New research indicates that 42% of personal belongings are either left behind or discarded when Americans first move away from their childhood homes. The study, commissioned by CubeSmart Self Storage and conducted by Talker Research, examined the habits and logistical challenges faced by 2,000 U.S. adults living away from their original residences.
Key Data on Personal Belongings and Relocation
- Average Age of Departure: The average American leaves their childhood home at age 23.
- Belonging Retention: On average, individuals only have the capacity to take 58% of their possessions with them during their first move.
- Left-Behind Items: 92% of respondents have left at least one item at their parents’ home.
- Volume of Storage: The average person leaves nine boxes or large items with their parents after moving out.
- Disposal Rates: Approximately 14% of belongings are tossed out during the initial relocation process.
Factors Influencing Storage Decisions
The decision to leave items behind is often driven by logistical limitations and future planning:
- Space Constraints: 31% of movers leave items behind because their new residence lacks sufficient space, and 20% are limited by the capacity of their moving vehicle.
- Future Utility: 41% of respondents leave items for safekeeping, while 25% keep them at their parents’ home for potential future use.
- Parental Influence: 24% of respondents state that their parents insisted they leave their belongings at home.
- Forgetfulness: 23% of individuals have completely forgotten about the existence of the items they left behind.
Timeline for Retrieval
Plans for reclaiming stored items vary significantly among respondents:
- Immediate Plans: 30% of individuals intend to clear out their belongings within the next year.
- Indefinite Storage: 44% have plans to retrieve their items but are unsure of the timeline.
- Permanent Abandonment: 27% of respondents state they have no plans to collect their left-behind belongings.
The Parental Perspective on Storage
The study also surveyed parents to understand their role in storing their adult children’s possessions:
- Current Storage: 38% of parents with adult children who have moved out still keep some of their children’s belongings at home.
- Parental Sentiment: 58% of parents do not mind holding onto these items because they have the space, and 30% appreciate having the belongings as a reason for their children to return home.
- Logistical Commitment: 51% of parents have moved to a new home since their children moved out; of those, 83% moved their children’s left-behind belongings to the new residence.
- Retrieval Pressure: While 44% of parents believe their children will eventually collect their things, 21% of adult children report being hassled by their parents to do so.
Research Methodology
Talker Research surveyed 2,000 Americans who have moved away from home and have access to the internet. The survey was commissioned by CubeSmart Self Storage and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between Jan. 29 and Feb. 5, 2026. To view the complete methodology as part of AAPOR’s Transparency Initiative, please visit the Talker Research Process and Methodology page.
