Clearwater, Florida Real Estate Guide 2022: Neighborhood by Neighborhood

Publish Date: March 31, 2022

Last Modified Date: April 18, 2022

Category: Buying & Selling a Home, Neighborhood Advice

Tags: Tags: clear water, clearwater, clearwater florida, clearwater neighborhoods, clearwater real estate, coachman lake estates, coachman ridge, countryside, dunedin, Florida, florida guide, greebriar, harbor oaks, island estates, mandalay, movers, movers in florida, moving to florida, moving to tampa, old clearwater bay, palm harbor, presidential neighborhood, safety harbor, sand key, seville, tampa

When my family and I moved to Clearwater, Florida as a teenager after having grown up in Los Angeles, I thought my life was over.

I vowed that as soon as I had the chance, I would move back to California. But more than 20 years later, welp, I’m still here. It turns out, Tampa Bay has become an impressive metropolitan center in its own right; it has an affordable housing market, reasonable cost of living, and white sugar sand beaches to boot. I mean, who wouldn’t want to live here?

With the current pandemic moving frenzy, many are eager to relocate to the Tampa area. If that includes you, this guide is probably just what you’re looking for. Here’s an overview of some of the best Clearwater neighborhoods to choose from and some tips on how to snag the perfect-for-you house in this ultra-hot market.

Where Exactly Is “Clearwater”?

Clearwater is a city in Florida located on the Gulf Coast of Central Florida, and it’s known as part of the Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater metropolitan area, which occupies a sprawling 2,554 square miles and contains a population of 3 million people and growing.

Should you move to Clearwater?

This area is growing for a reason. Each of the trio of cities (i.e., Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg, Clearwater) have their own distinct personality. With the #1-rated white-sand beaches in the country, the Clearwater area is best described as spring break heaven. Indeed, living in Clearwater is kind of like being on vacation all year long. (Plus there’s the added benefit of residing in a major metroplex without feeling lost or overwhelmed in urban sprawl.)

“…to New Yorkers, Californians and other folks hailing from states with much higher home price tags, Clearwater real estate is a really amazing deal.”

But it’s not just a tourist’s paradise! Tampa Bay is also a great place to live and do business. Tampa was just named the fifth-best city for real estate investors by PwC and the Urban Land Institute, and the number-four city in the U.S. for net inflow of residents in 2021 by Redfin. With $13 billion being invested in massive development projects in the area, especially along Tampa’s waterfront, the city is well-poised to become one of the South’s preeminent cities in the twenty-first century.

Get Help Unloading Your Rental Truck

See prices for movers by the hour—instantly.

Read real customer reviews.

Easily book your help online.

An Overview of the Clearwater, Florida Real Estate Market in 2022

According to Redfin, as of March 2022:

Clearwater home prices were up 43.4% over last year, with a median price of $344K
Homes in Clearwater stay on the market an average of 11 days, compared to 25 days the previous year
“Hot” Clearwater homes can go pending in about 4 days and sell for about 3% above list price

To learn more about the current Clearwater real estate market and get some expert insights on the best neighborhoods, I reached out to a longtime friend, Matt Sharp, who’s been a realtor in Clearwater for 18 years (crazy how time flies!). (He’s also a screenwriter with a feature film in the works.)

When I asked Matt about how the Clearwater real estate market is going, he confirmed that it’s about as crazy as I suspected after having seen my friends scramble desperately over the past couple of years to buy homes here. He remarked the only other time he’s seen the market this hot was during the 2006–2008 real estate boom.

To Floridians, today’s home values seem daunting. But, as Matt explains, to New Yorkers, Californians and other folks hailing from states with much higher home price tags, Clearwater real estate is a really amazing deal. Combine that with year-round sunshine, no state income tax, plentiful golf courses, and a thriving economy, it’s no wonder everyone is flocking to Tampa Bay. Plus, given the cultural influx of remote workers, many Californians and New Yorkers don’t even have to give up their higher-paying jobs to move here.

In fact, Matt says he’s seeing homes snatched up even faster than what Redfin is reporting: “You blink and they’re gone. If it’s priced appropriately and in decent shape, it will be off the market within 24 hours with the bidding price well above asking.” But don’t get discouraged. Matt says as long as you’re prepared to act fast, it really is possible to land yourself a home you love in Clearwater.

More Clearwater, Fl real estate facts

According to Realtor.com, the median listing home price is $330K and the median listing home price/sq ft is $244
Clearwater has a total area of 39.2 square miles, 25.6 of which is land and 13.7 percent of which comprises beautiful blue-green waters
As of the 2020 Census, the population is 117,292, the 17th largest city in Florida
As of the moment of publication, there are 928 homes for sale, ranging from $6,500 (those would be one of the area’s many mobile and manufactured homes) to $25.9M

Best Neighborhoods in Clearwater, Florida: 2022 Real Estate Guide

Here’s a neighborhood-by-neighborhood guide to the greater Clearwater area.

Clearwater Beach

Median home price: $725K (Realtor.com)

We may as well start with Clearwater’s crown jewel — world-famous Clearwater Beach. Across the Intracoastal Highway and accessible by the Clearwater Memorial Causeway, this barrier island boasts two-and-a-half miles of white silky-smooth beaches.

Clearwater Beach draws 5 million visitors a year. The beaches ranked as America’s number one beach in 2016, 2018, and 2019, and number six for World’s Top Beaches in 2019 by Tripadvisor. (Fun fact: Clearwater Beach is also the home of former pro wrestler and TV personality Hulk Hogan, whom I occasionally run into at the grocery store — nice guy.)

Over the years, Clearwater Beach has morphed from a laid-back beach town into a highly developed tourist destination offering a number of towering (read: sun-blocking) resorts, yacht clubs, family-friendly attractions, restaurants, and bars. “It’s mostly occupied by condos, the majority of which are purchased by snowbirds and out-of-towners,” Matt explained.

I feel that it’s only fair to warn you that causeway traffic is very real — especially during Spring Break. However, my Clearwater Beach friends assure me it’s well worth the trade-off for their waterfront views.

Mandalay

Price range: $850,000 to $5.5M

Located in the northern part of Clearwater Beach, Mandalay mostly features modest and mid-sized houses. Your choices range from historic 1930s-built, character-rich homes to brand new construction. The neighborhood is quiet and peaceful, and the beach is just a quick walk (or golf-cart drive) away.

Island Estates

Price range: High-$700,000s up to $7M

If you’re after waterfront property, Island Estates is your go-to neighborhood, with most of its homes lying along the Mandalay Channel or the Pope Channel. Featuring condominiums and mid-size to large single-family homes, the area attracts a mix of families and retirees. The area is also conveniently located next to the Island Estates Yacht Club, the upscale, waterfront Island Way Grill, and the world-renown Clearwater Marine Aquarium (most famous for being the erstwhile home of Winter the Dolphin, who sadly passed on late last year).

Moving far away?

Do it cheaper.

MovingPlace can save up to 40% compared to traditional interstate moving companies. Click here to learn how.

Sand Key

Price range: Mid-$500,000s to as high as $5.5M

Sand Key lies just south of Clearwater Beach over the Sand Key Bridge on the border between Clearwater Beach and upscale Belleair Beach. Sand Key could probably be nicknamed “Low Key” for its laid-back feel. Fewer resorts and condos populate this section of town, which means noticeably less traffic. Most of the homes are mid-size vacation homes, dating back as early as the 1970s. The community boasts access to outdoor amenities such as Sand Key Park, Sand Key Beach, and Abu Seba Beach.

Its residents are also fortunate to enjoy close proximity to the award-winning Columbia restaurant — a Mediterranean-style beauty once named one of the 100 Most Scenic Restaurants in America by OpenTable thanks to its breathtaking views of the Intracoastal Waterway.

Presidential Neighborhood

Price range: $400,000s to the mid-$700,000s

The Presidential Neighborhood — so-called for its streets named after American Presidents like Jefferson and Madison — offers quaint historic charm only minutes from Downtown Clearwater. If you’re looking for older but still well-maintained homes from the 1930s and 1940s with lots of character, this neighborhood is for you. It’s also as family-friendly as you can get; it’s not uncommon to see children playing outside in the streets, and Halloween is a big deal. It’s our go-to spot for trick-or-treating every year, anyway.

Harbor Oaks

Price range: $6.5M to $18M

Located just south of Downtown Clearwater and stretching along the Intracoastal Waterway, Harbor Oaks is an upscale neighborhood containing mid-size homes, larger homes, and luxury estates dating all the way back to 1915. With its historic character, Harbor Oaks reminds me of the Presidential Neighborhood, but the homes are more widely spaced out and larger (square footage averages 2,500, and garage apartment additions are common). Lush greenery, waterfront views, and quaint, covered Magnolia Drive Pier makes the neighborhood ultra-strollable.

Coachman Ridge

Price range: $550,000 to $650,000

Coachman Ridge is one of the most popular neighborhoods among my family-minded friends, and Matt agrees; it’s the place to be for families for its insulated, community-oriented feel. The neighborhood often hosts block parties and neighborhood-wide yard sales, and on an ordinary day, you can catch children playing in the wide streets. “Yard sizes are also decent here — not massive, but bigger than the ones you’ll find in brand new developments,” Matt added.

Keep in mind as well that as the subdivision was built in the 1980s, so many homes need updating. You’ll likely need to make sure you have some room in your budget for renovations if you pick a Coachman Ridge home.

Coachman Lake Estates

coachman lakes florida — thelegendsofrealestate.com

Price range: $850,000 to $900,000

Located just north of Coachman Ridge, Coachman Lake Estates is one of Clearwater’s “best-kept secrets,” according to Matt. It’s so well kept that I hadn’t even heard of it myself. Matt says it’s an ideal neighborhood if you’re looking for a very big house (2,700–4,500 square feet) and lots of land — lot sizes tend to measure an acre or more. The homes also offer distinctive character; no cookie-cutter neighborhood here.

Old Clearwater Bay

Price range: Mid-$200,000s to $2.5 million

Stretching along Old Clearwater Bay off Fort Harrison Road between Dunedin and Downtown Clearwater, this strip of land is narrow but densely packed with a mix of luxurious waterfront estates, vacation homes, and modestly sized bungalows dating back to the 1930s and 1940s. The older homes and pre-1960s mom-and-pop commercial properties lend the area some historic charm, but the up-and-coming area is definitely in the earlier stages of coming up. Because of the smaller house sizes (not counting the waterfront properties), residents tend to skew younger and are typically single.

