Moving Advice & Tips

Moving is hard — finding trustworthy advice shouldn't be. For nearly two decades, HireAHelper has helped people complete over a million moves, and we've turned everything we've learned into the practical guides, checklists, and expert tips you'll find here. Whether you're moving across town or across the country, packing a single room or a whole house, our advice breaks every step down so you can move with less stress and more confidence.

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A car loaded on a car carrier trailer

Tow Dolly vs. Trailer: Which Should You Choose for Your Move?

Moving Trucks

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

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

U-Haul U-Box moving containers loaded on flatbed truck for transport

U-Box vs. PODS: Which Container Should You Rent?

Container Moves

Portable moving containers have become a go-to alternative to rental trucks and traditional movers. Instead of rushing through a move in a single day, you can instead load at your own pace and let the company... Read More

a woman calculates the cost of a move with a calculator, surrounded by packed boxes

What’s the Cheapest Way To Move? A Guide for Thrifty Moving

Costs & Saving

Moving is a common part of life, whether you're seeking new opportunities, upsizing, downsizing, or just looking for a change. With the rise of remote work, there's even more flexibility with where to live. Recent... Read More

broken moving claim

What To Do When Your Stuff Gets Lost or Damaged While Moving

Booking Movers

Nothing spikes moving-day stress like noticing something important is lost or damaged after the movers leave. The good news is that acting quickly can make all the difference. If movers damage or lose items, you... Read More

Several wine bottles of different types sit on a table and are packed into cardboard boxes for a move

What You Need To Know About Transporting Alcohol During a Move

Tips & Advice

It’s generally not illegal to bring alcohol across state lines when moving. However, the exact rules change depending on your destination and every state you drive through on the way to your new home. Most states... Read More

domestic abuse movers

These Moving Companies Move Domestic Abuse Victims for Free

Costs & Saving

If you’re trying to leave an abusive situation, moving safely and quickly can feel overwhelming—especially if money is tight. Some moving companies offer free or discounted services for survivors of domestic... Read More

An image of four U-box units set in a row on a curb

Upack vs. U-Box: Which Container Should You Rent?

Container Moves

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

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

Movers picking up and moving couch

Types of Moving Companies: Which Do You Need?

Booking Movers

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

snowbird move

The Ultimate Moving Guide for Snowbirds

Long Distance

You might love your northern home during the warmer months of the year, but when snow starts piling up, would you rather be somewhere else? Snowbirds refers to those people who tend to shy away from colder... 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

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

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