Help on Using Movers

While the season for moving during the summer is winding to a close, it is still going strong as people relocate all around the country. As anyone that's moved before knows, packing everything you own into piles of boxes is a trying ordeal and sometimes ends up being much more stressful than you first imagined.

WTOP News recently posted a feature about the moving season and how to prepare for movers. Apparently, "an estimated 40 million Americans move each year, with August being high season". The tips provided in the article about using movers cover the entire moving process, from planning and organizing to the actual day of the move. Some of the tips include things like packing a couple of weeks worth of dishes and clothes to reduce stress as well as getting snacks and drinks ready for the movers on the big day.

If you're moving this month or thinking about moving in the near future, these tips on movers are a must-read. To find out more, head over to WTOP News.

Cleaning to Sell

Now that the moving season is underway, many homeowners are getting ready to become home buyers and home sellers. While the prospect of relocating and finding a new place to live can be exciting and adventurous, it can often times be stressful to being the process of moving.

To help start the move and the selling process, US News has posted a great list of cleaning tips for people looking to sell their home and help get it "market-ready". Some of the tips include:

• Wash windows inside and out. Use a drop of liquid dish soap per two gallons of water and a good squeegee. Dry the window with crumpled newspaper. You'll get the best results if you wash windows on a cloudy, not sunny day, because sunlight dries the glass quickly, causing it to streak.
• Odors can get trapped in drapes and window treatments; if washable take them down and wash in water heated to at least 130 degrees.
• Box up all nonessential items to eliminate clutter. Even junior's toys can be an eyesore. Keep only the most used toys in a container that can be stored in the closed.

A list like this is a great resource for new sellers and old alike. To read these tips and more, head on over to US News.

Moving Along Frugally

17 Tips for Moving on a Budget

Perhaps you're tired of living in the same apartment complex or you have a hankerin' for the suburbs — either way it's moving time.

I know what it's like to move and after you're done with putting down deposits and pay first and last months rent, you're pretty much tapped out money wise, but there's still that moving part you haven't addressed. Bellow are some helpful tips to moving on a budget.

• Bundle Your Home Entertainment Services — Bundling your home entertainment services saves you money and gives you one conveniently low monthly bill.


• Mover Quotes — Get at least three different quotes from moving companies to get the best low price.


• Boxes — Ask friend, co-workers and anyone you can for free boxes. For the adventurous visit dumpsters behind large grocery stores.


• Packing Tape — Borrow a tape dispenser instead of buying your own.


• Packing Breakables — Use clothes, towels and newspaper to wrap breakable items instead of buying bubble wrap or packing peanuts. If you insist on having bubble wrap or packing peanuts, ask the receptionist at your job to save them for you when she receives company packages. Same goes for shredded company paper.


• Newspaper — If you decide to use newspaper to wrap breakable items then take the free newspapers you can find around town, or ask friends and coworkers to save theirs for you. You can even ask your local coffee shop to hang on to their daily papers for you.


• Minimize Items to Move — Go through all your items like clothes, knick knacks, etc. and throw out or give away things you know you don't want anymore. This will lessen what you have to move, thus making your move less expensive.


• Garage Sale — Sale items before you move to make extra moving money.


• Hire Your Friends — Instead of getting movers, hire your friends. At the end of the day buying pizza and beer to pay your friends will be less expensive than hiring movers.


• Move During Off Season — If at all possible don't move during peak season, which is mid-May to mid-September. Movers are usually looking for work in January and February, so you can get a better rate.


• Pack Your Own Items — Don't hire someone to pack your household. Do it yourself and invite your friends to help.


• Tax Deductions — Did you know you can deduct allowable moving expenses? Remember to keep all receipts!


• Child and Pet Care — Ask friends or family to watch your children or pets the day of the move.


• Sleeping Arrangements — If you need to stay overnight during your move, it is better to stay with family or friends rather than getting a motel room.


• Food — For long distance moves where you will need to eat on the road, pack food to eat instead of eating out or get coupons for places to eat along your route.


