In the world of international relocation, a new trend is taking over the industry. Companies are increasingly transitioning from traditional, fully managed relocation programs to lump-sum relocation packages. This change empowers employees to manage their own relocations, offering them flexibility, autonomy and a power over their expenditure.
But where do these employees turn for assistance? At Relocately we see that HR departments are collaborating with relocation platforms to provide their employees with streamlined, tech-driven solutions for their moves. On these platforms the employees get easy access to a wide variety of moving companies across all segments and across the globe. This changes the way potential movers get into contact with a moving company and the time of corporate -*contracts is already behind us.
For international moving companies, this trend presents a unique opportunity, that we’re going to further explore in this article by answering at the following questions:
How The Rise of Lump-Sum Relocation Is Changing Customer Behavior
Who Is The Lump-Sum Relocating Employee?
How Are Digital Platforms Reshaping Global Mobility and Moving Services?
So Why Relocately?
How The Rise of Lump-Sum Relocation Is Changing Customer Behavior
For moving companies, the landscape of corporate relocations is shifting. Where once traditional corporate accounts dominated, many are now being supplemented, and in some cases replaced, by individual employees managing their own relocations. These customers are a different kind of client:
High-intent: They have an allocated budget and a confirmed need to move.
Time-sensitive: Their relocations are often driven by job start dates and tight schedules.
Informed: They actively research, compare options, and demand transparency from service providers.
This change presents both a challenge and an opportunity. By partnering with relocation platforms like Relocately, moving companies can position themselves directly in front of these highly motivated, decision-ready customers through curated marketplaces designed specifically for global moves.
So what’s driving this shift? Global mobility is evolving in response to rising cost pressures and an increased demand for flexibility. Today, over 56% of companies include a lump sum allowance in their relocation packages, with payments typically averaging $7,200 — though they can range from $2,500 to $15,000 or more (Zippia, 2023). This lump sum model gives HR teams a way to control costs while handing employees the autonomy to manage their own move.
To support their relocating employees, many companies are turning to relocation technology platforms that simplify the process, connect users to trusted suppliers, and help ensure a smoother experience. For moving companies ready to adapt, this new model opens a valuable, direct-to-customer channel within the corporate relocation market.
Who Is The Lump-Sum Relocating Employee?
The modern relocating employee is a self-directed, informed consumer. Armed with a lump-sum budget from their employer, they’re responsible for managing their own move, and they approach this task with the same expectations they bring to any major purchase: transparency, efficiency, and a clear value for money.
These employees often start their relocation journey by researching moving companies in their destination country within the first few days of accessing their relocation lump-sum. They compare options, read reviews, and seek out providers that offer clear pricing and reliable services.
Our data shows that lump-sum relocators are working to tight deadlines, with their move linked to job start dates or temporary housing availability. They want control over the process, but also reassurance that their chosen suppliers are experienced and trustworthy, and that is why they come to platforms like Relocately.
Our internal research shows that to effectively engage this audience, moving companies should:
Offer upfront pricing: Clear, transparent quotes help build trust and support faster decision-making.
Provide bundled services: Combining services like packing, storage, temporary housing, and transportation can deliver added convenience and value.
Ensure timely communication: Prompt, helpful responses to inquiries and quote requests can be the deciding factor in securing a booking.
Maintain strong online visibility: Being present on relocation platforms and marketplaces increases the chance of being discovered by these high-intent customers.
By aligning services with the specific needs and expectations of lump-sum clients, moving companies can increase their appeal, boost conversion rates, and tap into a growing segment of the global mobility market.
How Are Digital Platforms Reshaping Global Mobility and Moving Services?
The way HR departments manage global employee relocations is changing fast. Driven by cost pressures, growing demand for flexibility, and a sharper focus on employee experience, talent mobility teams are embracing digital tools to streamline processes and uphold duty-of-care standards. Deloitte’s Global Talent Mobility Survey highlights this shift, with operational efficiency and employee support at the core of new mobility strategies. (Deloitte, 2024)
Digital platforms like Relocately are central to this transformation. Acting as a bridge between HR teams, service providers, and relocating employees, they simplify complex processes and make relocation experiences smoother for everyone involved. Key benefits include:
Simplified vendor management: Reducing administrative tasks for HR teams by centralizing service coordination.
