1 in 4 Workers Need To Move To Comply With RTO Policies

For this February 2025 report, StorageUnits.com surveyed 2,370 workers at companies that have instituted a return-to-office (RTO) policy. 

Our core insights:

• 1 in 4 workers are being asked to return to an office they don’t live near
• 19% have already relocated back, while 60% plan to move closer to the office. However, 21% do not intend to move.
• Workers say moving will increase their cost of living and force them to downsize
• 8% plan to find a new job instead of relocating

1 in 4 Workers Are Being Forced To Move Due to RTO Policies

During the remote work boom, 25% of employees were living in a different city or region from their company’s office — either because they relocated during this period (12%) or were hired as remote workers (13%). Meanwhile, 75% of employees remained or accepted jobs in the same city or region as their office.

Workers who relocated did so for lifestyle or financial reasons. More specifically, 46% moved to a more desirable location, 44% sought a more affordable area, 34% moved closer to family, and 30% relocated for a spouse or partner.

Now, with more companies enforcing RTO mandates, 19% of remote workers have already moved back, and 60% plan to relocate to comply. However, 21% do not intend to move, with 40% planning to find a new job.

1 in 10 workers are considering quitting instead of moving

Among the 21% of workers who are unwilling to relocate, 40% find a new job instead. Even among those planning to move back, many first attempted to secure a different job. In fact, 56% of relocating workers sought a new job before deciding to move, but 33% received no offers, and 63% felt the offers weren’t worth taking. A small portion (4%) cited other reasons for ultimately relocating.

Many Will Need To Downsize and Obtain Storage Units

Workers relocating due to RTO are facing financial strain. Among those who have already moved, 34% report paying higher rent or mortgage, 32% have downsized to a smaller home, and 22% moved in with family or roommates to offset costs. Additionally, 19% had to break a lease or sell a home unexpectedly.

For those who plan to move to comply with their company’s RTO policies, 51% anticipate a significant increase in their cost of living, 43% expect to pay higher rent or mortgage, 30% plan to downsize, and 28% may need to break a lease or sell a home unexpectedly.

To accommodate these changes, many workers are turning to storage solutions. A total of 69% have rented or plan to rent a storage unit due to their shifting living situation.

The top cities workers are returning to include New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Philadelphia.

Methodology: This report is based on data from a survey commissioned by StorageUnits.com and conducted online via Pollfish in January 2025. The survey included 2,370 U.S.-based workers. To qualify for the survey respondents had to indicate that they currently work for a company that has instituted a return-to-office policy since 2020. Inquiries can be directed to [email protected].