Countryside

Price range: Mid-$400,000s to over $1M

Built largely during the massive 1980s Pinellas County population explosion, Countryside occupies the northern part of Clearwater. But it’s home to a number of neighborhoods and subdivisions of its own. This area contains a mix of condos, townhomes, and single-family homes. Many houses have their own unique character and can range from mid-size to larger, from around 2,200 square feet to 3,600 square feet.

Countryside attracts a lot of affluent families (Countryside High School is nicknamed “Country Club High School” and some of its students have been known to sport luxury vehicles). The private Countryside Country Club offers golf, swimming, and tennis. Countryside residents also enjoy close proximity to Countryside Mall, which boasts a movie theater, an ice skating rink, popular chain restaurants such as P.F. Changs and the Cheesecake Factory, and the only Whole Foods (!) in Pinellas County.

Get Help Loading Your Container

See prices for movers by the hour – instantly.

Read real customer reviews.

Easily book your help online.

Greenbriar

Price range: Mid-$200,000s to around $500,000

On a budget or just starting a family? Greenbriar is one of the more modestly priced neighborhoods on our list. First built in the 1960s, the neighborhood is made up of post-WWII tract homes as well as 55+ condos. With smaller homes — mostly 2-bed 2-bath and an occasional 3-bed 2-bath — Greenbriar is popular with younger families. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle, Greenbriar is a quiet, serene neighborhood, but it’s only a short drive to outdoor recreation, entertainment, and dining options including Countryside Mall, Caladesi Island State Park, and the On Top of the World Golf Course.

By the way, Greenbriar is a deed-restricted community with HOA fees, but residents have access to Greenbriar’s community center with a pool, game area, pool table, and fitness center.

Seville

Price range: Mid-$100,000s to the mid-$200,000s for condominiums

Rental prices: $1,500 to $3,000 per month

Not quite ready to buy a house, or need more time to look? The condominiums and apartment homes of Seville might be right for you. Centrally located within Clearwater and right off US-19, Seville offers easy access to the rest of Tampa Bay. The neighborhood is adjacent to Clearwater Mall, a sprawling outdoor shopping center that includes Costco, Super Target, Ross and others, plus a number of chain restaurants. But with Seville’s communities tucked away behind dense greenery and overlooking Tampa Bay, you’d never know you were so close to all that big-city commotion.

My favorite spot near Seville is Bayside Arbors, a waterfront luxury apartment community nestled among 40 acres of majestic oaks, where you can watch dolphins play in the bay from its Mediterranean-inspired community center.

Florida Neighborhoods Close to (But Not Technically) Clearwater

Pinellas County is home to 24 incorporated municipalities, many just a hop, skip, and jump away from Clearwater. Here are a few adjacent and nearby towns to explore during your Clearwater house hunt.

Dunedin

Medium home price: $425K (Realtor.com)

Located just north of Clearwater along the Gulf Coast, Dunedin offers beautiful views of St. Joseph Sound. It’s also home to Caladesi Island State Park, Honeymoon Island State Park, and Dunedin Causeway beach. Dunedin’s vibrant, artsy downtown boasts a variety of galleries, restaurants, and bars, and there always seems to be some festival or other going on down there. Dunedin’s wide array of properties include condos, small family homes, and historic waterfront estates.

Palm Harbor

Median home price: $359K (Realtor.com)

Palm Harbor lies just north of Dunedin, about 15 minutes from Clearwater proper. Its got a low crime rate and great schools — some of the highest rated in Pinellas County. “In Palm Harbor, you can enjoy somewhat of a small-town feel while still being able to easily access the rest of Pinellas County through US 19,” Matt said. Much of Palm Harbor was built in the 1980s, so cosmetic updates may be needed if you choose to buy a home here.

The median home price in Palm Harbor is just slightly above Clearwater, hovering at $359,000. But prices can vary from anywhere in the mid-$200,000s to the mid-$700,000s, with the occasional multimillion-dollar outlier.

Safety Harbor

Median home price: $485K (Realtor.com)

Lying just east of Clearwater along Tampa Bay, Safety Harbor draws a lot of Clearwater residents to its bustling downtown, which like Dunedin, offers quaint small-town vibes, and eclectic restaurants, bars, and shopping. Properties vary substantially from the modestly sized, older homes that were literally built by hand in the 1920s, to large suburban homes constructed during the massive Pinellas County population boom in the 1980s.

If you’re interested in moving to the Tampa Bay area, Clearwater is a not-so-hidden gem and an ideal spot to call home. And for everything it offers, it’s also a surprisingly affordable city (at least for the time being).

The word on Clearwater appears to be getting out, so I recommend you grab yourself a spot in the sun sooner rather than later. Good luck in your search!

The 5 Things To Clean To Get Your Security Deposit Back

Author: Lauren Thomas

Publish Date: March 14, 2022

Last Modified Date: July 11, 2023

Category: Apartment Life, Moving Advice

Tags: Tags: apartment, carpet, carpet cleaners, carpet cleaners near me, carpet cleaning, clogged drain, drains, dry wall, drywall, first apartment, hireahelper, how to fix dry wall, how to get my security deposit back, how to rent, landlord, landlord security deposit, last minute move, lease, movers, plumbers, porch, security deposit, security deposit back, terms of lease, trash, trash removal, uhaul

If you’re renting your home, condo, or apartment, you probably paid a security deposit when you signed the lease. The good news is this deposit is refundable when you move out… as long as you meet certain requirements.

Landlords use security deposits to protect their property and pay for repairs or cleaning if a tenant leaves damage or a mess behind. Here’s how to make sure you receive your deposit after moving out.

Security Deposit 101

Whenever you rent a place, there are some things everyone should know about security deposits before signing their lease.

What can prevent you from getting your security deposit back?

The most common reasons for not getting your deposit back include:

Moving out before the terms of your lease is up
Breaking the terms of your lease
Leaving significant damage behind

If your rental is judged to be extremely dirty, the landlord may also hold your deposit in order to pay for professional cleaning before a new tenant moves in.

Ultimately, use common sense when cleaning your rental before you move out. (Certain things like faded paint, sagging cabinets, and general wear and tear are usually considered normal for a rental, so don’t worry too much about those issues.) If you’re concerned, make sure you take a few pictures and note them on your move-out walkthrough checklist.

How do I increase the odds of getting my deposit back before I move In?

Before you move into your rental, ask for a walkthrough checklist. This list should consist of any pre-existing damage, as well as areas where the rental still needs to be cleaned. Take photos of anything that causes concern, so you have proof that it was there before you moved in. The more thorough your walkthrough list is now, the better the odds are that you’ll get your security deposit back later.

What fees or expenses are renters responsible for paying?

The fees or expenses you’re responsible for will vary depending on your landlord and the terms of your lease. For example, many landlords expect renters to pay for a professional carpet cleaning before they move out. If you’re unclear about which things you’re responsible for, ask your landlord for clarification to avoid surprises later.

What can and can’t I change in the apartment?

In most cases, you won’t be allowed to make significant changes to your apartment, such as knocking down a wall or replacing the appliances. Make sure you’re clear about what you cannot do versus the things you can. In many cases, landlords don’t mind if you paint the walls a different color, but they may not allow you to make structural changes or alter the interior of the rental in any way.

The 5 Must-Cleans: Floors, Surfaces, Trash, Fridge and Your Belongings

There are certain things that every tenant must clean (even if you’re moving last-minute) if you want to get your security deposit back.

Floors: Vacuum and sweep all floors to remove excess dirt and debris. If you wish, you can hire a professional carpet cleaner, which is recommended if you notice any significant stains or marks on the carpeting.
Wipe down all surfaces: Once you’ve packed, make sure you dust and wipe down all surfaces, including windowsills, door handles, bathroom vanities, and kitchen countertops.
Remove trash: Go through your rental and make sure that all trash is removed. This means leaving zero waste when you move, which includes bathrooms, bedrooms, living area, any backyard or patio and the kitchen.
Empty and clean out the fridge: Throw away leftover food in your refrigerator and wipe the inside clean. Do not unplug the fridge unless your landlord asks you to power it down. Make sure the inside of your microwave and oven is reasonably clean, too.
Don’t leave items behind: If you leave that old couch you don’t plan to take with you behind, your landlord will likely take money from your security deposit so they can pay to have it removed. Never leave anything behind, and make sure that the entire rental is completely empty.

Less Obvious Security Deposit Ruiners: Stains, Dings, Odors and Drains

There are other issues beyond basic cleaning that can be seen as damage to your rental. Major damage to your place is covered with the security deposit, and some cannot be repaired once it happens. But here are common types of damage that are fixable (with a little elbow grease).

Patch dings in the drywall

To repair drywall, use a quality spackle that will fill in holes. Smooth the spackle down using a flat-edged tool and allow it to dry. You can also use a wall patch to fix the issue. If you have paint that matches your wall color, paint over the repaired areas.

Rent a steam cleaner for carpet stains

Common stains like dirt, ink, and pet urine are the norm for many landlords. However, you might not get your security deposit back if the carpet is in bad shape. To fix the problem, rent a steam carpet cleaner or hire a professional to come in and clean the floors before you leave.

Deep clean walls and upholstery to remove pet odors

Pets are messy, and they can often leave unpleasant odors behind. The best way to prevent this is to address messes as they happen and clean your pet’s bedding regularly.

Use an air filter to remove pet odors from the air. Before you move out, deep-cleaning the apartment is the best way to remove residual odor. This includes scrubbing down your walls and upholstery, and using odor-neutralizing cleaning products that are specifically made to address pet odors.

Remove buildup from glass stovetops with vinegar and baking soda

Glass stovetops can easily collect gunk that looks like damage, especially because the buildup is notoriously difficult to remove. Get rid of grime on your glass stovetop by spraying it with distilled white vinegar.

Sprinkle some baking soda onto the stovetop and then lay a wet towel over the mixture for about 10 to 15 minutes. Next, remove the towel and wipe the surface clean using a soft microfiber cloth dipped in water. If you’re dealing with stubborn stains, you may need to scrub or scrape for a long time and finish with a glass stovetop-specific cleaner.

Address clogged drains with drain cleaner or a snake

In many cases, clogged drains are a gray area, depending on whether the clog was caused by normal vs. irresponsible use of the plumbing. A clog often does not constitute damage that would allow a landlord to keep your security deposit, but that doesn’t mean they won’t try.

Addressing drain clogs is a great way to avoid the issue altogether. If any drains are clogged in your rental, use a plunger to unclog the toilets and a drain cleaner for showers, sinks, and tubs. You can also remove the drain cover and use a special tool for fishing out hair and gunk to unclog the drains.

Tighten or replace cabinet hinges

If your kitchen or bathroom cabinets are broken or ripped from the hinges, it could cost you some or all of your security deposit.

