Sean Donnelly
WriterSean Donnelly is a writer for USA TODAY Homefront. His content draws on more than three years of experience in the moving industry. He started as a laborer and was quickly promoted to moving crew leader. Sean also served as a move coordinator, where he conducted in-home and virtual estimates for customers. During his time in the industry, Sean assisted more than 500 clients with their relocation needs. Thanks to his years of hand-on experience, he understands all aspects of moving — from proper preparation to the quote process to effective packing techniques. Sean studied English literature and creative writing at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and is still located in the greater Springfield area. When he isn’t writing, Sean is a cohead coach of the boxing team at his alma mater.
Recent Stories
U-Haul is our top choice for moving truck rentals due to its truck size options and widespread availability. Many top truck rental companies also sell moving and packing supplies and partner with local moving companies for moving labor. Booking a moving truck rental for your upcoming DIY move is the best way to save money.…
Our No. 1 pick for luxury moving needs is JK Moving Services because its moving teams receive some of the most comprehensive training in the moving industry. Each background-checked mover it hires trains at a fully furnished two-story home at JK’s headquarters, mimicking real moving processes and scenarios. American Van Lines is a close second…
U.S. Census data shows more than 50,000 residents moved from California to Florida between 2021 and 2022, making it one of the most popular routes among American moving customers. Florida’s cost of living — which is 23.6% lower than California’s across all factors — and lack of state income tax have made relocating there a…
We recommend North American Van Lines and Allied Van Lines for long-distance relocation services in Missouri. Both operate under the global relocation service provider Sirva, enabling them to conduct moves of any size and distance via their highly rated locations in Missouri. North American Van Lines’ “bottom-line” and “not-to-exceed” pricing options make it a good…
We recommend Allied Van Lines for long-distance moves to or from Louisiana. If you’re booking within Louisiana, Allied’s Elmwood location near New Orleans offers highly rated service plus access to full-service packing, short- and long-term storage and dedicated small-move solutions via its Allied Express service plans. If you’re planning a local move, start your quote…
California’s numerous job opportunities in finance, manufacturing and information technology, plus its diverse landscape and unique climate zones, attract thousands of new residents each year. More than 31,000 residents moved from New York to California in 2022 despite the West Coast state’s slightly higher cost of living, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. When planning…
We recommend Allied Van Lines and North American Van Lines (NAVL) for long-distance moves to or from Kentucky. Allied offers a small-move package called Allied Express that provides expedited moving container assistance for two-bedroom and smaller homes, plus basic and specialty services for larger residences. NAVL offers long-distance service via multiple Kentucky locations and access…
We recommend North American Van Lines (NAVL) for long-distance moves to and from Nebraska. It offers “not-to-exceed” and “bottom-line” pricing, which can help you stay within your budget. For local Nebraska moves, we like College Hunks. In addition to loading and transportation, College Hunks offers junk removal, packing services and more. Each moving company we…
We recommend Mayflower and Interstate Moving & Relocation Group (IMRG) for a long-distance Vermont move. Mayflower’s dedicated service packages for small and large moves make it a versatile option, and IMRG’s vast partner network allows clients in all locations to book local and long-distance services. For local moves within the state, we found that Grunts…
Nevada is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States; Las Vegas alone saw more than 3 million visitors in March 2024. If you’re planning a move around one of the state’s bustling urban centers, booking with an experienced mover will help you work around increased traffic and congested roadways. We recommend…
Indiana’s low housing costs and property taxes may attract movers seeking decreased living expenses — more than 149,000 new residents moved there in 2022 per Census data. Whether you’re a Hoosier State native moving to downtown Indianapolis or a newcomer entering the state’s fast-growing renewable energy field, our guide will help you find a reputable…
Flat-rate movers help you stick to your budget because you know what you’re going to pay. When a full-service mover offers flat-rate quotes, you can count on receiving all agreed-upon services at that price unless your inventory or move distance meaningfully changes after receiving the quote. Our research shows American Van Lines and Safeway Moving…
Summer temperatures peak at more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit in most parts of Arizona, with several regions reaching well over 80 degrees Fahrenheit through November. Moving to your new home in such heat could slow the process and pose safety risks. We recommend booking a pro mover in late fall, winter or early spring to…
Booking pet transport services for your animal companion’s travel or permanent relocation can be a difficult proposition. You’ll have to choose a company whose hiring practices and shipping options provide you with peace of mind that your pet will be safe in transit. We’ve reviewed several of the best relocation services for furry friends, including…
Whether you’re moving to the Peach State for its lower cost of living, positive environment for workers or the warm weather, hiring a qualified moving company to assist you is an important step. More than 300,000 new residents moved to Georgia between 2021 and 2022, making it one of the fastest-growing states in the country.…
Whether you’re looking forward to Alabama’s outdoor recreation and fisheries or its barbecue eateries, you’ll find many reasons to call it home. When you move in, you’ll undoubtedly be welcomed with classic Southern hospitality, too. We recommend North American Van Lines (NAVL) and Allied Van Lines for interstate moving services to and from Alabama. These…
After extensive research, we recommend North American Van Lines and Leaders Moving & Storage Co. as the best movers to consider for your Ohio move. NAVL stands out for its bottom-line pricing for local and long-distance relocations. Leaders Moving & Storage is a local Ohio mover that scored 5 out of 5 stars on our…
Many new residents are attracted to Iowa’s job opportunities in manufacturing and green energy, as well as its low unemployment rate. Whether you’re moving to America’s Heartland for the wide open spaces or lower cost of living, you’ll want to book a qualified moving company to assist you. We’ve broken down the best moving companies…
The birthplace of blues music and the namesake of the longest river in North America, Mississippi is a Southern state with lots of character. But its predominantly rural nature and humid subtropical climate can make moving difficult to do on your own. We recommend United Van Lines and International Van Lines as the first companies…
When planning a move, getting quotes from several companies is a crucial part of the process. But did you know that moving companies have different service models that could affect the quality of your experience? While all moving companies must maintain a form of registration with the government, their authorizations will differ depending on their…