Articles by Kathryn Core
Xfinity vs. ADT: Professionally Monitored Systems Comparison
Our rankings, ratings and product reviews are unbiased. We do not rank or rate products or services based on our financial relationships with the companies that produce them. Our in-house research team collects extensive information used in our evaluation process, although we may not cover all options available in the marketplace. See our full methodology. ADT made our list of the best home security systems this year, and we tested the full system at a private residence in New Jersey.
Frontpoint vs. SimpliSafe: Comparing DIY Systems
Our rankings, ratings and product reviews are unbiased. We do not rank or rate products or services based on our financial relationships with the companies that produce them. Our in-house research team collects extensive information used in our evaluation process, although we may not cover all options available in the marketplace. See our full methodology.
Arlo vs. Ring Alarm: DIY Home Security Systems
Arlo: Arlo is a DIY home security company, focusing on simple self-setup. Wireless camera installation should be fairly simple, with only a plug into an outlet required for power. In-app instructions are provided for charging, battery installation (if applicable) and setup. Ring Alarm: Ring is another DIY-focused home security company. For our tester, installation took over an hour to complete due to confusing instructions when installing the system’s keypad.
Holiday Home Security: Essential Tips to Keep Your Property, Packages and Family Safe
Our rankings, ratings and product reviews are unbiased. We do not rank or rate products or services based on our financial relationships with the companies that produce them. Our in-house research team collects extensive information used in our evaluation process, although we may not cover all options available in the marketplace. See our full methodology.
Are You Making These Common Car Theft Mistakes? Security Experts Weigh In
Our rankings, ratings and product reviews are unbiased. We do not rank or rate products or services based on our financial relationships with the companies that produce them. Our in-house research team collects extensive information used in our evaluation process, although we may not cover all options available in the marketplace. See our full methodology. The National Insurance Crime Bureau reported that in 2025 alone, a total of 659,880 vehicles were stolen nationwide.
SimpliSafe vs. Vivint
Our rankings, ratings and product reviews are unbiased. We do not rank or rate products or services based on our financial relationships with the companies that produce them. Our in-house research team collects extensive information used in our evaluation process, although we may not cover all options available in the marketplace. See our full methodology.
How AI-Driven Car Shipping Marketplaces Really Work
Our rankings, ratings and product reviews are unbiased. We do not rank or rate products or services based on our financial relationships with the companies that produce them. Our in-house research team collects extensive information used in our evaluation process, although we may not cover all options available in the marketplace. See our full methodology.
How To Ship Your Car to College Safely and Affordably If you’ve struggled with deciding how to send your college student back to a long-distance school with a vehicle, you can make the process easier and safer by using a car shipping company. (Klaus Vedfe
If you've struggled with deciding how to send your college student back to a long-distance school with a vehicle, you can make the process easier and safer by using a car shipping company. This method helps your student make it back quicker and avoids adding mileage on your vehicle, contributing to its wear and tear.
The AI Security Debate: Flock Safety in Real Estate
Whether it's for neighborhood security or business, Flock Safety cameras and similar products are in the crosshairs of public scrutiny. Shown is a Flock Safety solar-powered PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) video camera. Key Takeaways Flock Safety offers a public-safety digital platform that's used by homeowners associations, residential property managers and commercial property owners, potentially impacting an area's marketability.
Don’t Overpay for Your Move: How To Prepare for Your Moving Survey
Our rankings, ratings and product reviews are unbiased. We do not rank or rate products or services based on our financial relationships with the companies that produce them. Our in-house research team collects extensive information used in our evaluation process, although we may not cover all options available in the marketplace. See our full methodology.
Heat Wave Survival: Why a Medical Alert Device Is a Non-Negotiable Tool for Seniors
Our rankings, ratings and product reviews are unbiased. We do not rank or rate products or services based on our financial relationships with the companies that produce them. Our in-house research team collects extensive information used in our evaluation process, although we may not cover all options available in the marketplace. See our full methodology. More than 700 people in the U.S. die each year from extreme heat, according to the CDC, making it a killer that should be taken seriously.
How AI-Driven Car Shipping Works If you’d rather research and compare car shipping estimates yourself and cut out the middleman, online auto transport marketplaces powered by AI fit that bill. (BiZhaMox) Most Popular
If you'd rather research and compare car shipping estimates yourself and cut out the middleman, online auto transport marketplaces powered by artificial intelligence fit that bill. Auto haulers and vehicle shipping brokers are still an option for those looking to take a more traditional route , but AI technology has opened an option for those who want more control over this decision.