• Use Containers — You don't need boxes for everything. If you have storage bins or even suitcases use them to pack items.


• Pick Up Trucks & Vans — Ask friends who have truck and vans to borrow them for your move instead of renting a moving truck.

Beware of the Big Bad Moving Broker

With the advent of the internet there have been more opportunities to take advantage of consumers. People use brokers for everything from finances to our energy needs, so why not use a broker for other events in our lives? Well, one of the newest scams being utilized is moving brokers.

According to the recent Census Bureau, 39.8 million people in the United States moved within the previous in 2006. This means that a huge portion of the population had the same needs. Knowing this, would-be criminals have developed a way to monetize the industry by using the internet to prey on people's desire to save time and money.

Traditionally, moving brokers help the consumer to shop the local competition to find the best rate for the customer's move. However, recently some moving brokers have been devising methods to take advantage of that customer. Some work directly with a moving company. The mover will provide a bid lower than industry standard, so the customer uses his company for the move. The furniture is loaded, but before arriving at the new location the mover requests additional money from the customer for the move and holds hostage all property until this is made. Customers find that they can no longer contact their broker, and are forced to pay for their own belongings.

Crooked brokers also utilize another scam to dupe consumers. They require a customer to submit a down payment to lock in a price. When thinking of the cost of a state-to-state move, the cost savings can be extraordinary, which is why a consumer is apt to buy into an extremely reasonable rate. Those moving interstate are also more likely to plan weeks or even months in advance, so by the time they contact the broker again, they are nowhere to be found—phones are disconnected and websites are no longer available. When dealing with an internet-based company that is individually run, there is no way of knowing their location and who to look for when problems arise.

Now here's the good news! There are many reputable moving companies and methods to get a good qualified moving lead from an internet-based company.

• A consumer should use a reputable lead source. Check for credibility. Are they a member of the BBB (Better Business Bureau)?
• Are you able to get the estimate/quote in writing?
• Is the company you chose licensed? This can be checked online with the Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
• Do not pay up front for a price guarantee. Most reputable companies will not require a payment until the day of the move.
• Shop around. Make sure to contact an aggregate that will get several estimates.
• Be honest. Moving companies are allowed to charge more than the estimated price if the consumer was not honest about what actually needed to be moved. By law they are not required to itemize the extra expense or weigh the additional items.

With a few simple, extra steps we can protect ourselves from moving scams.

Gentle Giant Offers Moving Tips and Free Packing Seminar

Gentle Giant Moving Company, a residential mover in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, and Virginia, recently announced the return of its "Pack Like the Pros" summer season packing seminar on July 21, 2007. The company also published an updated advisory on common packing pitfalls and offered tips for anyone planning to pack their own belongings for an upcoming residential move.

The free "Pack Like the Pros" seminar will be held on Saturday, July 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., at the Gentle Giant headquarters in Somerville, Massachusetts. A complimentary sampling of professional packing materials will be provided to each guest at the seminar, where experts will demonstrate hands-on packing techniques, offer tips, and provide advice on preventing damage during a move.

"We want to share important information that many people may not know about safe and effective packing," said Larry O'Toole President and founder of Gentle Giant Moving Company. "Based on years of experience with common moving challenges as well as the knowledge we have regarding how to pack newer electronics and high-tech equipment, we feel that we have the ability to help people, whether they move with us or not. Our goal is to improve the process of moving for everyone by reducing packing stress."

According to Gentle Giant's Quality Control Director Ayanna McKinnon, "Customers are often surprised when we show them how to pack certain items or tell them which items are most susceptible to damage while moving." McKinnon offers the following advice on preparing for a move:

