Sometimes a long distance move happens because life leaves you little choice about the timing. National Van Lines provides long distance moving services for people navigating major life changes and unexpected circumstances. A necessity-based move is one that a household has to make due to circumstances outside its control. This may be due to a job transfer, a change in marital status, new caretaking responsibilities, or rising housing and insurance costs.
Depending on the situation, moving because you need to can feel a bit confusing or overwhelming. However, with the right information and education, you’ll feel better about navigating the experience. You’ll also be able to determine exactly what you need for your unique scenario, and be able to choose a moving company that can truly provide you with support and expertise. We’ve gathered some helpful data and insights that will teach you exactly what necessity-based moving is, how to handle it, and how National Van Lines can help.
What Is Necessity-Based Moving, and When Do People Do It?
According to the Census Bureau, people move an average of 11.7 times throughout their lives, and the reasons they move depend on several key factors.
As of September 17, 2026, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.95%, according to Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey. That rate is up from 6.11% on March 12, 2026. Higher rates contribute to the mortgage rate lock-in effect. This occurs when homeowners with a lower existing mortgage rate choose not to move, since a new mortgage would cost more each month.
Additionally, the U.S. Census Bureau Current Population Survey reported in 2022 that movers cited the following top reasons for moving.
- Change in marital status (6.0%)
- New job or job transfer (9.2%)
- Foreclosure/eviction (0.7%)
- To look for a new job or to replace a lost job (1.3%)
Also, there are instances when staying in the current home would actually be more expensive than moving to a new home. For example, in Florida insurance premiums are rising due to increasing hurricane and flooding risks. Many individuals and families are finding that moving to another state, even one that’s close to Florida, can bring significant savings on insurance rates.
When you combine these factors you’ll get a lot of people staying where they are, until they absolutely have to move.
How to Plan a Long Distance Move When Timing Is Not Flexible
To plan a long distance move out of necessity, start with the one date you cannot change. This might be the starting date of a new job, a lease end date, or a home closing date. Then, build the moving timeline backward from that date. The table below shows where to focus first based on the reason for the move.
| Reason for Moving | The Challenge It Usually Creates | Where to Focus First |
|---|---|---|
| Change in marital status. | Combining or dividing a household, and the logistics that come with either direction. | Give yourself a realistic timeline separate from anything else being dealt with. Packing and paperwork do not have to move at the same pace as everything else. |
| New job or job transfer. | A hard start date, sometimes with little time to prepare. | Confirm your non-negotiable deadline first, then work back from there. |
| Change in family circumstances (e.g., caretaking, adult child moving back in). | Needs that might still be shifting as the move approaches. | Identify what must move now versus what can wait, or be handled later. Not everything needs to be decided in the first week. |
| Rising insurance costs. | Choosing a destination based on cost rather than preference. | Get a clear number on the actual savings before committing to a destination. A concrete figure makes the decision easier to act on. |
Need to move in two weeks or less? This is known as a last-minute move or an emergency move. When you find yourself under a tight timeline to move (for a job relocation, for example), check out our article on tips and to-do’s to calmly handle an emergency move.
How National Van Lines Can Help With a Necessity-Based Move
At National Van Lines, we take a people-first approach to long distance moving. Even though we have nationwide reach, we treat each customer as a unique individual. We’re able to do this because unlike many other big moving companies, we are an employee-owned organization through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). This means that each of our employees has a direct stake in making sure our customers are provided with top-notch customer service that fits what they really need.
Part of that people-first approach can be seen with our dedicated MovePro team. They’re our coordinators that are standing by to provide the personalized service you might not get at other large moving companies. When you talk to our MovePro coordinators, you can explain your personal situation, why you’re moving, and exactly what you need to move. Based on those details and how quickly you need to move, your MovePro coordinator can help you explore options such as the use of professional packing services.
“Our MovePro team is ready to answer any questions you have,” says Laura Manning, Vice President of Customer Service and Operations. “Your MovePro coordinator will act as a single point of contact you can trust to have your back throughout the process. It’s how we remain hands-on and helpful before, during, and after your move.”
Get Last-Minute Moving Support for a Necessity-Based Move
No matter what your reason for moving is, you should first take the time to compare moving companies and get a few different quotes. At National Van Lines, you can call us for a free, no-obligation quote at 800-323-1962 or start your free moving quote online now.