of dismantling and removing a facility or system that is no longer in use, and it’s becoming a bigger part of how organizations manage space transitions.
Industry diversification: adjacent services are becoming the norm
As commercial relocations evolve, many moving companies are expanding into adjacent business lines, including:
- Warehousing
- Furniture, fixtures & equipment services (including hotel and hospitality remodels)
- Final mile and first mile delivery (moving products from manufacturers into warehouses and onward to end locations)
The need to diversify will continue to shape the logistics and moving industry in 2026, especially as organizations look for partners who can do more than a single transaction.
DC metro and beyond: Regional shifts affect relocation patterns
In the DC metro region, policy and workforce changes have had ripple effects on moving and relocation. As departments have been reorganized and some local firms have been impacted, the region has seen both disruption and movement.
At the same time, there has also been an increase in moves to retirement destinations, including the Carolinas and Florida, as more individuals retire or transition into a new phase of life.
Living abroad: International moves continue to grow in complexity
As remote work and global business continue, international moves are increasing specialization within the industry. Some moving companies are increasingly focused on the unique details involved with relocating abroad, or moving to the US from overseas.
Experienced international movers help clients navigate regulations, taxes, fees, customs requirements, and packing and unpacking needs that support a smooth transition.
Looking ahead
While economic conditions and workplace trends will keep evolving, the organizations that succeed in 2026 will be the ones that can manage complexity, control risk, and keep the customer experience simple. Rising costs will continue to challenge the industry, but technology and AI also create real opportunities to improve safety, accuracy, and service.