Pre-Move Planning

Get ready for a hassle-free move with expert advice on planning and preparing for the journey ahead.

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All Pre-Move Planning

  • Packing recycling old electronics before moving - United Van Lines

    The “Four W’s” of Recycling Electronics

    Check out our “Four W’s” for recycling your electronics.

  • a woman putting books in a box for donation - downsizing for a move - United Van Lines

    Downsizing for a Move

    Whether moving to a smaller home or a retirement community, you may have to part with some of your belongings. Learn how to downsize with United Van Lines.

  • Clothes folded in dividers - Microdecluttering - United Van Lines

    Micro-Decluttering: Your Secret to Stress-Free Moving

    Pre-move decluttering doesn’t have to cause overwhelm. Check out these tried-and-true tips for taking small steps for a big impact.

  • Houses by a beach - Waterfront living - United Van Lines

    Pros and Cons of Living on the Water

    Is living on the water a dream of yours? Check out some of the pros and cons.

  • Professional United mover and packer - Full service movers or diy moving - United Van Lines

    Hiring Movers vs. Moving Yourself: Which is Best?

    Moving can be stressful and expensive, and you may be asking: Should I hire movers or do it myself? Explore the pros and cons of each with America’s #1 Mover®.

  • United mover with a couple - Best full service mover - United Van Lines

    Top Tips for Finding the Best Full-Service Moving Companies

    Selecting the right mover is key. Find out how to choose the best full-service moving company with expert advice from America’s #1 Mover®.

  • moving boxes in a living room - How to prevent damage during a move _ United Van Lines

    Seven Tips to Prevent Damage When Moving

    Check out seven tips and tricks for prepping, packing and moving your items safely.

  • A man happily packing - Save time during a move - United Van Lines

    Tips for Saving Time During a Move

    Whether your move is DIY or with a professional like United, here’s how to save time and headaches.

  • United Van Lines movers greet customers at their home - How to hire a mover - United Van Lines

    Hiring a Moving Company: A How-to Guide

    How do you find a reputable, dependable moving company? Check out our tips.

  • A couple researching in the kitchen - Moving to a new city - United Van Lines

    Five Important Things to Research Before Moving

    Moving cross-country to a brand-new city? Here are five things you’ll need to learn more about.

  • What to Take When You’re Moving and What to Leave Behind 

    How do you decide what goes on the van and what stays behind? Check out our tips.

  • A person packing books - Donate or toss for cross country move - United Van Lines

    Deciding What to Toss, Donate or Keep When Moving Cross-Country

    What goes with you, what stays behind? Check out our tips for what to take with you when you move.

  • Buying a home with a pool - United Van Lines

    The Ups and Downs of Buying a Home With a Pool

    Considering a home with a built-in pool? Before you take the plunge, read this.

  • Mom and daughter video calling with grand parent - Tell loved ones about moving - United Van Lines

    How to Tell Loved Ones You’re Moving

    Decided to move? Here are some tips for breaking the news to grandma, your kids, your BFFs and other loved ones.

  • Front exterior of a house - Knowing a home's history - United Van Lines

    Why Knowing a Home’s History Matters

    Knowing your new home’s backstory can save you from surprises down the road.

  • A woman pushing the moving box - Manage an emergency move - United Van Lines

    Managing an Emergency or Crisis Move

    Navigating the challenges of an emergency move? Here are some stress-saving tips for setting up priorities and getting though a tough situation.

  • Home inspection - United Van Lines

    Potential Issues to Watch for When House Hunting

    Buying a home is exciting — and sometimes scary. Here are some things to watch for when house-hunting before your move.

  • woman cuddling with a dog

    Tips for Moving with a Dog

    Worried your clever canine will stress out during your move? Here are some tips to smooth their transition.

  • van parking at a national park

    Nomadic Living: Saying Goodbye to the Typical Home

    Always dream of a life on the road? Whatever your stage in life — and for however short-term or long — we can help you make the move.

  • Are You Brave Enough for a Unique Home?

    Considering going against the grain? Moving to an atypical home has its pluses and challenges.