Medical Guardian vs. Life Alert
About Our Team Caitlyn Fitzpatrick, Tester Caitlyn Fitzpatrick has been a professional editor and writer since 2014 and entered the commerce journalism world in 2017. She has tested a range of home products, including washing machines and dryers, vacuums, mattresses, and beyond. Craig Hanks, Tester Craig Hanks is a long-time writer and presenter and has been testing and reviewing consumer products and services since 2015. His areas of expertise include home security, streaming, and internet.
Best Cell Phone Plans
The best cell phone plans keep you online and connected via talk and text – whether that's domestically or internationally. Our research and editorial teams have evaluated cell phone providers since 2021, comparing plan options, prices and coverage, as well as feedback from current customers. AT&T came out on top as the best overall cell phone plan provider for 2026 due to its competitively priced prepaid and postpaid plans.
The Safety Checks Every Senior Needs (iStockPhoto)
Why Trust Us Our rankings, ratings and product reviews are unbiased. We do not rank or rate products or services based on our financial relationships with the companies that produce them. Our in-house research team collects extensive information used in our evaluation process, although we may not cover all options available in the marketplace.
Severe Weather Approaching? 5 Steps To Protect Your Expensive Security Cameras and Tech
Before the storm hits, a few preventive steps can secure your tech and keep your home protected. Add Cellular Connection With Battery Backup Combine cellular service with battery backup for comprehensive home security system protection. Cellular service keeps your system online and connected to a professional monitoring center even if your Wi-Fi goes down. Battery backup keeps your devices running even when your home’s power goes out.
5 Best International Car Shipping Companies
Sending your vehicle off for a long journey can feel intimidating, but international car shipping companies will help you through the process so you feel more comfortable. Here’s what to look for when researching companies. The first step in choosing an international vehicle shipping company is to check that it’s properly registered. That means registration through the FMC, which also requires these companies to be bonded for customers’ protection.
Need to Ship a Car on a Budget? The 6 Most Affordable Auto Transporters with $0 Up-front Deposits
Car shipping costs typically factor in distance, size and weight of vehicle, the vehicle’s value and condition, type of transport, pickup and drop-off locations, any extra services added on, fuel costs and season. Peak moving season, from May through September, can also mean peak car shipping costs, since demand for that service is also typically at its highest. Enclosed vs.
Best Military Car Shipping Companies for Stress-Free PCS Moves in 2026
Choosing a Military Car Shipping Company Before signing off on a car shipping provider for your military move, take into account some important factors that can ensure you choose the right fit for your personal vehicle. When shipping a personal vehicle, you can choose a car shipping broker, which coordinates shipping services only, or an auto transport carrier, which will provide the transportation and other requested services, if available.
5 Best Classic Car Shippers of 2026: How To Protect Your Investment From Scams and Scratches
Our rankings, ratings and product reviews are unbiased. We do not rank or rate products or services based on our financial relationships with the companies that produce them. Our in-house research team collects extensive information used in our evaluation process, although we may not cover all options available in the marketplace. See our full methodology. The thought of transporting your well-loved classic car or having a newly purchased vintage vehicle shipped to you may seem like a risky venture.
How Long Does a Home Warranty Last?
Even after you’ve finalized the purchase of a home warranty plan, your coverage doesn’t start right away. Most companies set a waiting period of 30 days before you can file a claim. When it comes to older homes, companies may impose even longer waiting periods, sometimes up to 90 days. This is to discourage homeowners from using their home warranty to cover an item that’s already broken.
Best Motorcycle Shipping Companies
Our rankings, ratings and product reviews are unbiased. We do not rank or rate products or services based on our financial relationships with the companies that produce them. Our in-house research team collects extensive information used in our evaluation process, although we may not cover all options available in the marketplace. See our full methodology.
What To Know About Home Warranties for New Homes
Our rankings, ratings and product reviews are unbiased. We do not rank or rate products or services based on our financial relationships with the companies that produce them. Our in-house research team collects extensive information used in our evaluation process, although we may not cover all options available in the marketplace. See our full methodology.
Moving Brokers vs. Moving Carriers and Shipping Companies
Using a moving broker can sometimes get you a better price. A broker can find a mover it works with whose tariff includes the pricing that fits your budget, as well as has the services you need. This can include common services like packing and furniture disassembly or more specialized options like custom crating and special handling for large or delicate items. However, brokers won’t handle the physical parts of a move, as they don’t have a fleet of moving trucks or moving crews.