• Wrap mattresses and box springs, and never drag them. "Many people end up with dirty or ripped mattresses because they leave them unprotected, or they drag them on the floor and they become snagged," said McKinnon. She urges everyone to carefully wrap mattresses and box springs in special plastic bags. "If you use a mover, make sure they use a new mattress bag because bed bugs are a potential problem you want to avoid."
• Move flat panel televisions in their original packages or have a crate professionally made. "It's important to know what you're doing with plasmas and LCD TVs," McKinnon said. "Plasma TVs should never be laid flat, and LCDs have problems with changing altitude over long drives." She also advises against turning on any TV right away. "They should to return to room temperature or they will be more susceptible to internal damage."
• Pack plates and dishes vertically, and wrap them individually. "A dish that is hit on its edge is much less likely to break than one that lands flat," explained McKinnon. "And if they're not separately wrapped they rattle during transit, and that could cause them to crack."
• Pay special attention to keepsakes or special items related to personal hobbies. "Think about moving those things yourself, or simply point out those special boxes to your movers. Items like those are impossible to replace because their monetary value doesn't compare with their personal value."
• Pack lamp shades separately from lamps. "Lamp shades can all go into one box, separated and cushioned with paper, but watch out for silk shades," she said. "Silk has a 'memory,' so any indentation caused by the pressure of wrapping material can cause a permanent mark."

For more information on the free seminar and how to get more moving tips from Gentle Giant, check out the press release Gentle Giant Moving Company Helps Consumers 'Pack Like the Pros' with Live Summer Packing Seminar.

Kiplinger.com Offers Tips for a Smooth Move

The popular personal finance site Kiplinger.com recently featured an article about how to have a smooth moving experience. Written by contributing editor Erin Burt, the article features tips and tricks she recently implemented in her own move.

Here are some highlights:

Don't forget yourself.
When weighing your options, remember to factor in the cost of getting yourself and your family to your destination. Estimate gas expenses for your moving truck or car, as well as any food stops and hotel stays. If you hire a transportation company and plan to fly to your new city, calculate the cost of plane tickets and shipping your car, and arrange for a place to stay while you wait for your stuff to arrive. See 25 Best Travel Sites for tips on finding a good deal on your airfare and accommodations.

Sell your stuff.
If you don't have a lot of things or you aren't attached to what you've got, be pragmatic. Don't pay $6,000 to move $1,000 worth of stuff. And even if you plan to keep your belongings, hold a virtual garage sale for the few things you don't want anymore. While cleaning out my closets, I found some household and baby items to sell on Craigslist, and my husband sold a stack of old textbooks on Amazon.com. We've made about $250 by downsizing—money that is helping to offset the cost of our moving truck. (Learn more about where and how to sell your stuff online.)

To read all of Burt's moving advice, check out the article How to Have a Smooth Move.

For more moving tips, see the WhiteFence Moving FAQ or Moving Tips archive.

Apartments.com: Majority of Renters Recycle

Do you live in a green apartment community? A recent Apartments.com survey indicates more than sixty-three percent of survey respondents who live in an apartment community recycle regularly. In comparison, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that 32 percent of the entire U.S. population participates in recycling programs.

Of the renters who do recycle, fifty percent live in an apartment community that offers a recycling program for residents. Property managers and apartment owners support environmental issues in numerous ways as survey respondents indicate the following eco-friendly products and services are provided by management companies: recycling bins and receptacles (34 percent), energy efficient lighting (10 pecent), water saving showers and fixtures (10 percent ) and insulation in windows and doors (8 percent).

Environmentally friendly communities are in high demand as twenty-six percent of renters state they would pay more in rent to live in a building that makes efforts to conserve and recycle. When asked to choose between identical apartments with the same monthly rent, one being eco-friendly and the other not, more than sixty-four percent of renters would choose the "green" apartment.

A significant number of survey respondents indicate that they personally make conservation efforts regardless of the presence of a formal recycling program within their rental community. Fifty-nine percent of survey respondents recycle plastic, fifty-seven percent indicate that they use energy efficient light bulbs, fifty-six percent recycle paper, aluminum and glass and forty-six percent use a timer to set their heating/air conditioning to run only while someone is home.

For more information on the survey, check out the Apartments.com press release.

Moving 101: Penske Offers Quick Tips for Do-It-Yourself Movers

Are you going to be one of the more than 20 million households that moves this year? Whether you are planning to move across town or across the country, it's important to start preparing early for your move. Having the right supplies and plans in place can cut back on a lot of the stress you could face during your move.

