If you’ve ever moved, you know it’s so much bigger than just a change of address.
It’s a reset button on life. Suddenly you’re hunting for a new spot to get your daily coffee, figuring out which grocery store has the best produce, and wondering why your Wi-Fi isn’t working yet.
Every decision feels like it needs to be made RIGHT NOW, and every choice matters.
That’s exactly what makes new movers such a valuable audience. They aren’t casually browsing; they’re actively choosing.
Over 35 million Americans move each year, and new movers spend significantly more in their first months than those established residents—often up to 20 times more in their first six months than typical homeowners spend in two years.
But this window is short and incredibly competitive.
85% of new movers choose the first business that contacts them. That means loyalty isn’t built over months of time; it’s shaped in the first weeks of their arrival.
Here are 7 ways to win over new movers.
1. Show Up Early
New movers are already making huge decisions, before they’ve even unpacked any boxes.
They’re deciding where to shop and who to hire.
They’re in decision-making overdrive, and this is your chance to be the first friendly face they meet.
Did you know:
- 70%-90% of spending decisions are made before the mover has left their current residence.
- According to Investopia, movers spend close to $20,000 to set up their new homes, including furniture, appliances, home services, and insurance updates.
- 90% of new movers are open to trying new brands because everything feels new.
- 85% of new movers use the first business that contacts them.
A warm introduction at the right moment can make you their first choice.
For example, so many movers are too busy unpacking to think about their stomachs… until they’re growling of course! So imagine, your deli showing up with a postcard in their mailbox that says,
“Welcome to your new home! We know moving is hectic. Don’t forget to take a lunch break” and include some great lunch specials and a coupon for free delivery.
It seems like a simple gesture, a quick welcome and maybe promotions you are already running. But for new movers, they are looking to establish relationships with local brands. And when you have a hand in turning their stressful day into a great memory of eating together in their new home, you then become their go-to spot from day one.
2. Create a Personalized First Impression
When someone is new in town, even small gestures feel like a big deal.
71% of consumers expect personalized interactions, and 76% get frustrated when brands don’t provide them.
Movers want
- Help settling in, tackling their to dos, and information that can make the unfamiliar feel like home.
- Shortcuts that make their move-in feel easier. They want to get things done sooner, rather than later.
- A sense that you actually get what they’re going through.
They’re overwhelmed, unsure where to go, and trying to make dozens of decisions every day. You instantly stand out when your brand reaches out in a way that feels tailored to their status as the newbie in town.
Say you’re a local pediatric dentist, and you send a welcome kit to new families with kids. It has a pamphlet with contact info, directions, a small offer for their first cleaning, and a unique dental tip “if your kids play sports, ask us about custom mouth guards—it’s our #1 need for active families in this area!”
3. Welcome Deals
New movers often need things immediately:
- A plumber for the leaky faucet they inherited
- A landscaper for a yard they didn’t realize needed so much work
- A great takeout spot because the kitchen isn’t unpacked yet
- And so much more.
This immediacy makes them way more receptive to businesses that offer straightforward solutions, especially those that show up with value.
Studies reveal that 80% of new movers use coupons before, during, and after their move, making special offers especially compelling at this stage.
So you should be sure to:
- Offer a “Welcome Discount” for new residents and first-time customers.
- Bundle services and call it a “New Home Starter Pack.”
- Make it easy for them to redeem your deal with QRs and simple promo codes.
4. Omni Channel Approach
Winning loyalty isn’t a one‑and‑done moment.
After the initial “Hello there, new neighbor!”, you still have work to do.
Households continue establishing routines over the next few months. That’s why strategies spaced over time, using multiple channels are so important.
It’s repetition that will keep you top of mind, and a strategy built around well-timed touchpoints that meet these busy movers in the places they’re most likely to take notice… and action.
To ensure you become a part of their new normal, try:
- Sending a warm welcome through direct mail, with a CTA that leads them back to digital- such as a QR code that brings them to a tailored landing page.
- Following-up with strategic targeted ads that meet them when they’re scrolling (and most likely looking for the pieces to complete their new home puzzle).
- Use email to remind them of your brand and the fact that you want to be there to help them settle in.
Imagine a new couple moves into town, you reach out to them about internet service:
- You send a friendly postcard saying “Welcome to your new home! Here’s a QR code to activate your account and explore local perks.”
- While scrolling Instagram, they see a geotargeted ad saying “Need faster Wi-Fi for your new home office? Upgrade today and get your first month free.”
- Your email lands in their inbox with a helpful guide, “Top 5 tips for setting up Wi-Fi in your new space.”
This layered approach feels helpful and keeps your brand on their mind as they settle in.
5. Local SEO
Local SEO is a seriously powerful way to build long-term loyalty with new movers.
It helps your business show up at the exact moment they’re searching for essential local services.
Did you know:
- “Near me” mobile searches have grown by more than 200%.
- 50% of local searches result in an inperson visit, meaning strong local SEO is a part of the foundation of building repeat business.
This means that new movers clearly rely on search engines to guide their earliest buying decisions. Furthermore, the brands they find first often become their default.
Your business instantly feels more credible when new movers see:
- Consistent information.
- Positive reviews.
- A polished Google Business Profile.
They’re forming brand preferences from scratch, so with a well-thought SEO strategy you can appear at the top of their search results, and become one of the first businesses they interact with.
6. Recruit Micro Influencers
Do you have a favorite influencer? That person who feels like one of your friends, the one who’s account you turn to in order to find out what to wear, eat, drink, and do and who’s input always leads to “add to cart.”
Did you know:
- Nearly 86% of marketers in 2025 are working with influencer programs—and many prefer micro- and nano-influencers because of their genuine connection to niche audiences.
- User-generated content performs 12–13% better in engagement than paid-only content.
- Micro-influencers (10K–100K followers) see 2.4–6.7× higher engagement than macro-influencers, with 20% higher conversion rates.
Newcomers look for trusted, local advice too— like best brunch spots, kid-friendly parks, or reliable handymen.
When they see a local influencer that they identify with sharing your brand, it feels personal and vetted. You can get started by:
- Partnering with local influencers who align with your brand.
- Offer a free product or service in exchange for an honest post on their Instagram or TikTok.
- Include exclusive perks (early-bird discounts, referral bonuses, behind-the-scenes invites) so they feel special (and so will their audience).
- Feature their content across your own channels.
Authentic content stands out during a chaotic move.
7.Maintain Momentum
Once new movers have chosen your business, it’s the perfect time to reinforce the relationship. Offer them:
- Exclusive loyalty rewards give them a reason to come back, especially when they’re actively forming habits and deciding whose services they’ll use regularly.
- Referral bonuses tap into the social side of settling in; new residents love recommendations and rewarding them for sharing yours will deepen their loyalty and expand your reach into their growing community circle.
- Seasonal check‑ins can be tied to holidays, weather changes, or just helpful reminders. You’ll show that you’re paying attention to their ongoing needs.
- Appreciative follow‑ups make them feel seen and valued, even something as simple as “Thanks for choosing us—welcome again to the neighborhood.”
These gestures show that you’re in it for the long term; that you didn’t just show up for a quick transaction. And according to new mover behavior patterns, ongoing engagement significantly increases the chance you’ll become their new trusted go‑to.
Conclusion
New mover loyalty is won through timely help and thoughtful connection.
You’ll want to become a consistent presence as they unpack boxes and build their new routines.
For further ideas and marketing solutions for your business, contact Welcome Wagon!
800-779-3526
hello@welcomewagon.com
Founded in 1928 to welcome new movers to their community, Welcome Wagon is committed to connecting furniture companies with new homeowners through online and offline channels.
