Karen Bodkin

A studio apartment costs about $1,000 to move locally with full-service movers, or about $4,700 for a typical 1,400-mile move. You can spend much less by renting a truck or pairing your own transportation with... Read More

Moving a 4-bedroom house is a big job, and the price can change by thousands of dollars depending on the services you choose and how much stuff you have. For a typical 2,650-square-foot home, a local move can cost... Read More

Hiring a mover means trusting other people with nearly everything you own, but the words “licensed and insured” don’t tell you much on their own. Before you book, figure out whether the company is transporting your... Read More

Office chairs are more awkward to move than they look. Casters can make the chair roll unexpectedly, the seat can swivel while you’re carrying it, and protruding arms can catch on doorways or other furniture. The... Read More

If you're moving to Illinois from another state, you'll need to know the laws and regulations about what can cross the border so you aren't bringing along something you shouldn't be. Marijuana cannot cross state... Read More

An icy driveway can turn moving day into a real problem, especially if you have a truck, delivery driver, or helpers carrying heavy furniture across it. The main goal in icy weather is to get traction fast by... Read More

One of the things renters tend to miss about renters’ insurance (also known as tenant insurance) is that it may cover your belongings when you move out if they’re damaged by a covered peril, but it generally does... Read More

Sofas are awkward to move because they are long, heavy, and hard to grip. A furniture dolly can make the job easier, but only if you prep the sofa, measure your path, load it correctly, strap it down, and avoid... Read More

Americans are always on the move, and the latest PGM data gives us a clear look at where everyone’s heading. In 2025 alone, nearly 15 million adults packed up and moved — more than 4% of the adult population. North... Read More

Choosing between Home Depot and U-Haul for your moving truck depends on the kind of move you’re making. U-Haul is usually the better choice for most local moves, especially if you need more truck sizes, a one-way... Read More

U-Haul truck rentals start at $19.95 a day, but that’s just the advertised rate and does not include the full cost of getting your belongings from one home to another. Your real total depends on the truck size,... Read More

Waterfront living is a dream for a lot of people, but floating homes take that idea one step further: They let you live on the water. A floating home is a stationary house built on a buoyant foundation, permanently... Read More

To transfer internet service when you move, first check whether your provider serves your new address, then schedule setup and keep the old service active until the new connection is working. The main thing to... Read More

Self-storage has become a regular part of American life, with 8.2% of Americans renting a storage unit in the past year. For consumers, that growth shows how closely storage is tied to housing and household change.... Read More

Loving a city after visiting is one thing, but figuring out whether you would enjoy living there permanently is much harder. That’s where a trial run comes in: it gives you time to experience the parts of life that... Read More

Choosing a storage unit can get confusing once you start comparing indoor and outdoor units, drive-up spaces, climate control, lockers, and specialty storage. The right option usually depends on what you are... Read More

Professional packing can take anywhere from 2 hours for a small apartment to a full day or more for a larger home. The actual timeline depends on how much you own and how prepared you are when the crew arrives. In... Read More

Packers do not always bring their own boxes, including when you book labor-only packing help directly or through HireAHelper. What supplies they bring depends on the type of packing service you choose. With... Read More

Choosing between a moving broker and a carrier comes down to how much control you want over your move. A carrier is usually the better choice if you want to work directly with the company handling your belongings.... Read More

The best way to load a moving truck is to load the heaviest items first and save light or fragile items for last. That order gives your belongings a stronger base, helps prevent shifting in transit, and makes the... Read More

Yes, professional movers can move a swing set. Most will need it taken apart first, and there might be extra charges for things like size, weight, or putting it back together. If you have a solid wooden playset,... Read More

The bathroom can be tricky to pack. It’s one of the last rooms you get to because you use it regularly, and it’s filled with items that can break or spill, but there are techniques to make this area easier to move.... Read More

Hiring movers is worth it when the cost (usually about $80 to $240 per hour depending on crew size and service type) saves you from heavy lifting, injury risk, tight timelines, or damage to your belongings. What... Read More

The easiest way to decide what makes the move to your new home and what stays behind is to follow this rule: If it costs more to move an item than it does to replace it, sell or donate it. For all other items, you... Read More

Moving after retirement can be a chance to start fresh, save money, and spend more time with the people you love. But it isn’t the right choice for everyone, so just like any other move, it’s worth making a plan... Read More

Looking over a moving estimate can feel overwhelming and confusing, especially when you're worried about surprise fees or extra weight that could increase your budget. To read a moving estimate, confirm the type of... Read More

Peak moving season usually runs from May through August, with June standing out as the busiest month of the year for moves. It’s when movers, rental trucks, and moving containers are in the highest demand, which... Read More

Moving an elderly parent can mean sorting through years of belongings while also handling paperwork, changes in healthcare, transportation, and the details of the new home. It can also bring up roadblocks that do... Read More

