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Rebecca Walter
Senior WriterRebecca Walter is a senior writer for USA Today Homefront specializing in moving. She has won multiple awards for her writing, including recognition from the North Carolina Press Association for reporting on housing market trends. Her half-dozen moves in the last decade have perfected her packing skills, making her the go-to packer amongst her friends and family. Rebecca studied journalism and political science at Murray State University. She is located in Asheville, North Carolina, where she enjoys hiking, yoga, and reading.
Recent Stories
![Workers unloading boxes from moving van outdoors.](https://d2hal1rtfsjwuv.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/11141015/AdobeStock_456723627-600x400.jpeg)
The cost to move a two-bedroom house primarily depends on whether you hire professional movers or handle the move independently. If you hire movers for a local relocation, expect to pay an hourly rate of $172 to $296. If your two-bedroom move is long-distance, professional movers start at around $3,350 if you handle the packing…
![Water softener with salt pellets in the tank](https://d2hal1rtfsjwuv.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/30044115/AdobeStock_706757179-600x400.jpeg)
Whole-house water softener system costs typically range from $600 to $800 if you’re shopping at a major home improvement retailer such as Lowe’s. High-end models can cost as much as $3,500, depending on features such as size, type, maximum grain capacity and extras such as carbon filtration, remote monitoring and WiFi capability. Some water softeners,…
![Vertical Empty white laundry room with water heater tank and wall mounted wire shelf](https://d2hal1rtfsjwuv.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/06204640/AdobeStock_501298665-429x600.jpeg)
Water heaters are essential to the functionality and comfortability of the modern home. The appliance provides hot water for everyday activities such as cooking, washing dishes, laundry and bathing. When a water heater isn’t functioning properly, it may need replacement. The average installation cost ranges from $1,600 to $5,400, according to estimates from Home Depot.…
![Aerial View of Suburban Milwaukee Neighborhood with Lush Greenery](https://d2hal1rtfsjwuv.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/05051522/AdobeStock_696527516-600x337.jpeg)
North American Van Lines and Gorilla Movers of Wisconsin are our picks for the best moving companies in Wisconsin. North American Van Lines’ not-to-exceed pricing model makes budgeting for your move easier. This national mover also has highly rated locations throughout the state. Gorilla Movers of Wisconsin has more than two decades of experience facilitating…
![Condensing tankless hot water heater connected to a recirculation system and storage tank](https://d2hal1rtfsjwuv.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/03043100/AdobeStock_574803311-600x400.jpeg)
The cost of a tankless water heater is typically around $120 to $2,760. Prices vary based on brand, fuel source (liquid propane or natural gas), warranty type and additional features, such as heat pump technology and energy efficiency. Tankless water heater installation will typically range from $2,400 to $5,400 — including the appliance, labor costs…
![Aerial view of Oceanfront homes on the north shore of Oahu Hawaii](https://d2hal1rtfsjwuv.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/09203931/AdobeStock_284198573-600x448.jpeg)
We trust International Van Lines to handle your long-distance move and all of the challenges that come with it. The company’s wide availability, including in isolated states such as Hawaii, makes its customizable service options accessible to more people. We recommend Royal Hawaiian Movers and Island Movers for local moves in Hawaii. Royal Hawaiian Movers…
![Aerial View of the Twin Cities Suburb of Prior Lake, Minnesota](https://d2hal1rtfsjwuv.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10045849/AdobeStock_463509072-600x399.jpeg)
Minnesota was ranked as the fifth best state to live and work in 2023, according to CNBC’s America’s Top States for Business study. It’s not surprising, then, that Americans are flocking to the upper Midwest state in droves — 120,500 people moved to Minnesota in 2022. Luckily, moving companies in Minnesota are not lacking when…
![Aerial shot of Lancaster in New Hampshire, USA](https://d2hal1rtfsjwuv.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/27033422/AdobeStock_458292937-600x450.jpeg)
New Hampshire is the fifth smallest state in the U.S. — clocking in at just 9,349 square miles — but it doesn’t lack quality providers for long-distance and local moves. The USA TODAY Homefront team researched and shopped more than 15 popular national movers and found that Allied Van Lines, Gentle Giant Moving Company and…
![Two mover load van with furniture boxes](https://d2hal1rtfsjwuv.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/24144849/AdobeStock_40949688-600x400.jpeg)
Hiring the right moving company to do the heavy lifting isn’t a decision to take lightly. Before you hire a provider, consider the type of mover you plan to hire (carrier versus broker), add-on services and insurance. To learn more about what drives consumer choice and understand the priorities of Americans who recently moved, USA…
![Aerial View of Suburbs in North Salt Lake](https://d2hal1rtfsjwuv.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/17030201/AdobeStock_86350746-600x450.jpeg)
Utah saw the 13th-highest influx of new residents in 2023, making this western state a busy place for local and long-distance moves. We researched dozens of companies and requested multiple quotes to find the best moving companies in the state. After careful vetting, we trust North American Van Lines, Momentum Moving and Two Men and…
![Sunset View with Mount St Helens from deck of luxury homes in Happy Valley Oregon in Clackamas County](https://d2hal1rtfsjwuv.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/13015127/AdobeStock_113731640-600x400.jpeg)
Planning a move can be mentally and physically taxing — and that’s before you factor in an annual average of 200 inches of rainfall in Oregon’s wettest regions. After deep research, we think Allied Van Lines, JK Moving Services and Portland Movers Company are the best professional movers to handle the stress of your moving…
![Panorama aerial view traditional residential neighborhood west of Chicago.](https://d2hal1rtfsjwuv.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/07035002/AdobeStock_236145237-600x264.jpeg)
As the sixth-most-populated state in the country, Illinois is a busy place for local and long-distance moving companies. After researching dozens of companies and gathering multiple quotes, we trust Allied Van Lines, North American Van Lines and Pack-Men Movers LLC to handle your Illinois move. Allied and NAVL have highly rated locations within the state…
![Semi Trucks on the Nevada Highway, USA.](https://d2hal1rtfsjwuv.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20205708/AdobeStock_438441288-600x366.jpeg)
United Van Lines (United) is a well-established moving company with a vast network of agents in the United States and headquarters around the world. United’s extensive reach allows the mover to offer a range of services, including local, long-distance and international moves. Its highly customizable service options make it a top contender in the best…
![semi trailer truck moving on the highway](https://d2hal1rtfsjwuv.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/14185318/AdobeStock_679160629-600x400.jpeg)
North American Van Lines (NAVL) has established itself as one of the top companies for a variety of move types. With over 90 years of experience and a global service area, this moving company has the expertise and connections to help get you where you need to go. Experience and availability are just a few…
![white semi truck carrying cargo](https://d2hal1rtfsjwuv.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/19050514/AdobeStock_679421308-600x400.jpeg)
Typically spanning multiple days of travel time, long-distance moves can be overwhelming and require careful planning. We chose International Van Lines (IVL) and Allied Van Lines as the best long-distance moving companies based on our in-depth review process and secret shopping. Meet the expert Sean Donnelly is a former professional mover. He served as a…