If don't plan on hiring movers to do all the heaving lifting for you, check out these do-it-yourself moving tips from Penske Truck Rental:

• Truck Selection - Most movers find the 12- or 16-foot truck perfect for moving a few large items or the contents of a small condo or apartment. Make sure you choose a truck that's the right size. Most rental companies list the number of rooms and type of furniture that will fit in the trucks they offer.
• Reserve Early - Penske suggests reserving your truck at least two weeks in advance.
• Pack Smart - Load the heaviest items on the truck first. Avoid injury when lifting, by always bending your knees and lifting with your legs.
• Use Accessories - Boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, moving blankets, and hand trucks are all essential moving tools that help protect your items during your move, making your experience more enjoyable.
• Mark Your Boxes - Label the outside of your boxes as you pack. It makes it easy to put the boxes in the right room when you unload at your final destination.
• Safety & Security - Remember, trucks are taller, wider, heavier, and require more stopping distance than the vehicle you are used to driving. To ensure a smooth moving day, pick up your truck a day early and practice driving it. Take extra precautions, especially when the truck is loaded. Use caution near low hanging tree branches, building overhangs and when cornering. Park in well-lit areas and padlock the rear door.
• Plan for Travel - With most family belongings packed tightly away, create a travel bag for moving day to keep important paperwork, credit cards, identification, change of clothing, drinks and snacks close at hand.

For more great moving tips, check out the WhiteFence Moving FAQ or the WhiteFence Home Services Guide Moving Tips. For more information on Penske, check out the press release.

Yahoo! HotJobs Says Half of U.S. Workers Are Expected to Search for a New Job in 2007

Yahoo! HotJobs recently surveyed more than 5,000 U.S. workers and found nearly half plan to search for a new job in 2007. And they say that number only represents those who will actively look. Another two-thirds of currently employed respondents said they may not actively seek out a new job, but that they would be open to one if the right opportunity came along.

Why Workers are Leaving:

• Seventy-five percent of respondents said they did not receive the bonus or the raise they expected for their performance in 2005.
• More than half of the people said they have to work on their days off at least once per month, and more than one-third said they do some aspect of work every single day.
• Twenty-seven percent think they can get better salaries elsewhere.
• Nineteen percent don't feel there is any potential for career growth in their current jobs.
• Nineteen percent want a better benefits package.

"Job seekers have a lot of leverage these days with unemployment rates at historically low levels," said Vobejda. "However, we are increasingly hearing from people that one of the main reasons they have not actually started their job search is procrastination."

Yahoo! HotJobs says it has developed a new tool, along with Assessment.com, to help you gauge your job satisfaction and career progress. People can visit a microsite located off of the Yahoo! HotJobs home page to take an assessment quiz and access new content, advice and other tools for managing one's career. The quiz features questions like, "How do you feel about your boss?", "When you wake up in the morning how do you feel about going to work?", and "Is this where you thought you'd be three years ago?".  The tool then offers advice based on your answers about the best employment options for you and possible next steps.

"One of the biggest obstacles for job seekers considering taking the next step is fear or apathy of the job search process," said Tom Musbach, editor and career expert for Yahoo! HotJobs. "Our new assessment tool provides customized guidance and is a great place for them to easily get started. The microsite also includes assistance to job seekers on developing a resume, handling the interview process and even preventing their current employers from knowing they're looking."

Another obstacle that Yahoo! HotJobs doesn't mention is the sometimes frightening prospect of moving to a different city to take a new job. If you are one of the many who plan to switch jobs this year, don't forget to check out Moving 101 here at the Home Services Guide. From finding the best cities for families and cost of living calculations to finding a trustworthy mover and giving notice at your current job, we've got you covered. The only thing we can't help with is finding you the perfect job. For more on that, check out the Yahoo! HotJobs Web site.

