Kevin The Mover

Kevin The Mover

Mover50 articles
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Kevin Kato is a travel and home services writer with over 20 years of experience as a professional mover.

Having been both a professional mover and a crew leader, Kevin has seen it all in the world of moving: hectic moves, unique packing, bizarre accident claims, truck mishaps, or just run-of-the-mill moves as advertised; there is virtually no situation Kevin hasn't managed. Today, Kevin provides his insights as Kevin The Mover for professional movers and "movees" everywhere.

A U-Haul moving truck parked outside displaying the classic $19.95 rental sign

Paying for U-Hauls: How It Works and How to Save

Moving Trucks

Renting a U-Haul is usually straightforward, but the final cost depends on more than handing over your card and driving off with a truck. In short, U-Haul usually does not ask for a deposit if you pay with a major... Read More

two movers in blue shirts and baseball caps move a white couch down a set of stairs

How To Move Heavy Furniture Down Stairs Safely

Loading & Unloading

Figuring out how to navigate a steep flight of stairs with a heavy couch or dresser can quickly become the most stressful part of your move. To carry these items down stairs safely, you need to measure your... Read More

A person checking off items on a moving inventory clipboard next to a row of labeled cardboard boxes

How to Create a Moving Inventory List and Why It Matters

Move Planning

Moving day gets confusing fast when every box looks the same, and no one remembers where the coffee maker, chargers, or bedding is. A moving inventory list helps you track what you packed, where it is, and what... Read More

A red gasoline can sits on a lawn next to packed moving boxes – an example of what not to load

Things Not Allowed on a Moving Truck

Moving Trucks

There are several categories of things moving companies won't move, including hazardous, perishable, and valuable items. As packing for a move is already a big job, it helps to know what movers will not move before... Read More

an illustration of a train stopped beside police cars and a Welcome to Illinois sign. In the train cars there are various plants, fruits and vegetables, and a giraffe, cat, and dog. the train conductor is shrugging at the police officer pointing at the contents.

The Stuff That’s Illegal To Bring Into Illinois

Long Distance

Illinois is an interesting place. It's home to the nation’s third-largest city, yet almost 80% is farmland. Despite being nicknamed the Land of Lincoln, Abraham Lincoln was not born there.

Approximately 3.5% of U.S.... Read More

A moving truck approaches a California border inspection checkpoint on a sunny highway

The Stuff That’s Illegal To Bring Into California

Long Distance

Moving across state lines for a move means you’re subject to the rules governing your new home state. California, especially, has some restrictions you need to watch out for, including citrus fruits, plants in... Read More

an illustration depicting a line of cars driving through a winding mountain road. The front of the line is stopped at a scanner while a policewoman directs traffic through.

The Stuff That’s Illegal To Bring Into Colorado

Long Distance

Thinking about moving? You’re not alone. Our 2024-2025 Millennial Study shows that 7.7 million millennials moved in 2024, and Colorado had the highest migration rate of this age group relative to the total moving... Read More

new york

The Stuff That's Illegal To Bring Into New York

Long Distance

Moving to New York? There are several things you need to know before crossing state lines with certain items. Many items that are perfectly legal to own in New York are regulated with strict laws when they're... Read More

An illustration of a cowboy revolver facing off with an orange at the Texas state border

The Stuff That's Illegal to Bring Into Texas

Long Distance

One of the biggest differences between moving to a new state and just down the road is the regulations and bylaws you have to be aware of. If you're moving to Texas, you should know the state has strict rules for... Read More

A moving truck travels south on a highway approaching the Florida border under a bright sky

The Stuff That's Illegal To Bring Into Florida

Long Distance

You may have heard the jokes about how anything goes in Florida. Despite being portrayed as a lawless state by popular culture, Florida has some strict regulations, particularly when transporting items during a... Read More

weigh station truck

Rental Trucks and Weigh Stations: Do You Need to Pull Over?

Moving Trucks

If you’ve never driven a moving truck on a highway or freeway before, it’s normal to feel a bit nervous when you see those “All Trucks Must Stop” signs while driving your rental. The good news is that most people... Read More

A parent holding a young child amid moving boxes in a partially packed living room

The Comprehensive Guide to Moving With a Child

Kids & Pets

Moving for adults is a generally stressful and draining event, but relocating with your child comes with even more physical and emotional needs. While we adults can tell ourselves, “just deal with it,” and have... Read More

A person spreading rock salt onto an icy driveway after a winter storm

Should You Use Salt or Sand on an Icy Driveway?

Moving Day Tips

Although summer is the most popular moving season for several reasons, moving in the winter also comes with plenty of advantageslike scoring lower rates thanks to off-peak season pricing.

However, there's one... Read More

Family unloading moving boxes from a car during a winter move

Moving in Winter: The Complete Guide

Tips & Advice

Moving in winter has its quirks. Icy sidewalks, heavy snow, freezing-cold temperatures, and slick roads are all weather-related obstacles that can delay your move and increase the risk of injury.

But here's the... Read More

gas rental truck uhaul

Moving Truck Gas Mileage Guide: MPG & Fuel Costs

Moving Trucks

The average moving truck gets between 10 and 12 miles per gallon, while smaller cargo vans average around 18 miles per gallon. Gas is one of the biggest expenses on a long-distance move, but you can lower your fuel... Read More

A rental moving truck driving carefully on a snow-covered highway with winter conditions and reduced visibility

How to Survive Driving a Rental Truck in the Snow

Moving Trucks

Winter driving can be hazardous, and that risk rises if you're in a moving truck. However, you don't have to be afraid of moving in the snow if you plan ahead, load the truck properly, and familiarize yourself with... Read More

Cupped hands holding a colorful mix of AA, AAA, and button cell batteries

How to Pack Batteries Safely for a Move

Packing

Batteries require extra care when moving because if they’re simply tossed in a box with other items, they could easily cause a fire. If they touch coins, keys, or other metal, they can trigger a short circuit. If... Read More

Couple with back and neck pain after lifting boxes during a move

How To Properly Take Care of Your Back While You Pack

Packing

It’s pretty inescapable that moving is physically demanding. It can involve hours of repetitive lifting and carrying, and can easily result in lower back pain if you don’t take the proper precautions. In fact,... Read More

A parent helping an autistic child sort through familiar belongings in a packed-up bedroom during a move

How To Move With an Autistic Child

Kids & Pets

Moving with any child requires planning and patience, but when you move with an autistic child, the entire process requires a different set of rules. For starters, you'll need to keep structure and predictability... Read More

Two people using moving straps to safely lift a heavy dresser in a living room

A Pro's Guide to Moving Heavy Furniture Without Hurting Yourself

Loading & Unloading

If you've ever tried to figure out how to move furniture up stairs, you know that it can be a minefield of injuries and scratched walls. But you can maneuver those tight spaces and awkward corners without injuring... Read More

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