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. 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 (97)

Cleaning
How to Clean Your Shower Curtain: A Complete Guide
Scrub-a-dub-dub, you don’t need a new liner for your tub
Real Estate
How Much Does Shipping Furniture Cost?
The cost to ship furniture cross country ranges between $300 and $800 per piece, and internationally, it ranges from $1,000 to $4,500
Real Estate
How to Effectively Use Straps for Moving Heavy and Bulky Furniture
Use moving straps to give your back a break on moving day
Home Interiors
How to Paint Wall Paneling and Change the Look of a Room
Wood paneling can be your favorite feature if you know how to paint it correctly
Real Estate
Who Do I Notify About My Change of Address When Moving?
Changing your address with the government and service providers helps ensure you continue to get mail and bills after your move
Real Estate
Are Moving Expenses Tax Deductible? What You Need to Know
Spoiler alert: Only active duty military members can claim this federal tax deduction
Home Exteriors
How to Hang Christmas Lights on the Ceiling With Ease and Style
Light your room with Christmas cheer any time of year
Home Construction Design
What Type of Door Goes Between Your House and Garage?
Fire-rated doors can help keep your family and property safe from fire, smoke, and poisonous fumes
Real Estate
8 Tips for Packing Fragile Items Like a Pro
With breakables in tow, your next DIY move will require lots of bubble wrap and patience
Real Estate
The 6 Important Questions You Should Ask Potential Moving Companies
Professional moving companies want to answer all of your questions—start with these six
Real Estate
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Moving Container?
The average cost to ship a moving container domestically and internationally is between $3,000 and nearly $7,000
Real Estate
Packing for Long Term Storage: 13 Tips to Avoid Damage
Don’t pack your belongings away for the long haul without reading this guide first
Landscaping Lawn Care
5 Reasons Land Surveys Are Crucial for Home Buyers
Land surveys help home and property buyers avoid future headaches, such as boundary disputes
Home Interiors
How Much Does It Cost to Remove Wallpaper?
Home Exteriors
How Much Does It Cost to Replace Siding?
The typical cost to replace siding is, on average, $10,300
Real Estate
How to Move a Couch by Yourself in 7 Steps
Home alone? It’s still possible to move your couch with the right tools
Real Estate
5 Useful Tips for Moving Your Appliances Safely
Don’t say goodbye to your beloved pro-style range stove; you can move it with you
Home Exteriors
How Much Does a Stamped Concrete Patio Cost?
The typical cost for a stamped concrete patio ranges from $2,700 to $6,220
Cleaning
How to Clean Soot From the Walls and Ceiling in 6 Low-Stress Steps
If you love candles and incense, but not their sooty stains, this DIY is for you
Real Estate
6 Must-Have Tips for Your House Hunting Checklist
Successful house hunting requires gut instinct and a go-to checklist