Start by re-tightening the hinges that are already there. If that doesn’t fix the issue, you can easily replace the cabinet hinges for a minimal cost.

Rescreen ripped sliders & window screen

If any windows are broken, it’s recommended that you get them repaired before you move out. But landlords care about more than just glass, this logic goes for screen windows too!

Torn or ripped screens can be replaced, or you can use a screen repair kit to patch the damage.

With some general cleaning and elbow grease, you should be able to get your security deposit back when you move out of your rental. Make sure you’re clear about the terms of your lease and do a thorough walkthrough both when moving in and moving out.

Clean your rental thoroughly and repair minor damages, and you should have a smooth move-out experience with that extra cash back!

What It’s Like To Be a Woman in the Moving Industry

Author: Casey Bond

Publish Date: February 21, 2022

Last Modified Date: July 25, 2023

Category: Mover Spotlight, Moving Stories

Tags: Tags: 2022, census, census data, female movers, female research, female stereotypes, gender disparity, gender research, hireahelper, labor, movers, moving, sexism, sexist, uhaul, women, women labor jobs

In 2016, we reported on what it’s like to be a female mover in a majorly male-dominated industry. As you might expect, in addition to their success, the women we profiled dealt with a lot of preconceived notions about what it takes to be a successful mover from customers who questioned their abilities.

Now, over five years later, we’re taking another look to see how things have changed (and how they haven’t).

The Power of Women in Business

Carmen Ball, co-owner of LeDoux Moving Solutions, LLC, a local moving company, believes that the moving industry is a great one to be in for women, despite public perception.

“We’ve seen a lot of people come and go, only because they don’t pay attention to the little details, which I think women are good at,” she suggests.

This is an oft-repeated belief about women, but in this case, her suggestion isn’t simply fleeting. A version of this sentiment is reflected in various peer-reviewed studies which investigated key personality traits to succeed in business that go beyond knowledge, technical ability and experience. One 2016 study financed by global consulting firm Korn Ferry found that women outperform men in 11 of 12 key emotional intelligence competencies which correlate to business performance and leadership. These competencies include emotional self-awareness, empathy, coaching and mentoring, influence, conflict management and more.

Another comprehensive peer-reviewed study found that despite the wide disparity in numbers, female-led organizations are more profitable, earn higher profit margins and perform better overall versus male-led companies.

“We really started the business to change how people view moving companies,” Ball said, explaining that at the time she and her co-owner began their business, the industry as a whole had a “really bad reputation.” (The Better Business Bureau receives an average of 13,000 complaints and negative reviews about movers each year.)

“Another comprehensive peer-reviewed study found that despite the wide disparity in numbers, female-led organizations are more profitable, earn higher profit margins and perform better overall versus male-led companies.”

Ball is working to change this perception. Retelling stories of positive customer interactions that she describes as bucking the expectations of an old-school moving company, she gets as granular as even the sound of her voice over the phone. “We have a lot of repeat business because of that,” she noted.

In addition, she describes the mostly male staff she employs as responsive to her leadership. “The crew knows that I’m the one who’s keeping them going,” she said.

Unfortunately, not all women at the helm of moving companies that HireAHelper spoke to have had it as easy when dealing with male crewmembers.

Trouble with Co-workers

Another local businesswoman, Tomika Holland, recently took over J. Holland Helpers & Researchers, LLC, a small moving business in Houston, Texas. She became a co-owner alongside her mother, Sandra, after her stepfather passed away in 2021.

When asked about her relationship to men in the industry, she admitted that one of the toughest parts of her job is dealing with the male crewmembers. “They’re constantly trying you,” she explained.

“They wouldn’t do the same things with another man that they’ll do with a woman,” she added, citing repeated instances of male crew members she employs not striving for professional accountability. Holland said she feels like men in the moving industry often test her boundaries as their employer simply because she’s a woman. “It’s kind of like a child always trying their mother,” she joked.

While she’s able to make light of the situation, Holland’s experience is, unfortunately, closer to the norm than the exception. This may explain in part why so few women attempt to make their way into the moving industry. And statistics bear that out.

Moving Industry Still Dominated by Men

Despite ongoing social struggles, the share of female-owned businesses has been rising according to the U.S. Census Bureau, albeit very slowly. According to Ventureneer, a research and training group in the U.S., the number of female-owned businesses in the transportation and warehousing sector has risen by just 10% over the last five years.

Today, there are roughly 211,000 U.S. businesses operating in the transportation and warehousing sector, and only 9% (roughly 19,000) are owned exclusively by women. The cross-industry average share of female-owned businesses is only 13% nationwide.

Here’s a look at how women in transportation and warehousing compare to other industries, according to Census data.

Industry	Percent of Businesses That Are Female-Owned
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting	0%
Utilities	1%
Management of companies and enterprises	4%
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction	7%
Construction	7%
Transportation and warehousing	9%
Arts, entertainment, and recreation	11%
Finance and insurance	12%
Information	12%
Wholesale trade	12%

Interestingly, there are statistical variances by geography.

Looking at the situation state-by-state, below are 10 states where the share of female-owned businesses in transportation and warehousing is highest.

State	Percent of Transport Businesses Solely Female-Owned
Tennessee	25%
Nevada	23%
Utah	22%
Indiana	21%
Georgia	21%
Virginia	20%
North Carolina	19%
California	18%
Mississippi	17%
New Jersey	17%

Tennessee tops the list, with every one in four (25%) transportation businesses being female-owned. In five other states — Nevada, Utah, Indiana, Georgia, Virginia — the share is at least 20%.

On the flip side, the share of female-owned businesses is lowest in Iowa, where businesses are just 3% female-owned. In nine other states, most of them on the East Coast, less than 10% of transportation businesses were female-owned by 2021.

State	% of Transport Businesses Solely Female-owned
Iowa	3%
West Virginia	6%
Nebraska	7%
Massachusetts	7%
Rhode Island	8%
Idaho	9%
Wyoming	9%
Kentucky	9%
Pennsylvania	9%
Vermont	9%

“You want to see some change, put a girl in it”

Shantel Jackson, a longtime female CEO of a local moving company located in Oceanside, California, has experienced firsthand how difficult it can be to establish oneself as a leader within the moving industry. But that hasn’t stopped her from doing just that.

In 2011, Jackson was living with her husband, Francis, in San Diego, California. He had been employed as a professional mover, but work opportunities with his employer were drying up in the wake of the financial crisis and The Great Recession. In response, he decided to resurrect an old moving business he originally founded in 2006. With the reopening of “Speed Loaders”, he would try his hand at running his own moving company, instead of working for one.

“Today, there are roughly 211,000 U.S. businesses operating in the transportation and warehousing sector, and only 9% (roughly 19,000) are owned exclusively by women.”

In a short amount of time, the Jacksons obtained a business license and started booking jobs. They joined HireAHelper, a national online marketplace where moving companies can list their local moving business. Shantel, who before helping her husband worked as a statistical analyst for the Metropolitan Transit Authority, changed careers and began handling things behind the scenes.

True Change Comes From the Top

The company was successful and grew steadily over a decade. But by 2016, Francis was experiencing health issues that left him unable to work.

To keep the company going, Shantel Jackson took over the business as its CEO.

Shantel described to HireAHelper that taking over the business often meant 17 hours of work per day. Adding to the stress of the situation, the group of employees who worked for Speed Loaders at that time (which Shantel described as a “good ol’ boys club”) reportedly didn’t appreciate having a female boss, especially after having presumed they would be put in charge of the company after her husband stepped away. Jackson described her appointment as making them difficult to manage.

“So I got rid of every last one of them,” she said.

Today, Jackson (and her new crew) have instilled a company culture and direction that have led Speed Loaders into solvency and customer acclaim; as of 2022, Jackson has directly overseen well over a thousand moves on HireaAHelper.com alone, all of which has been rated 4.7 out of 5 stars in aggregate.

In addition, Jackson encourages pro-bono work within Speed Loaders, telling HireAHelper stories of deeply discounted moves for higher-risk individuals such as single mothers and returning military members.

“We go the extra mile,” she said. “As my daddy would say, you want to see some change, put a girl in it.”

A Recurring Theme

Both anecdotal and economic evidence suggests the reason there are so few women in industries like moving and labor isn’t necessarily because it’s too difficult, but because there still seems to be a permeating anti-female culture.

Studies find that some of the biggest challenges women face in male-dominated industries include societal expectations and beliefs about a woman’s ability to work comparatively well to men, as well as pervasive stereotypes which often contradict research on effective leadership.

Further, in one 2017 Pew Research survey, 28% of women working in male-dominated industries said they had personally experienced sexual harassment, as compared to 20% of women working within female-dominated industries.

“It takes a very strong woman (to be successful in the moving industry),” Holland asserted. Indeed, women like Tomika Holland, Carmen Ball and Shantel Jackson have proven that they have the mental, emotional and physical fortitude to run a thriving company in a tough industry. Hopefully, the positive changes these women and others like them are making will help push the labor industry to be an increasingly welcoming one for women.

And if not, signs show they’ll keep on trying. Despite the potential challenges, Holland said she hopes to pass down the business to her kids one day, just as her parents did for her.

Illustrations by Ana Jaks

2022 Study: Are Americans Giving Up on Moving for Love?

Author: Casey Bond

Publish Date: February 14, 2022

Last Modified Date: February 21, 2022

Category: Moving Stories

Tags: Tags: census, domestic partnership, movers, moving, moving data, partners, us census, v-day, valentine's day, valentines, vday, where are people moving, which states are people moving to

When the late, great Meatloaf sang about doing anything for love — except that — maybe he was referring to moving.

About one in four adults have moved for love at some point in their lives, according to a 2019 HireAHelper survey. But it appears that far fewer people are doing so today. In 2020, approximately 1,527,685 people moved for romantic reasons. By 2021, that number dropped to 1,067,234, representing a 30% drop.

It may be that pandemic-era flings are losing their luster, or most everyone interested in shacking up already has. But which generation is most likely to relocate for love? And where are they going?

Here’s a closer look at the current state of moving for love.

Who’s Relocating for Love?

In 2020, the top overall reason for moving was because of a new job or transfer, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That’s not too surprising, considering more than a third of U.S. workers changed employers or lost their jobs since the start of the pandemic — which is double the normal amount over the past two decades.

But where did romance rank?

“Relationship with unmarried partner” ranked pretty far down the list, at 6% of moves.

In 2021, the top reason for moving was “to establish own household,” followed by “other family reason.” Ending a long-distance relationship was once again a much lower priority, this time representing fewer than 5% of all total moves.

