Suffolk County’s Labor Crisis: How 2025’s Worker Shortage is Forcing Moving Companies to Reimagine Service and Pricing

Suffolk County, New York, is experiencing a perfect storm of economic challenges that’s fundamentally reshaping how moving companies operate in 2025. The number of private sector jobs on Long Island increased over the year by 4,300, or 0.4 percent, to 1,185,000 in August 2025. In comparison, the state’s over-the-year private sector growth rate was 1.4 percent and the nation’s was 0.9 percent. This sluggish job growth, combined with a nationwide labor shortage affecting service industries, is creating unprecedented challenges for moving companies serving the region.

The Scale of the Labor Shortage Crisis

The moving industry is caught in the crosshairs of a broader labor shortage that’s impacting multiple sectors. This inflation has impacted almost all economic sectors, but the moving industry has faced disproportionate pressure as service providers grapple with underlying costs rising by 30% – 80%. For Suffolk County residents planning a move, this translates to higher costs and potentially limited availability of services.

386 Moving Company jobs available in Long Island, NY on Indeed.com. Apply to Warehouse Associate, Sales Associate, Mover and more! While job postings exist, the challenge lies in finding qualified workers willing to take on the physical demands of moving work at wages that companies can afford to pay.

How Labor Shortages Are Driving Up Moving Costs

The economic pressures facing moving companies are substantial. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Employment Cost Index (ECI) shows that general bluecollar wages has risen approximately 18 – 22% since 2020. Specifically, “production, transportation, and material moving” occupations showed a yearly growth rate between 3.5 – 5.0% since 2020. These wage increases directly impact moving companies, which rely heavily on physical labor.

Additional cost pressures compound the problem. F. Curtis Barry & Company indicate that the national average for warehouse lease costs have risen 50% since 2020. They have further shared that there has been a 60 – 70% increase in warehouse lease rates in coastal and sun belt metropolitan areas. More recently, their data indicates a 16.1% year-over-year increase from 2024 to 2025. For Suffolk County moving companies that maintain storage facilities, these costs represent significant operational challenges.

Service Adaptations in Response to Labor Constraints

Moving companies are adapting their service models to cope with labor shortages. As mentioned above, it costs $442.75 on average to hire moving helpers (labor-only) in Suffolk, NY, with an average hourly rate of $88.55. If you’re tackling a smaller job, like unloading a PODS-style container, moving into a storage unit, or just need help with the heavy lifting, you can hire hourly moving labor for around $88.55 an hour. This pricing reflects the premium that labor shortages have created in the local market.

Some companies are shifting toward more specialized services to maximize efficiency. Moving Companies Suffolk County like Avatar Relocation have adapted by focusing on high-value, specialized moving services. Avatar Relocation transports and stores shipments of high-value medical equipment, electronics, household goods, artwork, antiques, store fixtures, office furniture, exhibits and displays. Avatar Relocation transports and stores shipments of high-value medical equipment, electronics, household goods, artwork, antiques, store fixtures, office furniture, exhibits and displays.

Quality-Focused Companies Leading the Way

Established moving companies with strong reputations are better positioned to navigate the current challenges. Over the past 24 years, Avatar Relocation of NY Inc. has earned 54 Atlas Van Lines quality awards, including the coveted Atlas Van Lines World-Class Commitment Quality Focus Award. Avatar Relocation’s commitment to excellence helps insure our customer’s satisfaction and the Atlas World-Class Commitment Quality Focus program evaluates Atlas agencies in 12 categories which most impact the quality of service our customers receive.

Avatar Relocation of NY Inc. is a high-quality full-service and specialized moving, storage, transportation, logistics, specialized packing and warehousing service provider located in Yaphank, Long Island, New York 11980. Their Long Island location positions them well to serve Suffolk County residents, even as labor challenges persist.

What This Means for Suffolk County Consumers

For residents planning moves in Suffolk County, the current environment requires adjusted expectations and earlier planning. The labor shortage means:

• Higher costs: Moving services are more expensive due to increased labor and operational costs
• Limited availability: Fewer workers mean companies may have longer booking lead times
• Service premiums: Specialized services command higher prices but often provide better reliability
• Quality differentiation: Established companies with proven track records become more valuable

The Path Forward

The labor shortage affecting Suffolk County’s moving industry isn’t likely to resolve quickly. The labor shortage stems from various factors, including generational retirements, geographical shifts, and changing employee priorities. Workers today want more than just better pay, they’re also looking for intangible benefits like flexible scheduling and growth opportunities.

For consumers, this means working with reputable, established moving companies becomes even more critical. Companies that have invested in employee retention, quality service standards, and operational efficiency are better equipped to provide reliable service despite the challenging labor market.

As Suffolk County continues to attract new residents from New York City and other areas, demand for moving services remains strong. With work-from-home revolution facilitated during the pandemic, professionals long relegated to tiny NYC apartments have decamped to Nassau and Suffolk for room, schools, and yards big enough for a pet (at least a barbecue grill). Suffolk County saw a 11% rise in residential purchases in 2024 by buyers in NYC. This sustained demand, combined with labor constraints, means the current pricing and service environment is likely to persist through 2025 and beyond.

The key for Suffolk County residents is to plan moves well in advance, budget for higher costs, and prioritize working with established, quality-focused moving companies that can deliver reliable service despite the challenging labor market conditions.