Nov 4, 2025
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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How to Do a Trial Run in a New City Before Committing to a Move
Where to MoveLoving 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

Do AAA Members Get Discounts on Moving Trucks?
Moving TrucksYes, 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

How to Move Solar Panels to a New House
Green MovingMoving solar panels to a new house is possible, but taking them off one roof and installing them on another is a complicated and expensive project. In most cases, you will need a solar installer to remove the... Read More

Types of Storage Units and When You Need Them
Storage UnitsChoosing 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

How to Unpack After Moving Like the Pros
Loading & UnloadingUnpacking 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

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

How To Move Heavy Furniture Down Stairs Safely
Loading & UnloadingFiguring 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

How Long Does Professional Packing Take?
PackingProfessional 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

Do Packers Bring Their Own Boxes and Supplies?
PackingPackers 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

Moving Brokers vs Carriers
Booking MoversChoosing 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

What Order Should You Load a Moving Truck?
Loading & UnloadingThe 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

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

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

How to Create a Moving Inventory List and Why It Matters
Move PlanningMoving 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

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

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

Will Movers Move a Swing Set
Loading & UnloadingYes, 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

How To Pack Bathroom Items for Moving
PackingThe 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

Is Hiring Movers Worth It?
Booking MoversHiring 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

How Much Should You Pay Someone To Help You Move?
Costs & SavingTo pay someone to help you move, expect to spend $40 to $75 per hour for a labor-only mover or $100 to $150 per hour for a full-service team of two. Knowing these numbers upfront matters because labor takes up the... Read More