Moving 101: Giving Notice at Your Job

Have you gotten a new job in a new city? Not sure how to go about giving your two-weeks notice? This may be a tough time for you, especially  if you have been at a company for a long time. One of the most important steps in giving your notice is submitting a letter of resignation. To get some tips on writing your letter of resignation, you can go to this site. Not only does it give you important tips, it also provides samples of different types of letters.

Moving 101: Selling a Home

Selling a home can be stressful as well as exciting. Don't get discouraged if it doesn't happen right away--it may take a few months or more. To get good tips from people who know, you should go to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Developement. They have great resources and tips for those of us who do not have much experience selling homes.

Moving 101: Finding a Kid-Friendly City

Have you decided you want to spread your wings and try out a new city, but aren't sure where to go? With kids in tow, you should make sure where you are moving is good for your children. To get some advice on which cities in the nation are kid-friendly, you can check out Population Connection's Web site on kid-friendly cities. The site offers report cards on how cities perform on various levels, a glossary of terms and several other resources.

Moving 101: How to Avoid Moving Scams

Moving is stressful enough without having to worry about being taken advantage of by a disreputable moving company. The typical moving scam begins when you are offered a much lower estimate than what a legitimate moving company would quote for the same move. But when they arrive at your new home, scammers refuse to unload your belongings unless you pay them a much higher price than you were originally quoted, usually demanding to be paid in cash.

Here are a few of the dead giveaways the American Moving and Storage Association suggests you look for to avoid being scammed:

Beware of prices based on anything but the shipment's weight
Legal interstate moving estimates are based on the weight of your shipment, but scam movers often base charges on the cubic feet your goods take up in the truck, and then adjust them to their advantage. Under law, shipment weight must be determined on a scale certified by a state agency.

Never rely on a price estimate made over the phone or online
Federal rules require a legitimate interstate mover provide a written estimate. While some legitimate movers may offer a survey over the phone, it is a good idea to request that they send a trained, experienced estimator to your home for a more accurate estimate, if possible.

Watch out for required deposits
A legitimate mover generally doesn't require a deposit before moving you except in extraordinary circumstances; however, scam movers frequently require significant deposits even for the simplest moves. If a mover requires you pay a significant deposit before your move to "hold your dates" or to insure "prompt service," you may want to use another mover.

If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is
While honest movers are competitive and their prices differ, they will be within a reasonable range. If a mover comes in with an estimate way below all the others, that should send up a red flag that you should probably avoid them.

Check out Moving 101: How to Choose a Mover for tips on how to find the best professional mover. You can also read more about how to avoid moving scams in the American Moving and Storage Association article Smart Moving: How to Take the Stress Out of Moving.

Moving 101: Keep High Gas Prices From Affecting Your Move

According to a survey of home buyers by HomePages.com, 70 percent of consumers say rising gas prices have become an important consideration when deciding where to live. Nearly half of all home buyers ranked rising gas prices as "very important."

If you are want to factor your fuel budget into your moving decision, start your house search close to the office to cut down on commute time. Look for housing that is near desired local services and amenities, such as restaurants, coffee shops, and schools.

To save money while you are searching for a home, do your homework online. Search realtor sites and use online moving tools like the ones Stephanie wrote about in May. You can also check out HomePages^TM, a Web site that helps you find detailed information on communities. View neighborhoods, streets and homes through their aerial mapping technology before you drive to see anything in person.

Moving 101: How to Choose a Mover

If you decide to go with a professional company to help you move, there are a few things you can do to make sure your experience is smooth and cost-effective.

First, it is important to try to make arrangements for your move well in advance, at least four to six weeks before the moving date. Choosing the best time to move can also save you money. Off-season is usually anything but June or July and any time other than the first and last of the month.

Next, make sure to research different movers to compare their services. Find out who the best movers are in your area by asking friends about their experiences and checking with the Better Business Bureau or other consumer organizations in your local area.

