Moving Tips and Advice

Moving to a new home is exciting, but it is also one of the biggest changes a family can go through, especially when you are coordinating school records, sports schedules, and a nervous dog or cat all at the same time. Kids and pets both thrive on routine, so a move can unsettle them in ways adults do not always expect. The good news is that with a little planning, you can make an interstate move feel like the start of a new adventure instead of a stressful upheaval. Here are six practical tips

A successful move comes down to one thing: starting early and staying organized. This moving checklist breaks the entire process into clear, week-by-week steps, from two months before moving day through the moment you hand over your keys. Work through it in order and you can avoid the last-minute scramble that makes moving so stressful. Feel free to print this page and check off each task as you go. At Craig Van Lines, we have helped families and businesses across Northern Virginia, Washingt

Packing is the part of moving most people dread, and the data backs that up: in industry moving surveys, nearly half of people say packing is the single hardest part of a move. So the question is a fair one. Should you hire a full-packing service and let trained packers box up your entire home, or save money and pack it yourself? Short answer: hire professional packers if your priority is time, safety, and stress relief, and pack yourself if your priority is saving money and you have the sch

By the Team at Craig Van Lines  |  Gainesville & Fairfax, VA  |  Serving Northern Virginia, Maryland & Washington, D.C. since 1918 Published: September 6, 2023  |  Last Updated: May 2026 When you hire a moving company, one of the most important — and most misunderstood — topics that comes up is coverage. What happens if something is damaged? What does the mover actually owe you? And should you buy additional insurance on top of what the moving com

Hiring a moving company is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during a relocation — and one of the most consequential if you get it wrong. The moving industry, unfortunately, includes a share of unreliable operators: companies that quote low, show up late, hold belongings hostage for surprise fees, or simply don’t carry the insurance they claim to have. The good news: the right questions asked upfront separate the professionals from the pretenders. This guide gives you exa

2025 was a standout year for moving and relocation insights from Craig Van Lines. From managing emotional stress to protecting valuables and understanding national migration patterns, these posts offered practical advice, thought-provoking trends, and real-world tips for anyone planning a local or long-distance move. Whether you’re preparing for a family move, summer storage, or just curious about moving logistics, this curated list highlights the most engaging and useful content from Craig V

It's no secret that moving is stressful, but many don't know the side effects this stress can have on your mental health. While moving to a new area can do wonders for your emotional and mental well-being, the process of packing can still take a toll on someone struggling with a mental illness. Between the physical strain of moving, the mental strain of emotional regulation, and the other feelings of homesickness you may experience, it's only natural to experience a decline in your overall heal

Each year, millions of Americans relocate across town, to a new metro, or across state lines. For a moving and storage company like Craig Van Lines, understanding where people are going and why offers critical insight into demand, emerging routes, and the kinds of services customers will need. Below is a deep dive into the most current trends in internal U.S. migration, what’s driving them, and how patterns differ by age and life stage. Migration Trends in the U.S.: Big Picture Sun Belt

Moving homes isn’t just a logistical shift, it’s emotional terrain, especially for children. Through years of helping families settle smoothly, I’ve seen what truly helps kids adapt: empathy, involvement, and a dash of creativity. Here’s how to turn the upheaval into a positive adventure, for both you and your kids. 1. Talk About It Honestly and Openly Before the move, explain why you’re relocating, whether it’s for better schools, a fresh start, or more space for everyone. Hi

When the temperatures soar during a Virginia summer, storing personal and professional belongings requires more than just packing boxes and stacking them in a unit. Many household and office items are highly sensitive to heat and humidity—and improper storage can lead to permanent damage. At Craig Van Lines, a family-owned and operated moving and storage company serving Northern Virginia for over 80 years, we’ve helped thousands of customers protect their belongings through all seasons. Belo