You should consider hiring professional movers for moves that seem too daunting, dangerous, or involve large, heavy objects. The larger your home and the longer the distance, the more likely you are to need professional help. A moving service can take the hardest tasks off your plate and reduce the risk of personal injury. However, if you are only moving a few light items, you can save money by moving on your own and renting a truck. Keep in mind that a DIY move requires significant planning and time. A hybrid option is also available, where you hire movers just to lift and transport heavy items to your vehicle.

The first step in moving a house is to provide blueprints and assess which parts of the house you can move. The next steps are obtaining permits, inspecting the structure, securing road permits, and getting bank approval.

When it's time to move, professionals can prepare the house by disconnecting utilities, removing items, and adding support braces. The house is then lifted with steel beams, jacked up, and placed on dollies for transport. Once it’s at the new location, it gets lowered onto the new foundation, utilities get reconnected, and additional features, like porches or garages, are added.

Yes, it is generally possible to move a stair lift to another home, but the feasibility depends on the type of lift. Straight stair lifts are much simpler to move and can usually be reinstalled on other straight staircases with professional help. Curved stair lifts, however, are custom-built for a specific stairway. Because each rail is designed to fit the unique curves of the original staircase, it is unlikely to work in a new home. Moving a curved lift can be costly and challenging, and you may need to sell or remove the old unit and install a new one at your new location.

If you are hiring professional movers, their company will handle any permits and similar arrangements. But if you are renting a truck to move yourself, you may have to pay permits when moving across state lines or away from a specific city or town. Research your move and its requirements as you plan. Most states, cities, and even rental companies offer useful information about what permits you may need.