It is also a good idea to choose a company that participates in the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) Certified Mover and Van Line Program®. AMSA Certified Movers and Van Lines are companies that have voluntarily agreed to abide by a Code of Conduct that requires complete disclosure of moving information to consumers, written estimates of charges, timely service and prompt response to claims and complaints. They have also agreed to arbitrate disputes of up to $5,000 arising from loss or damage to the articles in your shipment.

Once you have compiled a list of movers, the next step is to inform them of the destination and timing of your move. Ask them about the types of services they offer. Make sure they explain their estimates in detail and give you a copy. In addition to brochures explaining their various services, moving companies should give you a copy of a consumer booklet entitled "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move" and information regarding their participation in a Dispute Settlement Program. Both are requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Before you make your final choice, make sure you understand:

• The rates and charges that will apply
• The mover's liability for your belongings
• How pickup and delivery will work
• What claims protection you have

With this information you can carefully compare to see which mover best suits your needs and budget.

Moving 101: Deducting moving expenses from your taxes

Did you know that when you move, you can deduct your expenses from your taxes? To qualify for the moving expense deduction, you must be moving to a new principal residence to work as an employee or as a self-employed individual at a new principal place of work. Also, you must meet both the distance and the time tests, unless you are a member of the armed forces and your move was due to a permanent change of station.

To meet the requirements of the distance test, your new job location must be at least 50 miles farther from your former residence than your old job location. The time test requires that as an employee, you must work full–time for at least 39 weeks during the 12 months right after you move. If you are self–employed, you must work full time for at least 39 weeks during the first 12 months and for a total of at least 78 weeks during the first 24 months after you move. There are exceptions to the time test in case of death, disability and involuntary separation.

If you meet all of these qualifications, some of the expenses that you can deduct include (as listed by Atlas):

• The cost of transporting your property from your old residence to you new residence, including the actual cost of transportation or hauling from your old residence to your new one; the cost of packing, crating and unpacking; and storage in transit.
• The cost of shipping your automobile(s).
• The cost of transporting your household pets.
• The cost associated with connecting and disconnecting utilities because you are moving.
• The cost of moving your personal belongings from a place other than your old residence (such as a summer home or relative's home) may be deducted, to the extent that it does not exceed what it would have cost to move them from your old residence.
• The family trip to the new residence is considered a direct moving expense and is deductible. This includes lodging, but not meals.

To find out more details about deducting moving expenses, you can go to the IRS Web site.

Moving 101: Looking for an apartment that is accessible to someone with disabilities?

If you have a disability, it may be especially hard for you to find an apartment home that can accommodate your needs. The National Accessible Apartment Clearinghouse (NAAC) maintains the only national database of apartment homes with features for people with disabilities, listing more than 80,000 units in 50 states. NAAC fulfills over 300 to 500 phone and/or e-mail requests per month from residents looking for accessible apartments. You can contact NAAC at 1-800-421-1221 or by e-mail at clearinghouse@naahq.com.

Moving 101: Do I really need moving insurance?

Yes, you do. Most accidents occur when you least expect them or when you're not covered for them. And unless you buy moving insurance, your property is probably not covered for all that it is worth.

Your moving company automatically provides valuation, not insurance. Your moving company can provide three different types of valuation: declared value, lump sum value and full value protection. To find out about these different types of coverage, you can read the article Should You Purchase Moving Insurance?

Additionally, you should explore other insurance options. Check with your homeowners insurance, as they typically cover 10 percent of the value of your personal property while it is in transit. Also, you can look into transit insurance, which you can buy from your insurance agent or most moving companies.

Moving Tips: Getting your house ready for sale

Before you ever put your house on the market, you will need to make sure that your house is ready for sale. I have found a good checklist for you to look at as you are preparing your house to be sold. It lists tasks both inside and outside your home that you can do to improve its appearance - and hopefully its chance of being sold.

Want to subscribe to a newspaper?

With WhiteFence, you can order newspaper subscriptions without ever leaving the comfort of your home.  WhiteFence offers both nationally syndicated newspapers like USA Today and The New York Times, as well local newspapers like The Chicago Tribune, Dallas Morning News and Los Angeles Times.

Need Packing Supplies?

