Dawn M. Smith

Contributing Writer

Thanks to military life, Dawn knows all too well the ups and downs of creating a new home after each move. She uses her experience to write about real estate and home topics for publications that include HomeLight and MilitaryByOwner.

Dawn M. Smith
Dawn M. Smith

About

Thanks to military life, Dawn knows all too well the ups and downs of creating a new home after each move. From scouting the best neighborhoods to choosing the perfect paint color and hiring home professionals, she gets it all done (usually in a hurry) with her family and Golden Retriever in tow. She uses her experience to write about real estate and home topics for publications that include HomeLight and MilitaryByOwner.

Articles
Dawn M. Smith  •  May 5, 2026
How to Hire the Best Moving Company to Make Your Move a Breeze
You’re ready to move, but you're stuck on how to hire movers. Don’t waste a minute more; we’ve got you. Use this hiring guide to learn how to find the best moving company for you.
Dawn M. Smith  •  May 5, 2026
Who Do I Notify About My Change of Address When Moving?
Moving soon? Print this change of address checklist to ensure you contact everyone necessary before the move to your new home. From the post office and utilities to your Amazon account, we’ve got a comprehensive to-do list for your upcoming move.
Dawn M. Smith  •  May 5, 2026
8 Electrical Dangers Every Homeowner Should Know
Whether you own or rent your home, you have to watch for potential electrical dangers. To help, check out our guide to eight electrical dangers to know.
Dawn M. Smith  •  May 5, 2026
Real Estate Lingo 101: 40 Terms Buyers and Sellers Should Know
No one is born knowing real estate terms, but learning what they mean is easy. Study this list of common terms and acronyms you’ll hear when buying and selling.
Dawn M. Smith  •  May 5, 2026
The 4 Keys to Finding and Using the Right Boxes For Your Move
After the stress of finding a new house or a job, it seems like filling boxes should be the easiest part of your move. It can be if you know what to look for. Don’t wing it; plan ahead with these tips for finding and using the right-sized boxes.
Dawn M. Smith  •  May 5, 2026
6 Tips For Packing a Computer Safely for Moving
If you’re concerned about damaging your computer during your move, you’re not alone. Ease your mind with these six computer-packing tips to ensure a safe move.
Dawn M. Smith  •  May 5, 2026
How to Properly Ship a Refrigerator When You Move
If the refrigerator in your new home doesn’t fit, or you have a strong attachment to your current one, you’ll need a strategy for shipping it safely. Here’s how to properly ship a refrigerator and tips for avoiding hits and dings along the way.
Dawn M. Smith  •  May 5, 2026
Should I Downsize My House? 5 Questions to Ask Yourself
Thinking about downsizing? There’s many factors to consider, including finances and lifestyle. These questions will help you decide whether to downsize.