  • suburban homes

    What You Should Know About Having an HOA 

    Living in an HOA-governed community has definite benefits—and drawbacks. Check out a few facts to help you decide whether an HOA is a good fit.

  • Packing for donations

    Charities That Offer Free Donation Pickup 

    Do you have items to donate, but can’t drop them off? Check out our list of charities that will pick up donations from your home.

  • Friends chatting on the couch

    Move Delayed? Tips for Living With a Friend or Relative Short-Term

    Living with friends or relatives until move day? Here’s how to get through the in-between phase.

  • Partners discuss moving plan

    How to Get Your Partner to Agree on Where to Move

    Two people, two POVs, one location. Check out our tips for reaching a consensus.

  • bedroom

    Create Spaces for Kids After They Move Out

    Your kids are grown; the house is sold. Should you still provide room for them in your new space? Check out some timely tips.

  • man working in his home office

    Retreat or Retrench? What If Your Move Was a Bad Idea?

    Just moved, but not loving where you’re living? Check out our tips for turning the situation in your favor.

  • a couple with moving boxes

    Considerations When Moving to a Different Climate

    Moving to a different climate? See our tips for weathering the transition.

  • Couple working on the couch

    Advice for When You’re Merging Two Households

    Thinking about merging two households into one?

  • NYC Midtown

    11 Things to Know Before Moving to New York City

    Will New York City be the new home you want to live in? Check out these latest insights from the job market and cost of living to things to do in the Big Apple.

  • Couple Moving In

    Tips for Moving in With Your Partner 

    Does moving in with your partner seem a bit intimidating? Check out our tips for making a smooth transition.

  • Moving Canoes

    Moving Bulky, Hard-to-Handle Outdoor Gear

    Moving bulky outdoor gear? Leave it to us so you can adventure enroute to your new home, hassle-free.

  • family on the road through the mountains

    Take a Vacation From Your Move

    The drive to your new place doesn’t have to be a slog. Use our new National Parks guides — and stuff you’re transporting anyway — to turn it into an adventure.

  • Move coordinator on the phone

    Your Move Coordinator: Role and Responsibilities

    What’s a typical day like for one of our move coordinators? Jennifer gives us a first-person look at a day in her life.

  • Friends pack boxes

    Tips for Throwing a House-Cooling Party

    A house-cooling is a party with a purpose. Check out six tips for moving on — and out — with style.

  • 2 women carrying boxes

    Most Common Mistakes People Make During Cross-Country Moves

    Moving long-distance? Avoid these common mistakes and make your move as smooth as possible.

  • manage moving stress

    Manage Moving Stress

    Check out the tips and tricks from our professional movers for helping you dial down the moving stress.  

  • Set up utilities for a move

    Setting Up Your Utilities: What You Need to Know

    Aside from purchasing your home, setting up your utilities is among the most important tasks involved in your move.  But how do you know what your options are and that

  • move in snow

    8 Tips for Moving in Snowy Winter Weather

    Moving on a snowy winter’s day doesn’t have to set things adrift. Check out our tips for moving in winter weather.

  • help parents move

    The Complete Checklist for Moving Elderly Parents

    Moving elderly parents or loved ones into a new home can be complex. Learn all the tips and tricks for a successful move with United Van Lines.

  • Tips for Upping Your Home’s Curb Appeal 

    You never get a second chance to make a first impression, especially when it comes to your home’s curb appeal.

  • how a move works

    How a Long-distance Move Works

    Let’s go beyond pick-up and delivery for a glimpse into the careful planning behind every United Van Lines move.

  • truck moving out of state

    How Much Does It Cost to Move Out of State?

    A long-distance move has the potential to be more stressful given it requires more strategic planning, effort and paperwork than a local move.

  • 10 Questions to Ask Moving Companies

    Know what to ask your movers — and how to book the right one — with this handy guide.

  • two movers transporting boxes from a home -- United Van Lines®

    How Much Do Movers Cost?

    It’s true that hiring movers is generally more expensive than taking a DIY approach. However, there are perks for those who go that route.

