The Mayflower Transit company has issued its annual report on "America on the Move," noting that average tonnage per move is up again this year. The primary reason: America's toys -- everything from big screen TVs to exercise equipment -- are getting heavier.

According to Mayflower, some 43 million Americans will relocate this year -- about one-sixth of the total U.S. population. Of that 43 million, about 13 million will be children under the age of 19.

Mayflower statistics show the average household shipment now weights in at 7,400 pounds -- a figure that continues to rise year after year.

"This increase stems from Americans buying more electronic goods (computers and bigger TV sets) and home gym equipment, all of which add to the total weight of the possessions they take to their new homes," said Mayflower spokeswoman Mary Sawyer.

According to the Employee Relocation Council, you can figure about $1 per pound in expenses to actually ship your goods: In 1997 (the last year for which numbers are available), the average cost of shipping personal possessions was $7,311.

The overall cost of moving an employee from one part of the country to another, however, is much, much higher.

Adding in things like house-hunting visits to the new city, hotel expenses and the possibility of picking up some or all of the real estate transaction costs, the ERC says the price for moving a "home-owning" employee, typically with a family, is $51,930.

Moving a "new hire" who owns a home is somewhat less, about $37,835. Moving a current employee who is a renter usually costs a company $14,210; and moving a new hire who is a renter averages about $14,210.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average American moves at least 12 times in his or her life, which is a lot considering that the ERC says moving is the third most stressful experience most people endure, right behind death and divorce.

Other moving statistics:

Published: May 25, 1999

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