Moving household goods (HHG) is one of the most critical and complex components of a successful employee relocation program. It’s far more than loading items onto a truck and unloading them at the new destination. A smooth, well-coordinated move can make all the difference in transforming a relocation into a positive experience for employees, empowering them to start their new role with confidence and momentum.
Yet, not all household goods services are created equal.
Many companies that offer relocation benefits include household goods moves at all levels of employment. Still, those with experience in the process know how easily things can go wrong, such as lost or damaged items, delayed shipments, or the infamous couch that doesn’t fit through the door.
Now imagine moving across the country or internationally, while also starting a new job, selling a home, enrolling kids in school, and finding a new place to live. The stakes are high, and the stress is real. That’s why partnering with a relocation management company like WHR is essential. We help ensure a timely, secure, and cost-effective transition.
5 Important Factors of Offering a Household Goods Move Benefit
A full-service HHG move involves far more than packing boxes and renting a truck. Below are the most important factors to consider when offering this benefit as part of a relocation package:
1) Time and Productivity
Moving without professional support can be incredibly time-consuming and physically exhausting, especially for employees balancing job transitions. For example, it typically takes an experienced moving crew 3 to 4 days to pack and load a moderately furnished 2,000-square-foot home. Without help, that same move could take an employee weeks and often requires them to take time off work.
Additionally, most moving companies will only insure items they pack themselves. That means DIY packing could not only increase the time commitment but also the financial risk.
2) Logistics and Coordination
Long-distance or international moves involve multiple moving parts: moving crews, drivers, shipment schedules, third-party services for disassembly and reassembly of large items, storage, and more. Add in complications like delayed closing dates on a home, and it’s easy to see how things can unravel quickly.
Having a dedicated relocation partner helps ensure all these moving pieces stay in sync, so employees aren’t left managing a puzzle during an already stressful time.
3. Cost Management
The cost of household goods shipments has risen considerably in the past five years, driven by labor shortages, material costs, and insurance premiums. See our white paper “The Rising Cost of Household Goods Shipments.”
HR and mobility teams must balance cost containment with service quality. Without negotiated rates or preferred supplier agreements, costs can escalate quickly. In our 2025 Global Mobility Benchmark, 49% of respondents stated that they provide coverage for all reasonable third-party services. (i.e., crating, disassembly/assembly, etc.)
Relocation providers often have pre-established relationships with moving companies, helping employers control and reduce overall spend while still providing a high-quality employee experience.
4) Storage Needs
Long-distance or international moves involve multiple moving parts: moving crews, drivers, shipment schedules, third-party services for disassembly and reassembly of large items, storage, and more. Add in complications like delayed closing dates on a home, and it’s easy to see how things can unravel quickly.
Having a dedicated relocation partner helps ensure all these moving pieces stay in sync, so employees aren’t left managing a puzzle during an already stressful time.
5) Risk and Liability
Relocating household goods comes with plenty of potential risks—from damaged furniture to lost boxes.
A formal HHG benefit should always include adequate insurance coverage and clear protocols for handling claims. Professional movers also provide detailed inventories and tracking, reducing the chance of items going missing.
Why a Household Goods Move Benefit Matters
Offering a structured, well-managed HHG move benefit helps reduce stress for your relocating employees and protects your company from delays, cost overruns, and productivity loss. It ensures your people can focus on what matters most: starting their new role with confidence and minimal disruption.
At WHR, we provide the resources, experience, and supplier partnerships to help you build a smart, cost-effective household goods policy that meets your business goals and your employees’ needs.
Ready to learn more about our move management services?
These five tools allow you to answer a few short questions about your company’s global mobility program and will send you a custom report based on your answers
U.S. Domestic Relocation Cost Estimator
Interactive Repayment Agreement
Domestic Relocation Policy Designer
Relocation Benchmark Comparison
RFP – Relocation Request for Proposal Generator