Compare Moving Quotes for Free
Having at least a general inventory of what you want to move is a good idea, especially if you’re trying to source a number of ballpark quotes before actually going through a visual survey of your belongings. An inventory list can be broken down into the rooms of your home. An inventory for the living room, for example, can include all of the furniture, electronics and accessories like lamps, while the kitchen can include all of the appliances moving with you.
Moving From the U.K. to the U.S.
Our rankings, ratings and product reviews are unbiased. We do not rank or rate products or services based on our financial relationships with the companies that produce them. Our in-house research team collects extensive information used in our evaluation process, although we may not cover all options available in the marketplace. See our full methodology.
Moving Abroad Checklist and Timing Tips
Moving from the U.S. to Canada might simply require a moving truck, while a move overseas is a whole different ballgame. First, determine what you want to move. If you want to take all of your possessions with you, this might require a shipping container. Everything from a two- to three-bedroom home might require its own 40-foot shipping container. If you’re moving a smaller amount of goods, though, you can take advantage of LCL (Less than Container Load) shipping, which should save you money.
How To Move With Pets
To begin the process of crate training, ensure the crate feels like a sanctuary rather than a punishment. “You can start by leaving the carrier in a quiet location with the door open,” advises Susan Nilson, a training and behavior specialist for cats and dogs and owner of The Cat and Dog House. “Then, encourage your pet to explore it by enticing him inside using catnip (for cats) and treats (cats and dogs).
6 Best Cheap Moving Companies of 2026
Our rankings, ratings and product reviews are unbiased. We do not rank or rate products or services based on our financial relationships with the companies that produce them. Our in-house research team collects extensive information used in our evaluation process, although we may not cover all options available in the marketplace. See our full methodology.
Moving From New York City to Los Angeles: What You Need To Know
Full-service movers can handle all of the logistics of a cross-country move and provide extra services like packing, unpacking, handling delicate or bulky items and sometimes storage and vehicle shipping as well. You can typically choose between standard service, which includes loading, transportation and unloading, and full service, which usually adds packing (but not unpacking).
How To Move From New York To California
Some parts of California and New York have similar costs of living – Los Angeles and New York City, for example – but California has a higher cost of living overall. According to 2024 data (released in February 2026) from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis, California has a higher regional price parity rate, a measure of the change in price levels in states and metro areas.
What Is a Relocation Assistance Program?
HUD currently* offers these programs for relocation assistance: Emergency Solutions Grant: The ESG grant program is intended to aid people experiencing a housing crisis, such as being homeless or on the brink of homelessness. Housing Choice Voucher Program: Also known as Section 8 housing, this program offers a subsidy to people with low incomes, including the elderly, veterans and people who are disabled, that allows them to rent affordable eligible housing in the private market.
Trailer Hitch Installation Costs
To gauge how much you’ll pay for your entire trailer hitch purchase, consider the following main factors: Types of Trailer Hitches The most common noncommercial type is a receiver hitch. It’s the kind you see under the bumper of vehicles. Expect to pay between about $150 and $400 for a receiver hitch.
Apple Reaches $250 Million Settlement in Class-Action Lawsuit Over AI Claims
Some iPhone owners will be eligible to receive claims over misleading AI promises. Key Takeaways: On Tuesday, May 5, Apple agreed to a $250 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit. The lawsuit claimed Apple overstated the abilities of Apple Intelligence, its artificial intelligence system, during its 2024 rollout. As part of the settlement, Apple has denied any wrongdoing.
How To Move From California to North Carolina
Asheville is situated in the mountainous western portion of North Carolina and offers scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It has the highest cost of living among the popular North Carolina cities profiled here. The city is home to the historic Biltmore Estate and Biltmore Village. It has a thriving arts district and a wide variety of restaurants and entertainment options to keep the whole family busy.
How to Move From California to Texas
The capital of Texas, Austin is situated in the east-central part of the state and is known for its music scene, but it also has a healthy job market with key industries like clean energy, advanced manufacturing, data management, life sciences and space technology. The population of Austin just reached more than 1 million people in January 2025, according to the Texas Demographic Center’s population estimates.
How Much To Tip Movers
Our rankings, ratings and product reviews are unbiased. We do not rank or rate products or services based on our financial relationships with the companies that produce them. Our in-house research team collects extensive information used in our evaluation process, although we may not cover all options available in the marketplace. See our full methodology.
