Moving to a new home is way more than just a change of address—it’s a full-blown lifestyle reset.
In 2026, these resets are happening in a consumer landscape that’s more brand-fluid than it has ever been before. For you, this means one thing: new movers are the ultimate brand acquisition audience.
Let’s explore why movers are so open to new brands, what the latest data tells us about consumer behavior, and how your business can seize this unique opportunity to build long-lasting customer relationships.
A Shift in Customer Loyalty
Consumers are looking to get way more than just discounts these days. They want personalized experiences, transparency, and brand that align with their values.
In fact:
- 76% of consumers will switch brands if they feel misunderstood.
- 72% will switch for a cheaper option, even if they’ve been loyal before.
- 81% of customers expect faster service as technology advances, and 73% expect better personalization.
Long story short, loyalty is no longer a given—it’s earned, and it’s more fragile than ever before.
New Movers: The Opportunity You’ve Been Waiting For
Okay, let’s talk about new movers.
In 2024, 25.87 million people, 7.8% of the U.S. population, packed up and moved.
Each move brings about a cascade of decisions. These new residents are in a time of endless changes and discovery. They’re in need of service providers, doctors, grocery stores, coffee shops- you name it, they’re looking for it.
Here’s what makes movers so valuable:
- 90% of new movers are open to trying new brands.
- They spend an average of $9,000 in the first few months after moving.
- They make 70+ brand decisions within the first 3 months.
- They’re quick decision-makers, often making purchases within days of settling in.
This is what we call the “blank slate effect.” New movers leave behind their previous routines, preferences, and loyalties. They’re looking for new brands, and they’re ready to be impressed… by you.
3 Ways Your Business Can Reach New Movers
So, how do you turn this blank slate into a loyal customer base?
Be there when their life is in hiatus—show up for them early, be authentic in your personalization, and deliver them value.
Let’s learn more about how you can really win the favor of this eager to settle-in group:
1. Be The First to Say Hello
New movers want to explore their local businesses, and they have plenty of things they need and want to purchase.
Did you know that most new movers will go with the first brand that reaches them. This means that timely marketing efforts are the key to success.
And movers are starting to shop way earlier than you may think, with a whopping 72% of new movers making major purchase decisions before they’ve even packed up the moving truck.
When my family moved earlier this year, I was looking at sectionals before we even closed on our new home- anticipating a larger space and envisioning it as my own. After browsing Pinterest and Instagram for inspiration, an ad from American Signature with deals and finance options on couches swayed me to stop by their showroom. Guess what? My new couch, in my new home, was purchased through them.
Not only should new movers be on your radar, but you also want to take advantage of where they are at in their move journey- and making sure to get in front of them as soon as possible.
2. Personalize the Experience
71% of customers expect personalized experiences, with 76% expressing frustration when they don’t receive them.
Use data to your advantage.
Using info such as move-in dates, household size, or neighborhood demographics to tailor your messaging in ways that will feel genuinely helpful.
New movers are reevaluating their loyalties as they transition into your community and tailored marketing is the best way to make a lasting impression. An impressive 60% of shoppers anticipate becoming repeat buyers following personalized shopping experiences. If customers are more brand-flexible than ever, it sounds like making them feel seen is the best way to be on the winning side of things.
For example, a week after moving, I received a welcome card from a local coffee shop. It said “Welcome to the neighborhood, Amanda! We noticed you moved in nearby and thought you might need a little caffeine boost. Your first latte is on us—just show this card when you stop by. We’re open early, and we’d love to meet you!” there was also a map of “local favorites” and a QR code linking to a curated playlist called “Unpack & Unwind.”
3. Offer Special New Mover Discounts
Deals are great— and life has gotten pretty expensive lately.
A great way to attract new movers is by offering discounts and freebies. Statistics show that 80% of new movers redeem coupons from merchants before, during, and after the move.
But here’s the twist: it’s not just about the deal, it’s about the delivery.
Imagine that a local plant shop sends postcard to new residents in the area. It includes a QR code for 20% off a houseplant, plus a short quiz to match them with their ideal greenery based on light levels, lifestyle, and vibe. The result? Jane, who just moved into a cozy apartment with big windows, gets matched with a fiddle leaf fig and a care guide tailored to her space. She picks it up, chats with the staff, and suddenly, that shop isn’t just a store but a part of her new routine.
That’s the power of a well-timed, well-crafted offer, that’s the power of new mover marketing.
Conclusion
In 2026, brand loyalty is earned, which makes new movers an amazing demographic to pursue.
They’re the most open-minded, decision-ready audience you’ll meet- looking for connection, convenience, and community all at once.
Get Started
To discover how Welcome Wagon helps new families connect with businesses like yours- right as they move in. Call us at (800) 77-WELCOME or visit us at www.welcomewagon.com.
We specialize in New Mover Marketing Solutions and can introduce your brand to new movers across the country.
