I leave mine where they are. I figure it's not worth the stress on them, nor the effort on my part to keep moving them back and forth. Any splits I make are either housed there or are moved to the next location that needs bees. I place mine with people who would like to have bees around for their gardens or small orchards. They are making honey for me no matter where they're at and if I can help someone else at the same time, that's all the better.