Yes, most movers will move home gym equipment, including weights, exercise bikes, treadmills, benches, and squat racks. However, large commercial machines or equipment with complex wiring or cabling may require a... Read More

Towing your own car behind a moving truck helps you avoid the cost of a professional auto transport company and saves you from putting extra miles on your personal vehicle. For most DIY movers towing a typical... Read More

Moving containers are a flexible alternative to rental trucks and full-service movers, giving you more control over your timeline and budget. Among the most popular options are U-Pack, known for its ReloCubes and... Read More

The type of mover to hire can make or break your moving experience. Choose wrong, and you might blow your budget on services you didn't need, or end up doing way more heavy lifting than you planned for. The best... Read More

When you place your belongings in a storage unit, you expect them to be safe until you need them again. But, sometimes accidents happen. Fires, theft, or even severe weather can damage what you have in a storage... Read More

The cheapest moving truck company for local moves under 50 miles is U-Haul, while Budget or Penske might be your best bet for any cross-country moves over 400 miles.

When it comes to moving, there are a lot of... Read More

Austin keeps drawing people in with its mix of job opportunities, culture, and sunshine, making it one of the fastest-growing places in the country. In fact, the 2025 Texas Migration Report shows that about 186,000... Read More

With its picturesque mountain views, abundance of sunny days, and a plethora of weekend activities, it’s no wonder that Denver is a magnet for new residents. In fact, the 2025 Colorado Migration Report reveals that... Read More

Penske is a national leader in truck rentals, known for high-quality, newer trucks and offering unlimited miles on one-way trips. In 2026, a Penske truck typically costs between $1,200 and $1,700 for a two-bedroom,... Read More

In general, our research shows PODS is the best container solution for most households, but both PODS and PackRat are legitimate, popular options for portable storage. Both companies will deliver a... Read More

Moving takes time, money, and plenty of decisions, starting with how you’ll actually get your things from one home to the next. Should you hire a traditional moving company, try something else like a PODS... Read More

A lot of people in Texas relocate to other cities within the state, and the move from Houston to Austin is a popular one. Some make the jump for work or school, others want more time outside and a smaller-city feel.... Read More

A lot of people make the jump from Greensboro to Charlotte for work, school, or a new pace of life. In fact, Charlotte attracted 163,096 movers in the past year, making it the top destination in North Carolina for... Read More

A lot of people are relocating from city to city in Texas, and the move from Dallas to Austin is a popular one these days. Some go for new jobs or school, others just want a slower pace and a little more green... Read More

Between trucks, containers, and everything in between, sorting through moving options can feel overwhelming. It’s tough to know what’s worth your time and money. Both moving trucks and moving containers like PODS... Read More

Your move is almost here, and you’ve got the keys to a rental truck. But as you picture yourself behind the wheel, it’s natural to wonder: what happens if something goes wrong on the road? A small scrape, a flat... Read More

People often rank moving as one of life's most stressful events, and staring at a heavy couch you need to transport definitely adds to the headache. To make sure your furniture gets to its destination in one piece,... Read More

You bought a safe to protect your most valuable possessions. But now that it is time to move, that steel box becomes less of an asset and more like a tricky problem to solve. Moving a safe is not like moving a... Read More

It's tough to finish a move and discover that something you own is broken, especially after hiring professionals to keep your things safe. If this happens, you need to send a written claim listing each damaged or... Read More

If you have ever tried to guess how many boxes it takes to pack up your entire home, you are not alone. Most people discover they need far more than they expected, usually somewhere in the range of 60 to 100 boxes,... Read More

The best moving marketplaces for 2026 are HireAHelper, MovingPlace, and Unpackt. These types of platforms are designed to avoid the tedious way of booking movers, where you have to personally sift through hundreds... Read More

When it comes to convenience, U-Haul is usually the better option, while Budget is often the better pick for long-distance moves. U-Haul has more locations and truck sizes than anyone else, and they are perfect for... Read More

Being spoiled for choice when it comes to moving containers is generally a good thing, but it does mean it is harder to find the best deal at a glance. That is why HireAHelper analyzed over 10,000 completed moves... Read More

The best way to find storage deals online is to compare prices across aggregator sites, check facility websites for promo codes, and time your search for the winter months. Monthly storage unit costs add up fast,... Read More

Which vehicle you should choose for your move comes down to capacity, overall cost, and drivability. A cargo van is the better choice for studio and one-bedroom apartment moves, while a moving truck (box truck) is... Read More

Yes, loading helpers, including those on HireAHelper, bring basic moving equipment, including dollies, hand tools, and item protection for loading. That makes move day much smoother because your crew can get right... Read More

Moving into a new place already comes with a ton of tasks to keep track of, so you might not think to do a close inspection of your new home. However, undocumented pre-existing damage is the number one cause of... Read More

A binding moving estimate guarantees a set price based on the list of items you plan to move, while a non-binding estimate is an educated guess based on weight that can change on delivery day. If you choose a... Read More