  • a girl cleaning window - Before Your Things Arrive- United Van Lines

    When You Get There Before Your Belongings

    Are you getting to your new home before your belongings arrive? Here’s what to do.

  • Pack Your Car for Your Long-Distance Move

    Does your long-distance move involve a road trip? Know what you need to keep with you when you hit the road.

  • Couple looking at a photo album - Unpacking after moving - United Van Lines

    How to Manage Moving Stress

    Get the tips to help get you through the moving stress and prepare you for the next chapter in your life. 

  • What to Do When You Can’t Book Your Preferred Move Date

    Can’t get the moving date you want? Discover some options when you know a full-service move is what you want. 

  • two movers transporting boxes from a home -- United Van Lines®

    How Early in Advance Should I Hire Movers?

    Is a move in the work? The experts at America’s #1 Mover®, United Van Lines shared their tips about best time to book a move.

  • How to Pack Lampshades for Moving - Horizontal composition showing a detail of a minimalist sofa with living room setup around it. There is a table with decorative pieces, pillows, a carpet, a lampa and a curtain. Design is modern and minimalist. Gray wall behind makes it feel intimate. 3D render- United Van Lines

    10 Essential Home Staging Tips

    Staging a home is an important step that takes place early in the moving process.

Recent State Guides

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  • A couple taking a walk - Best places to retire - United Van Lines

    Best Places to Retire in the U.S. 

    Check out our tips for finding the retirement destination that fits you best.

  • View of Bellingham, WA

    Your Ultimate Guide to Moving to Washington

    Wondering if Washington is for you? Whether you’re moving for a job opportunity or for family, this guide has all insights you need before moving to the Evergreen State.

  • Devils Tower National Monument Wyoming

    What You Need to Know Before Moving to Wyoming

    Is moving to Wyoming right for you? Check out Wyoming’s complete moving guide with the latest cost of living, job market info and more from our professional movers.

  • Badlands National Park - Moving to South Dakota - United Van Lines

    Moving to South Dakota – 2024 Relocation Guide

    Wondering if moving to South Dakota is for you, your next career chapter, your lifestyle or your family? Check out our complete guide for relocating to Mount Rushmore State.

Recent City Guides

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  • Aerial View of Jackson Square in New Orleans Louisiana

    Moving to New Orleans, LA: Your Complete Relocation Guide

    Thinking about moving to New Orleans, LA? Known for its culture, food and music, the city also offers quite an affordable cost of living and a diverse job market — making it a vibrant place to call home.

  • Shreveport Louisiana skyline over the Red River at dusk

    Pros and Cons of Moving to Shreveport, Louisiana

    Considering a move to Shreveport, Louisiana? This guide breaks down real benefits and drawbacks, including lifestyle, cost of living, job market and culture. Get the facts before making your move!

  • Aerial drone photo State Capitol Park Baton Rouge Louisiana

    Pros and Cons of Moving to Baton Rouge

    Find out if moving to Baton Rouge is for you. Discover the positives and negatives of living here, from the economy to culture, and decide for yourself.

  • Aerial shot of Lafayette, Louisiana

    Moving to Lafayette, LA: Complete Guide

    Thinking of moving to Lafayette, LA? Explore cost of living, jobs, schools, safety, culture and top things to do in this vibrant Southern city.

National Park Guides

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  • national park in winter

    Top National Parks to Visit This Winter

    Want to make the most of your cross-country winter move? How about stopping and stretching your legs at one of these stunning national parks?

  • national parks in fall

    Top National Parks to Visit This Fall

    As you embark on your cross-country move or start settling in your new home, keep your hiking boots and flannel shirt handy — it’s time for an adventure!  

  • Moving Canoes

    Moving Bulky, Hard-to-Handle Outdoor Gear

    Moving bulky outdoor gear? Leave it to us so you can adventure enroute to your new home, hassle-free.

  • family on the road through the mountains

    Take a Vacation From Your Move

    The drive to your new place doesn’t have to be a slog. Use our new National Parks guides — and stuff you’re transporting anyway — to turn it into an adventure.

Ready to Get Moving?

Choose United Van Lines — America’s #1 Mover®