Move-Out Checklist for Renters 2026
The first task to complete when you’ve decided to move out of your rental is to review your lease. Look for the amount of notice you need to give your landlord before vacating, as well as any financial penalties you may incur for breaking a lease early and any agreements about the condition of the unit upon vacating it. These will be important to ensure you leave on good terms. Submit notice to your landlord in accordance with the agreed-upon lease terms.
How To Pack Dishes for Moving
How To Pack Dishes for Moving It’s usually better to pack plates vertically because this can lessen the chance of breakage. Place a layer of cushion on the bottom of the box and then add a layer of vertically stacked, individually wrapped plates in the box, placing a layer of cushioning over that. Cushioning can include a towel, piece of cardboard, packing paper, T-shirt or other item that will protect the plates. Depending on the box size, you can then repeat the process with another layer.
6 Best International Moving Companies of 2026
Our rankings, ratings and product reviews are unbiased. We do not rank or rate products or services based on our financial relationships with the companies that produce them. Our in-house research team collects extensive information used in our evaluation process, although we may not cover all options available in the marketplace. See our full methodology. Domestic moves are hard enough, but the level of difficulty rises when you add in what’s needed for international moves.
How To File a Permanent Change of Address
Our rankings, ratings and product reviews are unbiased. We do not rank or rate products or services based on our financial relationships with the companies that produce them. Our in-house research team collects extensive information used in our evaluation process, although we may not cover all options available in the marketplace. See our full methodology. You can submit a permanent address change with USPS in two ways: in person and online.
How To File a Temporary Change of Address
Our rankings, ratings and product reviews are unbiased. We do not rank or rate products or services based on our financial relationships with the companies that produce them. Our in-house research team collects extensive information used in our evaluation process, although we may not cover all options available in the marketplace. See our full methodology. You have two options for filing a temporary change of address with the USPS: online or in person.
5 Best Junk Removal Companies
Our rankings, ratings and product reviews are unbiased. We do not rank or rate products or services based on our financial relationships with the companies that produce them. Our in-house research team collects extensive information used in our evaluation process, although we may not cover all options available in the marketplace. See our full methodology. Got junk? Your local sanitation department may not handle all the items you want to throw out.
5 Best Moving Companies for Small Moves
Our rankings, ratings and product reviews are unbiased. We do not rank or rate products or services based on our financial relationships with the companies that produce them. Our in-house research team collects extensive information used in our evaluation process, although we may not cover all options available in the marketplace. See our full methodology. Small moves can have their own particular challenges, particularly with apartments and high-rises.
Moving From the U.S. to Canada
If you're planning a move to our northern neighbor Canada, you'll need to know the best way to relocate your life across the border, immigrate legally and settle into your new home. We researched every phase — from choosing a moving company to finding housing — to help your international move go smoothly. Why You Can Trust Us Our rankings, ratings and product reviews are unbiased. We do not rank or rate products or services based on our financial relationships with the companies that produce them.
What Is a Bill of Lading for Residential Moves?
Our rankings, ratings and product reviews are unbiased. We do not rank or rate products or services based on our financial relationships with the companies that produce them. Our in-house research team collects extensive information used in our evaluation process, although we may not cover all options available in the marketplace. See our full methodology. A bill of lading is your first line of defense to protect yourself when relocating to a new home.
How To Ship Furniture
Our rankings, ratings and product reviews are unbiased. We do not rank or rate products or services based on our financial relationships with the companies that produce them. Our in-house research team collects extensive information used in our evaluation process, although we may not cover all options available in the marketplace. See our full methodology. The furniture shipping option you pick can make or break your move experience.
Best Interstate Moving Companies of 2026
Our rankings, ratings and product reviews are unbiased. We do not rank or rate products or services based on our financial relationships with the companies that produce them. Our in-house research team collects extensive information used in our evaluation process, although we may not cover all options available in the marketplace. See our full methodology. Best Overall United Van Lines is our best overall interstate moving company. It also makes the top three in our Best Moving Companies rating.
Median Home Prices in Every State
California: $706,333 California is a desirable place to live due to its weather, geography and major industries. Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose and San Francisco are all coastal cities with strong industries that pull in people from all over the country and world. These areas also have higher median home sale prices than the overall state’s median pricing, ranging from $909,333 in San Diego to more than $1.3 million in San Francisco.
5 Best Pet Shipping Services
Services Offered The first thing to check when considering a pet transportation service is whether it specializes in domestic or international shipping. With domestic transport, you can usually expect that there will be ground transportation, by car, or air transportation. When traveling within a state or a localized region, ground transportation is likely cheaper and easier, but air travel may be the more convenient option the farther away you roam.
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