Shipping a motorcycle in 2026 typically costs between $300 and $1,200, with an average of $500 to $800 for most cross-country moves. Knowing these figures is a good first step when figuring out your moving budget... Read More

You can usually pack some personal items in your car when shipping it, but most carriers have strict rules about weight and where you can put your belongings. This is to keep everything safe and legal. While it... Read More

Moving to a new place offers a wide range of personal growth, professional, financial, and mental well-being benefits, often acting as a powerful catalyst for positive life changes. Deciding to relocate is a major... Read More

If you are dealing with a bad landlord at any stage of moving or living situation, start by documenting everything, communicating in writing, and making sure you understand your legal rights as a tenant. This... Read More

Moving brings plenty of challenges, and organizing a relocation with a baby on the way adds a whole new layer of exhaustion. To move safely while pregnant, you need to focus on your health, delegate physical tasks... Read More

Waking up on moving day can be anxiety-inducing because of everything you have to keep track of and do in just 24 hours, but having a well-laid-out plan keeps things on track. To have a smooth moving day, you'll... Read More

Climate-controlled storage means your storage unit is inside a building and maintains a consistent temperature, typically between 55 and 85°F, while actively regulating humidity.

A climate-controlled storage unit... Read More

You should plan to book your movers roughly 4 to 8 weeks before your move date. Planning your move as early as possible can give you the best available date options and the least stress in the long run. This is... Read More

Moving a trampoline is often cited as one of the most physically demanding parts of a backyard relocation because of its awkward size and heavy steel frame. To move one, you can either move it a short distance with... Read More

If you’ve ever moved out of a home or apartment, you probably know how stressful cleaning can be when you’re already surrounded by boxes and deadlines. It’s no surprise that move-out cleanings are one of the most... Read More

Moving an entire home is a major feat, even for the savviest of planners. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, which is why the best moving checklist is a timeline-based one that breaks your move into manageable steps... Read More

Preparing to move starts with planning: outlining your moving needs, setting a budget, and clearing out clutter before you pack a single box. Moving can be emotionally and logistically heavy, and while it’s normal... Read More

A move-out cleaning checklist is important for getting your security deposit back, preparing the space for the next tenant, and helping you keep track of often-forgotten cleaning tasks like scrubbing baseboards,... Read More

When you're putting your stuff in storage, your primary concern might be getting everything to fit inside. But you should also pay attention to another important part of your unit: security. Storage units get... Read More

You can successfully donate a clean mattress to local furniture banks, Habitat for Humanity ReStores, or the Salvation Army. Donating an old bed is harder than donating clothes because organizations must navigate... Read More

Getting ready for your first year is thrilling, but it is so easy to bring way too much stuff. To pack for college efficiently, double-check your dorm’s rules, coordinate with your roommate, and follow a... Read More

When sending a child off to college, you want to make sure they have everything they need without spending a fortune. That is especially true when you are moving one across the country, where you will have to... Read More

Moving to a new place comes with plenty of tasks to take care of, and one item on your to-do list is probably downsizing your furniture. If you have a couch that won't fit through your new apartment door or a... Read More

Hot tubs are some of the hardest things to move during a home relocation, right up there with pianos and giant safes. It is big, it is heavy, and it’s never sitting in a spot that makes the move easy. Most people... Read More

Nobody wants to deal with getting rid of an old washer and dryer. They're ridiculously heavy, they hog space in your house, and disconnecting them can be a little nerve-wracking if you've never done it before.... Read More

We have all seen that scene in Friends. Ross is screaming "Pivot!" while his new sofa is hopelessly wedged in a stairwell. It is funny on TV, but when you’re the one sweating in a hallway with a heavy piece of... Read More

College move-in day is unique compared to other kinds of moves. You have hundreds of students trying to cram into the same elevators at the same time, families carrying mini-fridges up three flights of stairs, and... Read More

In 2026, the average cost of utilities per month in the United States is about $564, or roughly $6,768 per year. That covers everyday essentials like power, gas, water, trash, and internet.

Utility prices can also... Read More

The average apartment size in the United States is 1,052 square feet. And space is a big deal for Americans, especially when it comes to rentals, where every square foot counts. Apartment size shapes how people... Read More

The correct way to use bubble wrap for moving is to wrap your items with the bubbles facing inward. This simple trick ensures those little air pockets press right up against your fragile belongings to cushion them... Read More

Moving is expensive enough without the surprise extras that show up later. You plan for the truck or the movers, then realize you still need to buy more boxes, replace the tape you already ran out of, or hire... Read More

Every year, millions of people rent moving trucks to handle their moves. U-Haul alone reports more than 2.5 million one-way rentals annually. With so many families depending on these vehicles, the way a truck gets... Read More

Yes, professional movers can pack your entire home for you, but this is usually an optional add-on service rather than a standard inclusion in a basic moving quote.

It is important to realize that terms like... Read More