Top Reasons for Moving 2021 vs. 2020
	2021		2022
Reason	# of Moves	% of Moves	# of Moves	% of Moves
To establish own household	2,878,137	12.8%	3,170,762	12.5%
Other family reason	2,481,267	11.1%	2,596,415	10.2%
For cheaper housing	2,408,044	10.8%	1,977,655	7.8%
New job or job transfer	2,386,871	10.7%	3,399,284	13.4%
Wanted to own home, not rent	2,020,061	9.0%	2,328,100	9.2%
Wanted better neighborhood	1,616,836	7.2%	1,232,599	4.8%
Other housing reason	1,541,679	6.9%	1,888,797	7.4%
Change in marital status	1,287,273	5.7%	1,826,587	7.2%
For easier commute	1,170,450	5.2%	1,464,583	5.8%
Other reasons	1,156,188	5.2%	1,045,606	4.1%
Relationship with unmarried partner	1,067,234	4.8%	1,527,685	6.0%
Attend/leave college	824,236	3.7%	938,023	3.7%
Health reasons	434,010	1.9%	596,470	2.3%
To look for work or lost job	405,254	1.8%	520,348	2.0%
Retired	226,812	1.0%	397,874	1.6%
Change of climate	202,123	0.9%	115,352	0.5%
Foreclosure or eviction	127,983	0.6%	189,659	0.7%
Natural disaster	86,752	0.4%	111,014	0.4%
Other job-related reason	77,548	0.3%	114,439	0.4%

Most moves that occurred because of a relationship with an unmarried partner were local. Sixty percent of those moves took place within the same county. Still, more than a quarter of people who moved for love relocated somewhere else in the state, while 13% moved out of state.

How Far Are People Moving for Love?
Relative move distance	Percent of moves for love
Moved within county	60%
Moved within state, different county	27%
Moved between states	13%

When it comes to men and women, moves were pretty evenly split between the two in 2020 and 2021. However, there is one generation that’s far more likely to move for love: millennials.

“Most moves that occurred because of a relationship with an unmarried partner were local.”

Considering that the oldest millennials turn 40 this year, they’re in the prime life stage for finding a forever partner and settling down. Boomers, on the other hand, are pretty unlikely to move for a romantic partner — only 4% of moves for love took place among Boomers last year.

Who’s Moving for Love?
Group	2021	2022
Men	50%	48%
Women	50%	52%

Gen Z	33%	34%
Gen Y (Millennials)	51%	46%
Gen X	12%	13%
Baby Boomers	4%	8%

Where Are People In Love Moving To?

When we look at where people who moved for love ended up, there are some big differences between states.

The top 10 states that received the newest residents who moved for romantic reasons include Texas, Florida and California.

This seems reasonable, considering they’re also the largest states in general. However, there were a few smaller states on the list — including North Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee — which also saw a large influx of new residents during the pandemic as people fled high cost-of-living areas.

State	Percent of People Moving Who Relocated There for Love
Texas	14.0%
Ohio	9.1%
Illinois	6.8%
Florida	6.5%
North Carolina	6.4%
Virginia	5.9%
Tennessee	5.8%
California	4.9%
Arizona	4.6%
Utah	4.3%

Breaking it down by gender self-identification, the states of Illinois, Florida and North Carolina were the most popular destinations for men who moved for love. Women also favored Illinois, as well as Texas and California.

“In 2020, approximately 1,527,685 people moved for romantic reasons. By 2021, that number dropped to 1,067,234, representing a 30% drop.”

Below, you can see the top 10 states where both men and women moved for love (percentages are based on the entire population of people moving in 2021, according to the US Census Bureau).

State	Percent of Men Who Moved for There for Love
Illinois	9.2%
Florida	8.2%
North Carolina	7.8%
Texas	6.7%
Colorado	4.7%
Pennsylvania	4.5%
California	4.4%
Virigina	4.2%
Ohio	4.1%
Tennessee	4.1%

State	Percent of Women Who Moved There for Love
Texas	13.42%
California	6.83%
Illinois	6.33%
Florida	6.12%
Colorado	4.81%
Pennsylvania	4.55%
Tennessee	4.46%
Missouri	4.19%
Michigan	3.82%
Utah	3.55%

As far as the cities where most people landed, the majority weren’t major cities, but smaller towns and the countryside (14.5%). Many more relocated to the Chicago-Naperville-Joliet metro area (IL-IN-WI, 7.6%) and Raleigh-Carey, NC (3.5%). Below is a list of the top 10 metro areas that received the most movers looking for love.

Metro Area	Percent of People Moving Who Relocated There for Love
Chicago-Naperville-Joliet, IL-IN-WI	7.6%
Raleigh-Carey, NC	3.5%
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA	3.0%
Houston-Baytown-Sugar Land, TX	3.0%
Orlando, FL	2.8%
New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island, NY-NJ-PA	2.4%
St. Louis, MO/IL	1.9%
Austin-Round Rock, TX	1.8%
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX	1.8%
Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Miami Beach, FL	1.8%

Methodology

Unless otherwise stated, all the data behind the charts in this study was taken from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey and its Annual Social and Economic Supplements for 2020 and 2021. For the purposes of this study, moves that were made due to “relationship with unmarried partner” (a category introduced by the U.S. Census Bureau in 2020) were catergorized as moves “for love.”

Illustrations by Rachel Tunstall

My Practical Guide to Moving In With a Partner (Romantically and Financially)

Author: Alexis Rhiannon

Publish Date: February 12, 2022

Last Modified Date: March 18, 2022

Category: Movehacks, Moving Stories, Seasonal & Holidays

Tags: Tags: apartment hunting, bins, boyfriend, cohibation, girlfriend, how to cohabitate, living arrangements, movers, moving costs, moving in, moving in together, rent, rental contract, uhaul, valentine's day

With Valentine’s Day and the scent of relationship milestones heavy in the air, it’s time to talk about one of the biggest milestones of all: moving in with a romantic partner.

If you’re considering moving in together, my assumption is that you’re already bringing all the love and excitement and ooey-gooey feelings to the situation — which means that it’s my job to bring the practicality, organization, and the cold hard sense. This wretched Virgo thrives on sucking the joy out of situations, replacing it with a structure that will serve you well, far beyond your relationship’s honeymoon phase. (Spoiler alert: in my experience, all that good stuff comes flowing back in once you’ve set up a solid foundation.)

Here’s a list of some of the un-fun, straight-up, business-like details that have made living with a partner so much better for me.

Decide whether you’re clean-slating-it, or moving into one of your existing spaces

If one of you lives in a two-bedroom alone while the other lives in a lofty attic garret, this is probably a no-brainer. But in my experience, few situations are that simple.

I absolutely loved the studio I was living in when I met my boyfriend, and by the time we moved in together, I’d been living there for seven years. It was basically my longest relationship, outlasting all the boys I’d dated along the way, proving itself reliable in ways they hadn’t been.

Still, my initial thought was that I wanted to start somewhere new with my boyfriend; I wanted to live somewhere neither of us had a history with. Realistically, this was going to create more issues than it solved. For one, my boyfriend had just moved into his roomy one-bedroom a year before, at which point he’d paid a hefty broker’s fee. (This is a cute thing that used to be legal in New York City, and was the bane of our collective existences.)

“…(W)e each ended up saving $630 on rent by moving in together.”

The fact that it made more sense for me to move in with him was staring us in the face, so I asked him for a couple things to make that prospect more comfortable for me.

First, I wanted reassurance that I could bring my own decorating touch to the space, and secondly, I wanted my vote to count a bit more the next time we went apartment-hunting.

Since I hadn’t had any input in the selection of this current apartment, and it wasn’t a space I was super excited about, it felt only fair that I could weigh in extra on the next one! Happily, my boyfriend agreed. Something we’ve embraced in our relationship is that a compromise doesn’t have to just fall on one person; if there’s something you’re giving up, think about what you’d like to ask in return. Keep it within reason, of course, and don’t try to punish each other when you don’t get your way. But always ask for what you want — the worst your partner can say is no.

Don’t be shy about talking moving costs

We — or rather, I — now had a move to organize. Which was a particularly intimidating prospect after so much time in the same space. I’d been accumulating items around me like a cheerful little magpie for almost a decade, so there was a lot to dig through, get rid of, and sell-off.

Moving List — This was our actual moving cost list, which we decided to split.

I know my own space and I like things a certain way, so I was happy to take on the labor and organizational side of things. In exchange, my boyfriend offered to split the moving costs with me, which brought a whole range of new options within reach, like rental boxes from Gorilla Bins, and a team of local L.A. movers, which I’d never been able to spring for before.

Since he was getting to miss out on all the most annoying parts of moving, he reasoned, it only made sense that he could contribute to the process financially.

According to my moving spreadsheet (lol), we each paid $577.92, all told. This included the bins, the team, the tip and tolls for the truck, and a mattress and dresser we purchased for our shared space. It might sound high, but I was able to pay down my end by selling big-ticket furniture items that wouldn’t be making the move, and we each ended up saving $630 on rent by moving in together. The whole extravaganza more than paid for itself within just two months.

Get all math-y with how you split rent

Talking about money can be fraught for me, which I counter by talking about it pretty much all the time to build up my resistance. One area where I still struggle, though, is in asking others for money.

When we first moved in, my boyfriend was making about three times what I did. (Incredibly, data science pays slightly better than freelance writing and bartending.) But for my own reasons, I wasn’t comfortable asking him to pay two-thirds more rent than I was. If you are, that’s great! You should lean into that hard. But if you’re like me, I have a solution for you.

I suggested to my boyfriend that we come at the rent split from a different angle. Aside from the mushy romance stuff, a big part of wanting to move in together was a desire to save money, which is why we ultimately decided to base our rent split not off of what we were spending, but what we were saving.

With a standard split on our $1,750 Queens one-bedroom, my boyfriend would be saving $875 on what he used to pay, while I’d be saving just $385 on my old $1,260 studio. It was a great amount to be able to bank every month, but I was jealous of my boyfriend’s much larger savings.

“…(W)e ultimately decided to base our rent split not off of what we were spending, but what we were saving.”

To make the split more equitable, we added $875 and $385 together to get our total savings, then divided by two to find the average. The answer was $630, which we subtracted from each of our prior rents. I’d be paying $630, and he’d be paying $1,120. Not quite a two-thirds split, but one I never would’ve felt comfortable asking for without the power of math.

These days, the gap has closed between our incomes, so now we are able to do a true 50/50 split, but the above method served us well for over a year. I’d highly recommend it to anyone taking the leap to cohabitation.

See prices for movers by the hour – instantly.

