Melanie Morris

Melanie Morris

Editor190 articles
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Melanie Morris is an editor, writer, and one of the sharpest moving experts at HireAHelper. Seven years spent answering readers' toughest questions and demystifying a process most people dread has made her an authority on what movers actually need to know — and how to explain it without the jargon. Her own relocations around the Southwest and up and down the West Coast give her the firsthand experience to back it up. Whether you're crossing the country or just moving down the block, Melanie makes sure the advice you get is accurate, trustworthy, and easy to act on.

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two movers in blue coveralls unload boxes from a truck

How To Choose a Good Moving Company

Booking Movers

Choosing a moving company can feel confusing and opaque when you’re trying to avoid hidden fees, damaged items, or a no-show on moving day, but every mover claims they’re reliable. The safest place to start is with... Read More

Uhaul trucks of different sizes are parked in a row in a lot

Best U-Haul Alternatives in 2026: Competitor Prices, Reviews and More

Moving Trucks

The best U-Haul alternative depends on what kind of move you’re doing. For a long-distance move, Penske is a great first place to check because the trucks are known for being comfortable on longer drives, and most... Read More

Health insurance paperwork during an interstate move

How to Get Health Insurance When Moving to Another State

Move Planning

Many people don't realize that they may need new health insurance when moving to another state, and this crucial task is easy to overlook when you're juggling packing, housing, and managing movers. Whether you need... Read More

The AAA logo set on the side of a AAA-affiliated building

Do AAA Members Get Discounts on Moving Trucks?

Moving Trucks

Yes, AAA members can get discounts on moving truck rentals — often as high as 12% — when booking through select partner brands such as Penske or Budget. These deals are designed to give members added value through... Read More

A homeowner unpacking moving boxes in a new living room with furniture being arranged on moving-in day

How to Unpack After Moving Like the Pros

Loading & Unloading

Unpacking can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Without a strategy, it's easy to lose motivation or end up living among half-emptied boxes and chaos for months. The best way to unpack after moving is... Read More

moving in with partner

The No-Stress Moving In Together Checklist (Including the Money Stuff)

Move Planning

Moving in together is exciting, but it works best when you talk through the practical stuff before the boxes come out. Before you sign a lease or merge households, you’ll need to discuss money, chores, boundaries,... Read More

movers

Are You Supposed to Help Movers? What to Do While Movers Are Moving Your Stuff

Moving Day Tips

No, you're not supposed to help movers lift boxes or carry furniture. Stepping in uninvited can create real liability issues for you and the crew you hired, in addition to slowing things down.

Even though you're not... Read More

A young couple holding cardboard moving boxes in an empty room with hardwood floors, ready for an out-of-state move

How to Start Over in Another State: A 2026 Relocation Checklist

Long Distance

Figuring out how to start over in another state can feel overwhelming — just ask the 3 million Americans who moved states in 2025. But moving to a new state is more manageable if you prepare financially, give... Read More

Movers carrying cardboard boxes from a house to a moving van

Does It Take Longer to Load or Unload a Moving Truck?

Loading & Unloading

In general, loading takes about 1.5 – 2 times longer than unloading, or about 60% to 75% of the total hours. This is because when loading, you need to take the time to distribute weight carefully, secure items, and... Read More

Woman keeping boots in a cardboard box at home

How to Pack Shoes for Moving: A Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

Packing

You might think shoes are easier to pack than glassware or your TV, but if you just throw them into a large bag without following the proper steps, you might end up with scuffed leather, bent heels, or a moldy pair... Read More

Two children exploring a forested hiking trail with backpacks on a sunny day

Best Places to Live for Outdoor Families: 12 U.S. Cities Worth the Move

Kids & Pets

The best places to live for outdoor families include Boulder, CO; Bend, OR; Boise, ID; Salt Lake City, UT; Asheville, NC; and Burlington, VT. These spots have stable economies, strong public school systems, and... Read More

Patio furniture cleaned and wrapped for moving

How To Pack Patio Furniture for Moving

Packing

Patio furniture tends to be heavy, collect dirt from outside, and have irregular shapes that don’t fit well in standard boxes. But packing them for a move isn’t impossible with the right process. If you clean each... Read More

PODS moving and storage container placed in front of a home

UPack vs. PODS: Which Container Should You Rent?

Container Moves

Moving containers have become a popular alternative to rental trucks and full-service movers. They offer flexibility, storage options, and a way to move without having to drive a big vehicle. But which container... Read More

Damaged car and rental truck after a road accident.

What To Do After An Accident In Your Moving Rental Truck

Moving Trucks

Moving is stressful enough without the added pressure of a moving truck accident. If you do wreck a rental truck, you should focus on getting everyone safe, seeing if anyone needs medical attention, filing a police... Read More

Grand piano in a modern living room ready to be moved by professional piano movers

Will Moving Companies Move Ultra-Heavy Items Like Pianos or Safes?

Booking Movers

Planning a move is a big job, and it can feel even more overwhelming when you remember that family piano that’s been in your living room for decades. While most moving companies handle standard furniture, ultra-heav... Read More

U-Haul truck parked

U-Haul vs. Hiring Movers: Do You Need Both?

Moving Trucks

For most people, planning a move means deciding between renting a U-Haul and hiring full-service movers. The choice typically comes down to time vs. money. While renting a U-Haul and DIYing your move is a lot of... Read More

a woman sits on the floor with a laptop and coffee mug. She is surrounded by moving boxes and look contemplative

What Is a Certificate of Insurance (COI) for Moving?

Booking Movers

A certificate of insurance, or COI for moving, is a formal document that proves a moving company has insurance coverage. In short, it’s a written promise that the movers — not you or your building — are responsible... Read More

Image of a family moving with kids

The Ultimate Guide to Moving With Kids: Insights From Experts

Kids & Pets

Moving is a very physical experience — you're literally relocating all your worldly goods from the place you currently call home to a new living space. But it's also an emotional experience, especially for kids.... Read More

The Senior Citizens Guide to Moving

The Senior Citizen’s Guide to Moving

Senior Moving

For anyone, moving is a stressful, exhausting experience, but it’s especially tough for seniors. The challenge comes from a unique combination of emotional ties and physical demands.

Many seniors have lived in their... Read More