Moving costs in Maine have spiked this year more than in any other state
COURTESY / U-HAUL
The cost of local household moves in Maine has risen higher so far this year than in any other state, according to a new study.
The cost of household moving in Maine this year has spiked more sharply than in any other state — rising 51%, so far, from 2021 levels.
That’s one of the findings from a study released this week by HireAHelper, an online moving marketplace headquartered in California. The research analyzed the costs of 233,000 local moves within the U.S. from January 2018 to May 2022, using data compiled by the company and other industry sources.
Costs in Maine during the first five months of this year averaged a total of $525 per move, up from $350 a year ago, according to the study.
That spike compares to a national increase of just 15%, reaching $427.
Maine’s cost increase far outdistanced those in other states. Nebraska saw the next-largest jump, of 30%. Increases ranged between that percentage and 10% in another 26 states. (The actual costs of moving in each state were not provided.)
The year-over-year cost average fell in only five states. They include New Hampshire, where the cost was down 1%, and Vermont, down 3%.
Nationwide, the average cost of moving is now at the highest point since January 2018, according to HireAHelper.
Before the outbreak of COVID-19, costs remained relatively stable, and then plummeted during the initial months of the pandemic as Americans sheltered in their homes.
However, the study report noted, “as the pandemic eased and vaccinations picked up in 2021, moving activity resumed its typical levels and prices bounced back."
In fact, the average cost has increased on a year-over-year basis during each month since January 2021. And the researchers predict it’s going to get worse, driven by market timing as well as inflated costs for gasoline, vehicles and labor.
“The cost of moving is likely to rise even more this summer. Partially, this is due to inflation, but to a greater extent, this is also due to the laws of supply and demand,” HireAHelper wrote. “Our forecast suggests that the average cost of a move will reach a record-high of $454 per move by August.”
HireAHelper didn't release a forecast of the August cost in Maine. But at the same level of growth, it might average more than $558.
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This article and study is regarding hiring independent moving labor, where the costs have increased. The average cost for a move has increased but it is not 50%. What their study shows is that now it costs $525 if you contact them to have a couple guys unload a Uhaul for you. That is not an accurate reflection of the moving industry and associated costs in Maine.
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