Read real customer reviews.

Easily book your help online.

When do you need help?Where do you need help?

Make your lovely, wonderful significant other sign a dry, unromantic cohabitation agreement

As a child of separation and a graduate into the recession, my fundamental understanding of the world is that most things fall apart (cute!). But I’ve learned to speak my expectations so that others have a chance to respond calmly, or run screaming into the sea.

Coming into this glorified roommate situation after seven years of solitude, I figured I was probably bringing some pretty serious expectations to the table, so I asked my boyfriend if we could lay out a document spelling them out. Our agreement detailed the aforementioned rent split, what goes down if we break up, and what major responsibilities we’re each expecting from the other in the meantime.

Some things we considered:

Who buys groceries? Can we eat each other’s food?
- Answer: we both buy groceries, but he buys more because I cook more. Any food is up for grabs, but there should be communication for specialty items that one of us has been looking forward to.
Does one of us like cleaning, or should we maybe spring for a monthly service?
- Answer: one of us likes cleaning, and it’s me. I do it once a week, and if I need or want anything from my boyfriend, I let him know.
If we break up, can I have this couch please?
- Answer: yes, because I’m the one who designed it and got us a discount on it.
Should we get a joint bank account for some of our expenses?
- Answer: yes, at Simple and then Ally, but let’s keep the majority of our finances separate.
Can we please get renters insurance?
- Answer: yes, an Allstate policy costing $13/month that we’ve transitioned to a USAA policy at $24/month.
Which streaming platforms do we want?
- Answer: unfortunately, all of them. But we’ll cobble them together in a way that makes sure we’re each paying for our fair share.
What are your ideal bedtimes and wake up times?
- Answer: I’m an 11p.m.-7a.m. “bb”, but he’s a 1a.m.-10p.m. angel, so we tried it his way for a while and have now settled on an 11:30p.m.-8:00a.m.-ish situation.
How much time do we each need alone?
- Answer: we decided we each get a minimum of a couple hours a day separate, him to play video games or chat with his friends, and me to play my silly little iPhone games and watch my television stories.
How much time do we like to have together?
- Answer: a lot, but there’s such a thing as too much, so let’s keep an eye on that.
Will Judge Judy be impressed with us if she ever reads this?
- Answer: nothing impresses her, but also yes.

Not every item made the final list, but putting it together gave us each an opportunity to share our biggest needs, wants, and fears about combining our lives, and it ended up being an incredibly productive conversation — one that we revisit every August to make sure we’re both still comfortable and feeling good.

And that feels like a good thing to add here: we are still a couple, and living together quite happily — in a Los Angeles apartment that I got a big vote in picking out — paperwork, uncomfortable conversations and all. We not only like and love each other, but respect each other’s boundaries, which gives me true confidence in the longevity of this match!

Illustrations by Molly Magnell

Is Homesickness Mentally Dangerous? How To Cope After Moving

Author: Daniel

Publish Date: February 10, 2022

Last Modified Date: August 11, 2023

Category: Moving Advice

Tags: Tags: amwell, bumble, bumblebff, counselors, depression, dsm, enzymes, exercise, home, home sick, homesick, is homesick depression, meditation, meditation app, movers, talkspace, vina, volunteer, volunteer near me, volunteer work, zoom

During the 12th century B.C.E., a man named Odysseus experienced what might be regarded as the Western World’s first historical record of homesickness.

At least, that’s according to Homer and his epic The Odyssey. Today, people often regard homesickness as more of a fleeting feeling.

But it can also involve feelings of distress and emotional upheaval. Sometimes moving causes prolonged feelings of discomfort because the individual’s habits and support system are, well… back home.

Here, we’ll explore what homesickness actually is, why it’s essential to confront it, and how best to manage it.

Homesickness Defined

Homesickness can be defined as a longing for home when one is away from it. It is not considered a mental health disorder.

Generally, homesickness includes the feelings of emotional or physical distress that often happen when you are separated from your loved one or your home. It is very common with changes of location, particularly people who move to a new area. In fact, some even start to feel homesickness before they actually relocate.

Facts about homesickness

50-70% of the general public have felt homesick at least once in their lifetime
Research suggests that homesickness is equally common in men and women
About 60% of first-year college students report feeling homesick

See prices for movers by the hour – instantly.

Read real customer reviews.

Easily book your help online.

Characteristics of Homesickness

The characteristics of being homesick are both physical and mental, and can vary a lot from person to person. These symptoms may have similarities to other mental health disorders like anxiety.

Homesickness tends to affect people moving temporarily or permanently, including college students, immigrants, refugees, and military personnel.

Emotional symptoms of homesickness

Anxiety
Anger
Decreased motivation or difficulty concentrating
Feelings of depression
Irritability

Physical symptoms of homesickness

Sleeping too much or too little
Eating too much or too little
Headaches and body aches
Low energy

Is Homesickness the Same as Depression?

Most people experience homesickness in a new environment, but it is not the same as a true mental health disorder. With that said, if homesickness persists long enough, it can lead to clinical depression and anxiety. Some people may even begin to experience physical health issues because of the chronic stress caused by their homesickness.

While most homesickness will fade with time, it is uncomfortable and can disrupt your mental wellness. Fortunately, there are things you can do to alleviate homesickness and prevent more severe feelings of depression and anxiety.

How To Cope With Homesickness

Often, a person doesn’t simply stop feeling homesick overnight, but with some healthy coping measures, they can cause these feelings to diminish until they, once again, feel a sense of normalcy. These tips can prevent or combat feelings of homesickness:

Tell someone you are homesick

Homesickness is a natural response to a physical change. While talking about it may be painful at first, sharing intense feelings with trusted friends and family can help you process them and reduce the physical and emotional impact.

Your food is probably impacting your mood

Eating balanced and nutritious foods helps with thinking clearly and feeling alert. On the other hand, eating poorly can impact your physical comfort and aggravate stress and depression. Aim to eat a healthy amount of calories and include fruits and veggies. Consider cooking recipes that remind you of home or of loved ones who you are missing. (You can even video call a friend or parent for an impromptu catch-up and cooking lesson!)

Transform your bedroom for sleep ONLY

It’s no secret that many people struggle with getting quality sleep in a new environment. Practicing good sleep habits after a move can help if you are struggling with sleeping too much or too little. Good sleep habits include using your bedroom only for sleep (not for lounging or entertainment), avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bed, and removing electronics from your sleeping space (just try it for a few days!).

Move your body to make enzymes, then download any meditation app

Exercise and meditation can help you alleviate negative emotions like sadness and loneliness. Activity triggers feel-good enzymes in the brain that can provide you with a break from your feelings of homesickness. Meditation helps you clear your mind, leading to positive feelings of rejuvenation. You’ll find it easier to cope with your homesickness when you feel better.

How To Stay Connected to Home

Sure, you’re not home, but the key isn’t actually to forget about home entirely. Here are things that have helped many people in your position.

Put a recurring video call on your calendar
When you no longer live with or near your loved ones, reaching out to connect often requires coordinating schedules. Paired with feelings of depression or loneliness, planning a time to talk can be a daunting task. Consider agreeing on a recurring weekly video call time with a small group of friends or family members so you know exactly when you’ll speak to them next.

Decorate with something from your old place
Sometimes it’s the look, smell, and feel of home that we really miss. Consider setting up a shelf or corner of your new space where you can keep special items from home and pictures of your loved ones. Creating a project out of setting up this space can be a good way to occupy some time while reliving old memories. As you create memories in your new area, add them to your keepsake shelf.

Pre-plan your return before you even move
For those struggling with low energy in a new environment, the effort needed to plan a trip home can lead to procrastination while also making you feel more homesick. Consider planning a trip home several months from your move-in date, and be sure to take that time off from work or school ahead of time. Having the visit set up ahead of time will make it more likely to happen and give you something to look forward to.

Cooking at home actually helps
You can maintain your emotional connection to home by cooking recipes you enjoyed with family at home. These foods might be related to your ethnicity or remind you of your close relatives.

How To Integrate Into Your New Area

Make yourself start a new routine
While you’re adjusting to a location change, consider making changes that force you to focus on them, preferably incorporating your new area. It’s even better if you combine them with tips from earlier! For example, you could make a goal of adding a 30-minute walk to your day to explore your new neighborhood, increase your daily water intake, or commit to cooking a new recipe once a week.

Purposely do something you’ve never done before
Engaging in a new hobby can be highly therapeutic. If you knit, garden, or read, you can give your mind a small break from its worrying thoughts or feelings of longing. Check out this list of 101 hobbies for inspiration.

Build your new social circle with these websites

Making new friends is one of the hardest parts of moving to a new area, but connecting with your community is one of the best ways to avoid feeling isolated. Here are some ways to find like-minded people in your area:

Friendship apps like Vina and BumbleBFF approach friendship like a dating app. You make a profile, swipe yes or no to other people, and set a meetup if you both want to be friends.
Look for local Facebook interest groups. It may sound corny, but most cities have Facebook groups and small private events for local women, hikers, book lovers, and even dog owners.
Subscribe to your local tourism newsletter and event announcements. Attending community-centered events is a great way to get out of the house and expose yourself to culture and arts in your area.
Get a volunteer gig! Offering to support your local animal shelter, nursing home, or other charitable organization is a sure way to meet people while giving back. (Here’s a site to find volunteer needs in your area.)

When To Get Help

While most homesickness resolves itself as you connect with your new area, it’s important to reach out for professional help if you’re having difficulty managing these feelings for an extended period of time. (There is no specific number of days, but marked discomfort for multiple months may potentially be a sign of depression.)

Professional counselors or therapists can be effective support during a difficult transition to a new home. Remember that there are also video therapy options for those having difficulty navigating a new area. Services like Talkspace and Amwell can provide you with professional help right in your home.

The bottom line is that new beginnings can lead to many new possibilities resulting in significant personal growth and opportunities. Life sends us in many different directions; seldom does it allow people to stay put forever. If you’re feeling homesick, remember that some of the distress, at least in part, may be due to change. Once you become accustomed to your new home and routine, you may still miss your home, but you will notice that the intense feelings of homesickness have begun to subside.

Use these tips to help prevent or combat feeling homesick or share them with a loved one who may be contending with homesickness, or even preemptively share them with someone that has a potential move coming soon to their life.

