Move Planning

A good move starts with a good plan. Browse our guides on timelines, checklists, costs, and logistics — everything you need to map out your move before you book your help.

Recent Articles

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

Setting up internet and cable service after a move

How to Transfer Your Internet and Cable Service When You Move: Step-by-Step Guide

Move Planning

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

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

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

Mother and daughter organizing clothes into boxes in a bedroom

What To Store vs. What To Sell Before a Move

Move Planning

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

Movers loading a truck during peak moving season

When Is Peak Moving Season? (And How to Move Cheaper During It)

Move Planning

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

break up checklist

The Official Break-Up Moving Checklist

Move Planning

On their own, breaking up and moving are both ranked on the list of life’s top stressors. Together, especially without proper planning, they add up to a special kind of terrible.

While it will likely take more time... Read More

Older couple sorting framed photos and keepsakes while packing boxes during a downsizing move

How to Downsize Your Home: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide for Moving

Move Planning

If you’ve been wondering how to downsize your home, you’re not alone. With the average home equity around $250,000 for those aged 65 or older, it makes sense that retirees would want to tap into that value and... Read More

Smiling woman using her phone to explore moving apps for a relocation

The Best Moving Apps for Your Next Move

Move Planning

When moving, you used to have to rely on paper lists, endless sticky notes, and frantic phone calls. Thankfully, technology moves fast, and now moving apps can help you create a moving checklist, hire movers, track... Read More

new city guide

Factors to Consider When Moving to a New City

Move Planning

No matter if you’re moving to a new city by choice or by necessity, the process comes with big emotions, physical labor, and endless tasks.

That’s why it's important to think through logistics such as hiring... Read More

A couple carrying moving boxes walks happily into their new home

First Time Homeowners' Survival Guide: Do’s and Don’ts for Your Move

Move Planning

We get it—going from renting to owning a home is a major change. While your property manager was once responsible for general upkeep and maintenance (like fixing broken pipes or ensuring your appliances remained in... Read More

A family of three packs items in a kitchen, using cardboard boxes and bubble wrap.

A Guide to Managing Frequent Moves: Tips for Families on the Move

Move Planning

Moving just once is stressful enough, but if you add "frequent" into the mix, it can feel like you're pulling up roots when you've just gotten settled. For many families, though, moving is part of life. Whether... Read More

A person in work clothes holds a tablet while inspecting a room during a move-in walkthrough

How To Do A Move-In Walkthrough And Document Everything

Move Planning

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 stressed man surrounded by moving boxes talking on the phone

What To Do About a Bad Landlord

Move Planning

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

A person reviewing moving finances with bills and a calculator at a new home

What Are Move-In Fees vs. Security Deposits?

Move Planning

A move-in fee is a one-time cost that won't be returned to you, while a security deposit will be returned to you at the end of your lease. They aren't the same, and confusing them can cost you.

Knowing the... Read More

several types of furniture sit against a wall

Where to Throw Furniture Away: 7 Easy Disposal Options

Move Planning

When you're moving or downsizing, not all of your furniture will come with you to your new home, and it's not always easy to figure out how and where to throw furniture away. Many cities provide free or paid... Read More

image of a checklist

Moving Checklist: A Step-by-Step Timeline for a Smooth Move

Move Planning

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

Cardboard moving boxes packed and ready in the bedroom of a new home

Preparing to Move: What You Need to Know Before You Start Packing

Move Planning

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 couple sits on the steps of a house surrounded by moving boxes, looking into the distance and imagining changes and renovations to their home

Moving Soon? Experts Share the First DIY Upgrades to Tackle Before You Settle In

Move Planning

Moving into your newly purchased house is an occasion worth celebrating, and it's likely you've already identified ways to transform it into your own. The period immediately after closing, but before moving in, is... Read More

A homeowner using clever packing and unpacking life hacks like color-coded labels and reusable bins in a kitchen

Movehacks: How to Unpack and Organize Before, During and After You Open a Box

Move Planning

You've circled your moving date on the calendar, and now it's time to pack. But wrangling everything from your toaster to your toothbrush can be daunting. How do you pack up your home while making the most of every... Read More