Enhanced duty-of-care visibility: Allowing HR to track employee relocations and intervene when needed.
Curated, employee-friendly services: Offering relocating employees trusted, tailored service options in one place.
For moving companies, these platforms present a valuable opportunity. With a growing number of international employees receiving lump-sum relocation benefits and turning to digital solutions to manage their moves, platforms like Relocately offer direct, real-time access to a highly relevant and engaged customer base.
By partnering with Relocately, moving companies can:
Access pre-qualified, high-intent leads: Connect with customers who have a clear need, a defined budget, and are actively seeking services.
Streamline quoting and booking processes: Use integrated platform tools to deliver fast, transparent, and competitive offers.
Leverage actionable customer insights: Analyze platform data to better understand customer behavior, refine service offerings, and optimize marketing strategies.
This data-driven, digital approach not only simplifies operations for moving companies but also positions them to meet the expectations of today’s relocating employees — customers who value transparency, speed, and easy access to trusted service providers online, and they know it too:
Case Study: A European-based moving company partnered with Relocately and experienced a 40% increase in qualified international leads within six months. Their close rate improved by 23%, attributed to pre-filtered lead criteria and bundled pricing suggestions.
By embracing platform integration, moving companies can position themselves for sustained growth in the evolving relocation landscape.
So Why Relocately?
Relocately is more than just a lead generator; it's a comprehensive solution that connects moving companies with a global network of clients. By partnering with Relocately, moving companies gain:
Access to a diverse client base: Engage with both corporate clients and individual employees.
Tools for operational excellence: Utilize platform features to enhance service delivery.
Insights for continuous improvement: Analyze data to refine offerings and strategies.
"We appreciate the quality of leads from Relocately. The clients are serious about their moves, and the platform tools have streamlined our processes," says a partner testimonial.
Conclusion
The relocation industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the rise of lump-sum relocation programs and the growing demand for flexible, employee-centered solutions. As traditional corporate contracts give way to self-managed moves, digital relocation platforms like Relocately have become indispensable partners for HR departments, and a strategic growth channel for moving companies. These platforms connect movers directly with high-intent, time-sensitive customers, offering valuable tools to streamline operations, enhance visibility, and leverage customer insights.
For moving companies ready to adapt, the opportunity is clear: meet the evolving expectations of modern relocating employees by providing transparent pricing, bundled services, and timely, reliable support. By embracing platform partnerships, movers not only secure direct access to a motivated, global customer base but also future-proof their businesses in a dynamic, data-driven relocation landscape. The future of international moving is digital, and it’s already here.
Key Takeaways:
Lump-sum relocation is becoming the norm, driven by HR's need for flexibility and cost-efficiency.
Relocation platforms like Relocately are central to this new model, connecting employees with service providers.
Partnering with such platforms offers moving companies access to a motivated client base and tools for operational excellence.
Embrace the future of relocation by aligning your services with the evolving needs of clients. Partner with Relocately and position your moving company for success in the lump-sum era.
Sources
CapRelo, Lump Sum Relocation Packages: A Comprehensive Guide, 2024, https://www.caprelo.com/insights-resources/policy-development/lump-sum-relocation-packages-everything-you-need-to-know/
Deloitte, Global Talent Mobility Survey, 2024, https://www.deloitte.com/uk/en/services/tax/research/2024-global-workforce-trends.html
GMS, Lump Sum Relocation Packages: What are the Advantages? What are the Disadvantages?, 2024, https://gmsmobility.com/blog/lump-sum-relocation-packages/
Relocately, Internal Research, 2025
Zippia, Job Relocation Statistics, 2024, https://www.zippia.com/advice/job-relocation-statistics/
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