How To Seriously Lessen Your Carbon Footprint When You Move

Author: Cassandra Rosas

Publish Date: February 2, 2022

Last Modified Date: May 19, 2023

Category: Green Moving

Tags: Tags: diy, eco friendly, eco friendly move, free moving boxes, good movers, green move, green moving, hireahelper, how to pack, movers, moving advice, moving boxes, moving containers, moving day tips, packing supplies

Around 32.1 million Americans—some 14 million households—moved back in 2019. That’s a lot of moving and shaking, and it’s a lot of extra strain on the environment. An increasing number of Americans are committing to doing more to protect the environment, and green moving is becoming a popular topic.

Eco-friendly moving—and especially zero-waste moving—requires some time and detailed planning. But that’s a good thing because you’ll have all of your ducks in a row by moving day, which means you’ll have an easy time of it. Here at Hire a Helper, we’re all about making your life easier, but we’re also about doing our part to take a load off the environment. This guide will help you achieve a green relocation, no matter how far you have to go.

Before You Move: You Need a Smart Downsize

Moving houses is a great opportunity to go through everything you’ve collected since you moved into your current place. Depending on how long you’ve been there, this may be a quick task, or it may take some serious time. Either way, taking the time to do it right is better for the environment, since you’ll be less likely to toss stuff in the trash just to be rid of it—you’ll have more time to dispose of your discards in a more eco-friendly way. Here’s how to do it right.

The eco-friendly plan

Make your plan—and write it down. Maybe you’ll do a room each week, or a closet each day. Allow yourself more time for basement and attic storage spaces and closets that send an avalanche of stuff down on top of you when you open them.

Create a space for these specific piles

Before you start decluttering, set aside space in your home, or label some boxes to put things in that you’re planning on getting rid of. Have a clearly labeled box, bag, or pile for:

Things you’ll donate to charity
Things you can sell
Things you want to give to specific people
Trash
Things you can (surprisingly!) recycle
- Old carpeting
- Old mattresses
- Scratched CDs, game discs, and DVDs
- Stained or torn clothing or bedding
- Large and small appliances, from the dryer to the microwave
- Electronics, including old cell phones, TVs, computers, printers, and stereos
- Crayons and dried-up markers
- Ink cartridges
- Working and non-working holiday lights
Hazardous waste
- Call your local hazmat office and ask where you can drop them off. These items include:
  - Paints
  - Fertilizers
  - Cleaners
  - Solvents
  - Motor oil
  - Pesticides

Eco-friendly Moves Really Happen During the Packing

Leaving packing for the last minute means you’ll probably end up shoving things into garbage bags, which makes it less likely you’ll sort stuff correctly (and it’s super annoying to unpack). The sooner you get started on packing, the more time you can take to do it right and in a way that’s environmentally friendly.

If you’re going to have movers pack you up, and if they’re bringing all of the supplies, choose a moving company that uses sustainable packing materials and reusable or recyclable boxes. (Just ask!) Find out how to best prepare for their arrival. If you’re packing yourself, planning is everything. Are you going to jam through your whole house over the course of a week, or will spend the month before the move getting packed? Decide on your game plan, and use these tips to make your packing adventure as green as possible.

Only use these eco-friendly packing materials

What, exactly, does “eco-friendly” mean when it comes to packing and packing supplies? It means that everything you use to pack your things—boxes, wrapping, padding, tape—is made from recycled materials and/or is recyclable, biodegradable, or compostable.

Eco-friendly packing supplies include:

Cardboard boxes. When you’re done unpacking, pass your boxes on to someone else who’s moving, or put them out for recycling. When possible, source used cardboard boxes. If you must purchase new ones, choose boxes that are made from post-consumer recycled materials.

Cornstarch peanuts. If you’ve got to use peanuts for extra-fragile items, choose the eco-friendly variety instead of styrofoam peanuts, which don’t biodegrade—at least, not in our lifetime. Green packing peanuts are made from non-toxic materials like cornstarch or wheat. They’re biodegradable and dissolve in water, and you can compost them. As an added bonus, eco-friendly packing peanuts don’t have an electrostatic charge, so they won’t stick to everything.

Eco-friendly bubble wrap. Traditional bubble wrap is made from low-density polyethylene film, which generally isn’t picked up by your curbside recycler but can be recycled with your plastic bags when you take them to your local drop-off location. Eco-friendly bubble wrap is greener than traditional because it’s made, in part, from recycled materials. But it’s not biodegradable or compostable, so if you don’t recycle it, it’s hardly green at all.

Corrugated cardboard wrap. Made from 100 percent recycled cardboard, corrugated cardboard wrap is sturdy, protective, biodegradable, and recyclable. (See picture!)

Non-plastic tape. Plastic tape isn’t biodegradable, but paper and cellulose tape, which are made from trees, are. Paper tape typically comes with a water-activated adhesive and requires a special dispenser that wets the tape as you pull it out. Cellulose tape looks like plastic, but it’s made from trees, and you can tear it like paper. Both types of tape are biodegradable.

The zero-waste packing method

If you’re hardcore, you can achieve zero-waste moving by packing carefully. Plan ahead with these tips:

Use your clothes, towels, sheets, pillows, cushions, and linens to protect fragile items. Bonus: you won’t have to pack these items
Save your newspapers and junk magazines and inserts to wrap items in, and recycle them after you unpack
Rent reusable containers. Moving companies often rent reusable, heavy-duty moving crates that come in many shapes and sizes, including a wardrobe box to make moving your clothes easier than ever. When you’re done moving, return the boxes
Pack what you can in empty drawers, laundry baskets, suitcases, buckets, tote bags, and other receptacles you already have on hand
Source free cardboard boxes from friends and local stores. Close them by interlocking the flaps, and recycle or pass the boxes along to someone else when you’re done
For mattresses and other large items you might otherwise wrap in non-biodegradable plastic sheeting, opt instead to drape blankets, sheets, or a cloth drop cloth over these pieces

See prices for movers by the hour – instantly.

Read real customer reviews.

Easily book your help online.

Moving Day Must-do’s

It’s the big day! You’ve downsized your belongings without adding unnecessary waste to the local landfill, and you’ve packed your things in the most eco-friendly way you could. Now it’s time to finish up the move with the smallest possible environmental impact, which will be easy as pie if you follow these tips:

Turn off the HVAC while you load

Since your doors will be wide open while you’re loading boxes into the moving truck, turn off the heat or A/C while you load to save energy. Keep the lights off unless you need them on. To empty out the house faster so you can get the heat or A/C back on, move everything as close to the door as you can before you start moving it out.

Save on gas and reduce exhaust

If you’ve hired a moving company, you don’t have much control over how much fuel they consume during your move, but you can rest assured that your company will want to conserve gas if only to boost their bottom line. Moving companies plan their loads and routes carefully for that reason. Depending on how much stuff you have and how far you’re moving, hiring a moving company may be your best option for an eco-friendly relocation.

If you’re moving yourself, here’s what you can do to save on gas:

Plan your route. Take a route to your new place that will use the least amount of gas. The best route may be the shortest, or it may be a long one that has the least traffic congestion and therefore the fewest idling stops.

Make as few trips as possible. The fewer trips you need to take to get your stuff to your new place, the more eco-friendly your move will be. When you’re packing, fill your containers as full as possible so you’ll need fewer of them, which will require fewer trips. Pack your things in the vehicle(s) carefully so there’s little wasted space.

Recycle those packaging materials

Eco-friendly moving isn’t really eco-friendly until you deal with the aftermath—the boxes and the packing materials. As you unpack each box, set the packing materials aside—designate a pile for what can be recycled curbside and a pile for what you’ll need to drop off. Remove any tape from these materials and from your boxes before you break them down. Give the boxes to friends, or put them up on a free online marketplace for people to claim. If they’re beaten up, set them out for recycling.

A New Start: Going Green for Good

Now that you’re all settled in, take a deep breath, relax, and take a good look around your new place. What can you do to reduce your carbon footprint—and your utility bills—as you begin a new era? We’re glad you asked.

Protect your air quality

Poor air quality in your home is bad for your health and for the environment. Keep your indoor air quality as high as possible for a reduced footprint and increased well-being.

Use eco-friendly paints for walls. Paint is notorious for off-gassing volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, into your home, and the production of conventional paint has serious environmental consequences. When it’s time to decorate, choose low-VOC paint, which is less harmful to the environment and your health.

Use non-toxic cleaners. Conventional home cleaning products are rife with toxic chemicals, and when they go down the drain, they can end up in our natural waterways and poison aquatic wildlife. You can either buy non-toxic cleaners or use ingredients from the kitchen, like vinegar and baking soda, to get the entire place sparkling clean without putting your health at risk.

Change the HVAC filter. The air filter in your HVAC system traps impurities as your home’s air moves through it. A dirty filter is far less efficient than a clean one at catching particles like pollen, mold, bacteria, and viruses. Only use high-quality air filters in your system. Inspect your filter each month, and replace it when it’s dirty.

Conserve energy and lower your utility bills

The less energy you use at home, the better for the environment—and the lower your gas and electricity bills will be.

Maintain your furnace and A/C. Your HVAC system is responsible for a large portion of your home’s energy consumption, so keeping it in tip-top shape will not only lower your utility bills but also reduce your home’s use of non-renewable resources and its emissions of greenhouse gases. Have your furnace professionally tuned up before you need it each fall, and have your A/C serviced before it’s time to turn it on in the spring.

Install solar panels. When it’s time to make upgrades, consider installing solar panels on your home. Solar power has come a long way in the past decade, and it’s less expensive and more reliable than ever before. Solar power is pollution-free, and it’s less expensive than the non-renewable alternatives.

Invest in ENERGY STAR appliances. As you move through life in your new home, replace appliances that break down with new ENERGY STAR appliances. ENERGY STAR is a program by the U.S. Department of Energy that clearly identifies the household appliances with the highest energy efficiency and, therefore, the lowest operating costs.

Conserve water better

Less than one percent of the earth’s water is available for human use, and our current global civilization is quickly depleting the supply. It’s up to everyone to conserve water, and here are some ways to do it at home.

Low-flow fixtures. Low-flow fixtures, including showerheads, dishwashers, and toilets, are easy to install, and they don’t affect the quality of your showers, the cleanliness of your dishes, or the force of your flush. However, they do conserve water, using considerably less than their conventional counterparts.

Run the shortest cycles on the dishwasher and washing machine. Unless your clothes or dishes are heavily soiled, the shortest cycle on the washer or dishwasher will get them just as clean as a longer cycle, but it’ll save a lot of water over time.

Re-think your lawn. The lawn is one of the worst offenders when it comes to environmental damage. Maintaining a lawn involves fertilizers and pesticides that leach into groundwater, and keeping it green and barefoot-worthy requires a lot of water. Mowing requires non-renewable gasoline and emits greenhouse gases. Consider ditching your lawn for a beautiful, low-maintenance xeriscape, which requires little to no water.

