Moving More, Wasting More: How Increasing Mobility Impacts Waste and Consumer Behavior
In recent decades, the U.S. population has experienced a notable shift in living patterns. With advancements in technology, a more interconnected world, and evolving job markets, adults in the U.S. are relocating more frequently than ever before. The implications of this trend extend beyond the logistical challenges of moving. It impacts consumer spending habits, furniture and household goods markets, and, critically, the amount of waste generated.
A Culture on the Move: Rising Transience in the U.S.
While the average American adult moves approximately 11.7 times in their lifetime, according to U.S. Census Bureau data, the motivations behind these moves and the intervals between them have shifted. For example, in 2024 the median American worker was estimated to stay at the same job for only about 3.9 years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a 15% decline from 4.6 years in 2014. Gone are the days of our grandparents where an employee would remain at a single firm for their entire career and work towards earning a pension. This increased job turnover has contributed to greater transience, as people relocate more frequently in pursuit of new opportunities and lifestyles.
Remote work, gig-economy jobs, and contract-based employment have also contributed to this increased mobility. The Pew Research Center reports that approximately 27% of Americans worked remotely in 2023, with a significant percentage being able to live anywhere. The result? People now choose to relocate more freely, driven by career opportunities, lifestyle preferences, or the pursuit of affordable living conditions.
The Disposable Lifestyle: Consumer Spending on Temporary Goods
Frequent moves have a direct influence on purchasing behavior. Durable, high-quality furniture and appliances—once considered investments—are now being replaced by cheaper, mass-produced alternatives. Big-box retailers, such as IKEA, Wayfair, and Amazon, cater to transient lifestyles by offering affordable, easily transportable, and sometimes disposable products.
A report by AmericanListed.com found that more than 25% of U.S. adults intend on throwing away or leaving behind a piece of large furniture when they move. Replacing these items often comes with a lower price tag but significantly shorter lifespans. The demand for inexpensive, short-term goods drives a cycle of consumption that prioritizes cost over sustainability.
The Waste Problem: A Growing Environmental Concern
The environmental impact of this trend is profound. Waste generated during moves includes not only packaging materials like cardboard and plastic but also discarded furniture, appliances, and electronics. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that furniture and small appliance waste alone contributed approximately 11.3 million tons to landfills annually in the U.S. in 2018, up from 6.0 million tons in 1990. Many of these items are made from non-recyclable materials such as composite woods, synthetic fabrics, and plastic.
Additionally, moving often necessitates the disposal of household items that are cumbersome to transport—from mattresses to shampoo bottles to uneaten food. This results in an increase in municipal solid waste (MSW) volumes, much of which is not properly recycled or reused.
Addressing the Cycle: Steps Toward Sustainable Solutions
To mitigate the environmental impact of transient lifestyles, both individuals and industries must take actionable steps:
Adopt Circular Economy Practices: Encourage furniture manufacturers to design modular, repairable, and recyclable products. Extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs can hold companies accountable for the end-of-life management of their products.
Promote Durable Alternatives: Educate consumers on the benefits of investing in durable, sustainable furniture and household goods that can withstand multiple moves.
Streamline Secondhand Markets: Expand access to secondhand stores, online resale platforms, and rental services for furniture and appliances. These initiatives help extend the lifespan of products and reduce waste.
Community Collection Programs: Develop municipal programs for collecting and refurbishing discarded furniture, appliances, and other consumer goods during peak moving seasons.
Advocate for Minimalist Moves: Provide guidance on how to downsize responsibly by donating or repurposing items rather than sending them to landfills.
Final Thoughts
As Americans continue to embrace mobility, it’s imperative to address the environmental costs associated with this trend. By promoting sustainable consumption practices and reducing waste, we can create a system that supports both modern lifestyles and environmental stewardship. While moving might be inevitable for many, the waste generated doesn’t have to be.
Sources: Census; BLS; Pew Research; EPA; USA Facts; PR Newswire; AmericanListed.com