Finally get your household waste under control

In 2018, Americans generated more than 292 million tons of household waste—around five pounds per person per day. With a recycling and composting rate of just 32.1 percent, America sends the majority of its solid waste to landfills, where it produces methane, carbon dioxide, and other poisonous gases. So your first order of business in your new place is to recycle religiously if you don’t already. Also:

Go paperless. Paper accounts create a huge amount of waste, and although most paper can be recycled, much of it isn’t, or can’t be. Reduce your paper consumption as much as possible—opt for paperless bill paying, invoicing, and receipts, and opt out of junk mail. Clean up spills with microfiber instead of paper towels or disposable wipes, and invest in a stack of cloth napkins instead of using disposable ones.

Compost. A backyard compost pile provides you with rich compost for your garden, and it helps you dramatically reduce food waste, which accounts for a large portion of household waste. But food isn’t the only thing you can compost. Other things you can toss on the compost pile include non-glossy paper, cardboard, natural fabrics, dryer lint, and wine corks. Shred these items into small pieces before adding them to the heap.

Buy in bulk. Food packaging has a giant, terrible impact on the environment. It comprises half of all municipal waste, and it ends up in waterways and inside wildlife as microplastics. It strangles sea creatures, traps land critters, and breaks down into toxic chemicals in the soil. Whenever possible, buy your food in bulk. Bring your own bags to the store with you, and skip the produce bags—or reuse them.

Change your mindset. Being a consumer is fun, there’s no doubt about it. But if you tend to buy things mainly for the quick hit of dopamine it provides—and if most of those baubles quickly end up in the back of closets and drawers, unseen until you move again in 10 years—it’s time to change your ways. When you pick up that shiny thing at your favorite big box store, ask yourself: Do I really need this? If the answer is a (reluctant) no, save your money for something spectacular later on.

From the moment you decide to move, it’s easy to honor your commitment to reducing your impact on the environment. With some planning ahead, you can easily achieve an eco-friendly or zero-waste move. Once you’re unpacked, a few tweaks of some old habits and some brand-new habits are all it takes to start your new life on the right foot—one with a lighter print.

These Moving Companies Move Domestic Abuse Victims for Free

Author: Casey Bond

Publish Date: January 20, 2022

Last Modified Date: June 5, 2023

Category: Mover Spotlight, Moving Advice

Tags: Tags: abuse hotline, abuse victims, da, domestic abuse, free moves, hireahelper, meathead, meathead movers, move for free, movers, moving abuse, moving companies, violence against women

Domestic abuse happens more than you might think, and for a lot of reasons, it’s a complex issue to address.

According to “DoSomething”, a wide-reaching non-profit organization in the United States, about a quarter of women around the world will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime. In fact, 85% of domestic abuse victims are women. It’s been estimated that half of all homeless women and children in the U.S. are fleeing domestic violence.

Victims are often left with nowhere to go due to emotional, social, and economic barriers for leaving an abusive relationship. For these reasons and more, it’s common for victims to stay in an abusive relationship when facing the alternative of living in a shelter or on the street.

Yet despite all this, some have discovered that oftentimes cyclical abuse can be stopped by simply solving for the economics of being able to afford a move.

Note: The bottom of this piece features some potential resources if you or someone you know is in need of help.

The Movers Who Rescue Victims

Aaron and Evan Steed are co-founders of Meathead Movers, a brick-and-mortar chain that offers professional moving services. If you’re moving soon and you reside in California, they offer a variety of moving and storage services at the rate of 18,000 moves a year, which they claim makes them the largest independently owned moving company in the state.

But perhaps more impressive is that for domestic abuse victims, they offer these services for free.

Meathead Movers is one of a growing number of moving companies committed to helping victims of domestic violence move out of their abusive households at no cost.

“…half of all homeless women and children in the U.S. are fleeing domestic violence.”

After the California-based company was founded in 1997, frantic phone calls would come in from victims without financial means who were seeking to flee dangerous domestic violence situations, according to Dawn Ventura, Director of Marketing and Communications for Meathead Movers. They were pleas they couldn’t turn away, explained Ventura. “The brothers knew it was the right decision to get them out of there.”

The choice to provide moving services to victims for free was decided right away. It has remained their business policy for over 25 years.

Here’s $25 Off Movers

Risks on the Job

Meathead Movers quickly found out there are more than financial risks when taking on this type of endeavor.

During one of their earliest rescue moves, the situation turned volatile when the alleged abuser of the victim came home in the middle of the move, Ventura told HireAHelper. “It was very scary for the (founders of Meathead),” she said. “Luckily, they were able to call law enforcement, who came to the scene and removed the abuser so that the move could be completed.”

After this experience, Meathead Movers decided to partner with a local shelter to make sure the victims and moving crew were safe and supported throughout the rescue process. In 2000, the company began its first official affiliation with a shelter called SLO Women’s Shelter.

“For the safety of our team and the victim, we only complete moves that the shelter partner has first had a chance to vet,” Ventura explained. The shelter determines the greatest need and works with the movers accordingly. “There is also always a shelter representative onsite throughout the move, and sometimes law enforcement, as needed,” she added. The company has since partnered with an additional seven shelters across California to help facilitate moves.

“Google nearby shelters and moving companies that may be able to help, even if you don’t plan on using them.”

Though dangerous, this too remains far from the only challenge the company has faced over the years.

Back in 2008, during The Great Recession, Meathead Movers encountered what they described as “enormous” financial struggles. Ventura said that at one point, they thought they’d be closing their doors due to financial hardship. Even still, the company continued to offer free services to abuse victims. “We knew that it was our purpose and mission,” Ventura explained.

Today, Meathead Movers remains in operation after two decades of gradual growth and expansion, despite challenges. They have continued the policy of free rescues all throughout, and feel their success is proof altruism can exist within a successful moving business model.

As of 2022, they’ve helped relocate “hundreds” of domestic violence victims in the Southern Californian area for free.

A Moving Trend

Unfortunately, rescue services continue to be needed. No matter how many free moves Meathead Movers offers, as a localized chain, their reach covers only a small portion of victims of abuse. “In light of the growing cases of domestic violence, and on the heels of the national attention this free moving program has garnered, Meathead Movers is now encouraging businesses across the nation to step up and make an impact in their local communities as well,” Ventura said.

The good news is that many businesses have stepped up, including other moving companies.

In 2016, Meathead Movers launched the #MoveToEndDV campaign, challenging businesses to donate services for victims of domestic violence in their respective communities. Searching this hashtag still helps people find resources through social media. This trend has garnered the commitment of an increasing list of moving companies, as well as businesses in other sectors.

College HUNKS Hauling Junk and Moving — another store-run chain that offers professional moving services in dozens of cities across the U.S. — began offering its services for free during the month of October 2020 (which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month) in response to news reports of increasing domestic violence during pandemic lockdowns. Within the past year, College HUNKS has helped move more than 400 victims of domestic violence across the U.S., all at no cost to the victims.

How To Move Out Safely From a Domestic Violence Situation

There are multiple things to consider before you can safely remove yourself from an abusive situation.

Finding a moving company that can assist you in leaving an abusive household is incredibly helpful. But domestic abuse can be greatly helped just by beginning to plan. Here are what experts say are important steps along a successful path to freedom.

1. Call or email a professional helper for free.

First, know that you are not alone in your struggle. Every single day there is someone waiting for you to reach out.

Before you do anything, it’s useful to speak with a professional who can help you assess the situation and point you toward local resources. “Always, always, always contact your local shelter,” Ventura urged. “The resources that they offer are remarkable. And if there’s any way to call a domestic violence hotline, they are sure to help.”

You can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or texting “START” to 88788. Its website also has a live chat option. Though if you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

2. Look at a physical calendar, imagine by which day you could realistically remove yourself, essential items, and potential children from your location.

Some situations may require getting out of your home as soon as possible; but if you can help it, visualize the exit ahead of time.

Start by literally glancing at a calendar. Figure out the best times to pack up and leave, and where you already know you could stay once you’re out — even if it’s just temporary. Google nearby shelters and moving companies that may be able to help, even if you don’t plan on using them. Always explain your situation in private, and have a contingency plan in case your abuser shows up on move day.

3. Squirrel away some cash, if possible.

Though shelters and some moving companies provide their services for free, it’s still very helpful to have cash on hand when you move out. If possible, try to set up your own checking or savings account online or over the phone at a separate bank from your abuser so they can’t restrict access to the money.

4. Gather up your important documents and items into one portable place.

Start making copies of documents such as birth certificates, Social Security cards, insurance cards, health records, and anything else you’ll need as you transition to a new home. If you have extra car keys, medications, clothes, or evidence of domestic abuse (e.g., photos, police records), be sure to set those aside too. Store these items in a private place until you need them.

5. Prearrange school release permissions for any children you have.

If you have kids you can’t personally pick up from school, change the release privileges to a trusted friend or family member, so your abuser can’t pick them up.

6. Keep your activity private, as you may be being spied on.

It’s not unusual for abusers to monitor activity or even spy on their victims, so you should be very careful about leaving behind any evidence of your planning.

Avoid using your home computer for research and visit the public library or a friend’s house instead. If you can, get your own, private cell phone, since there are many apps that allow partners to surveil your phone activity and accounts. Always turn off your Bluetooth and location services inside apps like Snapchat or Messenger, and close all tabs and clear all browsing history after searching for resources. Also, get rid of or “lose” any compromised cell phone if you fear it may be monitored, or do a factory reset. But make sure you have a handheld device ready to call for help if things become dangerous.

7. On move day, act quickly and confidently.

If you know of any weapons in the home, lock them away ahead of time if possible, just in case. Change the login settings and security questions to your online accounts and turn off the GPS in your car. Though it is not always easy, attempt to follow through with your plan with confidence.

These Movers Offer Free Services to Domestic Violence Victims

Encouragingly, Meathead Movers and College HUNKS are only just the beginning.

Below is a non-exhaustive directory as a resource to help you or anyone you may know who is a victim. If you don’t see a company near where you live, search for movers in your area, or call a local company and ask if they have any connections or knowledge of a similar service.

Always Professional in Moving, Inc. (Gilbert, AZ)

Contact: 480-633-5555, apiminc1@gmail.com

Always Professional in Moving, Inc. is a family-owned and operated moving company in the Maricopa County of Arizona. They pledge to provide free moves to distressed victims in need of moving services in order to get away from domestic violence. Its owner, Bernadette Lavigne, is a victim of domestic violence and has made addressing the issue an important foundation of her company.

Aussie Moving (Santa Barbara, CA)

Contact: 805-273-8756, info@aussiemoving.net

Aussie Moving provides full-service residential moving, as well as commercial moving and storage. The company pledges to provide free moving services to victims of domestic violence in coordination with a local shelter in Santa Barbara County.

Brown Box Movers (Denton, TX)

Contact: 972-953-MOVE (6683)

Located in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area, Brown Box Movers offers a variety of services, from residential moving, to move in/move out cleaning, to junk removal. The company pledged these services to help those experiencing domestic violence in the area.

Einstein Moving Company, LLC (Austin, TX)

Contact: Choose a location and send a message

Einstein moving company has locations throughout Texas, including Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and more, and is able to complete statewide moves. The company pledges up to $2,000 per month worth of moving services to Safe Place in Austin.

Elite Moving Services (Newton, IA)

Contact: 641-275-9412, elitemovingservices641@gmail.com

Elite Moving Services serves the entire state of Iowa. They pledged to offer three moves every month to domestic violence victims at no charge. Their free service includes the trailer, labor, and all moving equipment needed to move within 75 miles of the victim’s location.

Gentle Giant Moving Company (Somerville, MA)

Contact: (800) 442-6863

Gentle Giant is involved with several charities, including a strong alliance with charities involved with housing assistance and homeless prevention. Gentle Giant pledges to offer a free move to those in need of help getting out of a domestic violence situation.

Helping Hands Moving and Maids (Salt Lake City, UT)

Contact: (801) 562-0093 (Sandy), (801) 809-7800 (SLC), (801) 735-4144 (Provo) or send a message

You may recognize Helping Hands Moving and Maids from the show Extreme Makeover, or from its extensive charity work in Utah, as well as overseas. The company pledges its services to domestic violence victims in need.

Moving at Ease (Scottsdale, AZ)

Contact: 602-357-7459 or send a message

Moving at Ease is a family business that tailors its moving services to senior citizens and their families. It can accommodate local and long-distance moves. The company pledges to volunteer its time and resources to help those in need in the Phoenix metro area.

Parks Moving & Storage (Bellefonte, PA)

Contact: (866) 790-1560 or send a message

Parks Moving & Storage is a fourth-generation, family-owned business with locations in Pittsburgh, Harrisburg and State College, PA. It is a women-owned business, and the owner is also a victim of domestic violence. The company pledges to offer packing and moving services to victims and their affected family members who need them.

Veterans Moving America (Fort Worth, TX)

Contact: (817) 989-6362, booking@VMAFamily.com

VMA employs a 100% veteran workforce and self-identifies as a “values-based company”. It is partnered with SafeHaven to provide free services to victims of domestic violence.

Illustrations by Tara Jacoby

Budget Halloween: The 10 Best DIY Costumes on TikTok

Author: Casey Bond

Publish Date: October 21, 2021

Last Modified Date: October 28, 2021

Category: DIY Projects, Seasonal & Holidays

Tags: Tags: best of tiktok, cardboard, diy, free boxes, free moving boxes, Halloween, halloween tiktok, movers, moving, tik-tok, tiktok, top 10

There are two types of people in this world: Those that buy pre-packaged Halloween costumes, and those that DIY.

But the DIY route isn’t just for rich and talented designers… especially if you take advantage of free, simple materials like cardboard boxes leftover from a recent move, or Amazon order. (Need free boxes? Check these places.)

But wait… you don’t believe DIY costumes can look that great? Just ask TikTok.

Below are 10 examples of super creative costumes put together by TikTok users using mostly cardboard. Now watch, get inspired, then get crafting before that Halloween party gets here.

1. Steve from Minecraft

@b3v3r463this is why I haven’t posted???? #costume #minecraft ♬ original sound – Cerebro ???? Grande????????

If you know a kid between the age of 3-30, you’ve probably heard about Minecraft. Cardboard boxes are perfect for recreating the block-like characters and accessories featured in the game.

2. Haunted House

@inbetweenbranchesBB UR A HAUNTED HOUSE! #Halloween #halloweencostume #cardboard #costumes #reels #creativestylist #creativedirector ♬ Baby You’re a Haunted House – Gerard Way

Did someone say house party? Raise the roof at your next Halloween gathering by showing up in this inventive cardboard creation.

3. Transformer

@w855173wWhen your son wants to be bumblebee we make it a challenger! #bumblebee #transformers #transformercostume #cardboardcostume ♬ Knight Rider – TV Themes

If you want to guarantee your kid will win the costume contest at school, we recommend this cardboard box Transformer costume that changes from Bumblebee to a Dodge Challenger. (Instructions not included.)

4. T-Rex

@mamabearxx08 #foryoupage #fypシ #cardboard #art #dinosaur #handmadecostume #halloweenlook ♬ Fancy Like – Walker Hayes

This cardboard dino costume stands out from the crowd with a long, swinging tail. But with arms like these, parents might need to help out by carrying the candy pail.

5. Butterfly

@heymonaheyyyAre you DIYing your costume this year? Cardboard is really versatile! #halloweenlook #fyp ♬ TWINNEM – Coi Leray

For a simple but beautiful Halloween costume, these butterfly wings made from cardboard are a great DIY idea. Bonus: you can throw them over just about any outfit.

6. Springtrap

@bigjoedadyMy 14 year old son made his own costume. springtrap took 3 months cardboard, foam and felt #fyp #HappyHalloween #40something #fivenightsatfreddys ♬ Viva La Swing aka #SandoTwist by @Abiud_Sando – Mingaling 2.0

For those with some major creative muscles to flex, this Springtrap character costume from the popular video game Five Nights at Freddy’s is both cute and creepy (okay, mostly creepy).

7. Terrance (or Phillip)

@knotpossible #southpark #terranceandphillip #cardboard #upcycle #recycle #reuse #repurpose #diy #cardboardcostume #cosplay #art #canadian #comedy @comedycentral♬ South Park Theme – Voidoid

Fans of the pottymouth characters of South Park will get a kick out of this DIY Terrance of the “Terrance and Phillip” duo.

8. Cake Slice

@craftychicaHow to make a cake slice Halloween costume! #LearnOnTikTok #TikTokPartner #cakeslice #halloween #costume #cardboardbox #boxtume #halloweencostume ♬ BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL – TJ Carter

Going for a look that’s more sweet than spooky? Just add sprinkles! You’ll be the belle of the dessert table with this cake slice Halloween costume made from cardboard boxes.

9. Outhouse

@michelleypetersonKiddo revealing his costume to family and his #GirlFriend #halloween2020 #costume #OutHouse #CountyKid #pnw #GottaPoop #CowboyBoots #CardboardBox ♬ original sound – Chicken_Mama

This costume takes “potty humor” to a whole new level. Enough said.

10. Taco Truck

@oliviagevPet costume idea under $15 #foryou #foryoupage #halloween #petcostume #walmart #costumeidea #bulldog #englishbulldog #taco #tacotruck #dog #cute #woof ♬ El Jarabe Tapatio – Mariachi Vargas Tecalitlán

Don’t leave your fur babies out of the fun this year. Cardboard boxes can be used to craft adorable pet costumes too. Taco ‘bout a Halloween hit.

Where Exactly Is “Clearwater”?

Should you move to Clearwater?

“…to New Yorkers, Californians and other folks hailing from states with much higher home price tags, Clearwater real estate is a really amazing deal.”

Get Help Unloading Your Rental Truck

An Overview of the Clearwater, Florida Real Estate Market in 2022

According to Redfin, as of March 2022:

Clearwater home prices were up 43.4% over last year, with a median price of $344K

Homes in Clearwater stay on the market an average of 11 days, compared to 25 days the previous year

“Hot” Clearwater homes can go pending in about 4 days and sell for about 3% above list price

More Clearwater, Fl real estate facts

Best Neighborhoods in Clearwater, Florida: 2022 Real Estate Guide

Clearwater Beach

Mandalay

Island Estates

Moving far away?

Do it cheaper.

Sand Key

Presidential Neighborhood

Harbor Oaks

Coachman Ridge

Coachman Lake Estates

Old Clearwater Bay

Countryside

Get Help Loading Your Container

Greenbriar

Seville

Florida Neighborhoods Close to (But Not Technically) Clearwater

Dunedin

Palm Harbor

Safety Harbor

Security Deposit 101

What can prevent you from getting your security deposit back?

How do I increase the odds of getting my deposit back before I move In?

What fees or expenses are renters responsible for paying?

What can and can’t I change in the apartment?

The 5 Must-Cleans: Floors, Surfaces, Trash, Fridge and Your Belongings

Less Obvious Security Deposit Ruiners: Stains, Dings, Odors and Drains

The Power of Women in Business

“Another comprehensive peer-reviewed study found that despite the wide disparity in numbers, female-led organizations are more profitable, earn higher profit margins and perform better overall versus male-led companies.”

Trouble with Co-workers

Moving Industry Still Dominated by Men

“You want to see some change, put a girl in it”

“Today, there are roughly 211,000 U.S. businesses operating in the transportation and warehousing sector, and only 9% (roughly 19,000) are owned exclusively by women.”

True Change Comes From the Top

A Recurring Theme

Illustrations by Ana Jaks

Who’s Relocating for Love?

“Most moves that occurred because of a relationship with an unmarried partner were local.”

Where Are People In Love Moving To?

“In 2020, approximately 1,527,685 people moved for romantic reasons. By 2021, that number dropped to 1,067,234, representing a 30% drop.”

Methodology

Illustrations by Rachel Tunstall

With Valentine’s Day and the scent of relationship milestones heavy in the air, it’s time to talk about one of the biggest milestones of all: moving in with a romantic partner.

Decide whether you’re clean-slating-it, or moving into one of your existing spaces

“…(W)e each ended up saving $630 on rent by moving in together.”

Don’t be shy about talking moving costs

Get all math-y with how you split rent

“…(W)e ultimately decided to base our rent split not off of what we were spending, but what we were saving.”

Make your lovely, wonderful significant other sign a dry, unromantic cohabitation agreement

Illustrations by Molly Magnell

Homesickness Defined

Facts about homesickness

Characteristics of Homesickness

Emotional symptoms of homesickness

Physical symptoms of homesickness

Is Homesickness the Same as Depression?

How To Cope With Homesickness

How To Stay Connected to Home

How To Integrate Into Your New Area

When To Get Help

Before You Move: You Need a Smart Downsize

The eco-friendly plan

Create a space for these specific piles

Eco-friendly Moves Really Happen During the Packing

Only use these eco-friendly packing materials

The zero-waste packing method

Moving Day Must-do’s

Turn off the HVAC while you load

Save on gas and reduce exhaust

Recycle those packaging materials