Boxes on a Budget is now available on WhiteFence in the Packing Supplies category. Boxes on a Budget is a box supplier that sells corrugated moving boxes and various packing supplies.

Moving 101: Lists, Lists, Lists

This may sound silly, but having lists - and being able to locate those lists - can help you keep yourself organized during your move. To help make sure you know where all your belongings are, you can print out a numbered table with enough space to write the contents of each box. Once you begin packing, number the boxes and write the contents on your list by the corresponding number. Also, make lists of supplies you need to keep in your former residence to clean so you can make sure you have what you need.

Basically, anything you can write down will be helpful since you will have to do so much during your move. Small things that you could normally remember will be lost in the shuffle of a big move.

Moving 101: Setting up your utilities

From talking with one of my coworkers who recently moved, I have a helpful hint for all you movers out there. Several services offered through WhiteFence allow you to choose when to disconnect your service at your old address as well as connect your service at your new address. When you are selecting the dates, make sure to overlap the dates for as long as you think it will take you to move all your possessions and clean your old place. If you turn off your utilities too early, you may not have electricity or water when it comes time to clean up.

Moving 101: How to pack the truck

Packing a moving truck may seem like it is a straightforward process, but if you want to fit as much as you can without breaking any of your belongings, there are some simple rules you should follow:

1. Pack all large, heavy furniture and appliances first. Push these items against the wall closest to the cab. To make sure the truck is balanced, pack heavy items across this wall. Make sure to use furniture padding, that you can probably get from the moving truck company, to protect your wood surfaces and corners.
2. Move long items, like your mattress, box springs and sofas, next. Place these items along the long walls of the truck.
3. Anything that can be disassembled, like your bed frame, do so.
4. Now it is time for your heaviest boxes. You can place these on top of your appliances and furniture. Make sure not to leave any nook or cranny between your furniture unfilled.
5. Once you have packed the heavy boxes, pack your lighter boxes. Make sure that the lightest boxes are on top so nothing gets smashed.
6. Once you feel assured that all these items are secure, pack your fragile or awkward items.

If you follow these steps, you and your possessions should be in good shape once you get to your new residence. No matter how well you pack, however, there is always a chance of breakage. It is always a good idea to get moving insurance.

Moving 101: Want a get a subscription to the newspaper in your new city?

Changing cities means changing local newspapers. If you want to get a great price on local newspapers across the nation, you should go to WhiteFence. WhiteFence has more than 130 newspapers available for subscription at extremely discounted prices.

Moving 101: Get your pet accustomed to your new home

It is hard to get your pet accustomed to a new place after a move. They miss their old home just as much as you and your family does. If your pet is not helped along to feel comfortable in their new home, they can develop high levels of stress which may cause medical problems. This article details some ways that you can help out your cat or dog to get to know their new home.

Moving 101: Rules and regulations for pet travel

There are several rules to follow when you are moving your pet either domestically or internationally. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has published several of the regulations and instructions on their Animal Care: Pet Travel site. Especially if you are moving overseas, this Web site can help you figure out how to get your pet ready for travel.

Moving 101: Top 25 Most Dangerous Cities

Want to find out if your new city is on the list of most dangerous cities as researched by Morgan Quitno Press? You can go to this link to find out what cities made their list. Morgan Quitno Press used the 2004 FBI statistics to create their list of the safest cities and the most dangerous cities. This list can help you decide what precautions you might want to take in your new city.

Moving 101: Books on helping your child cope with a move

Are you worried that your child is not responding well to your recent move? There are several books out there that can help you help your child adjust. You should check out this link that list several books for you and your child that may help your child cope with your recent move.

Moving 101: Tools and Moving Calculators for Relocations

In the past few months, I have directed you to several calculators or tools that can help you when you move. I've recently found a site that has several of these moving tools all in one place. You will be able to find moving checklists, moving planners, salary calculators, etc. If you are a bit scattered and are unsure what you need help with, this site can help you focus and figure out what tools can help your move go smoothly.

Moving 101: Looking for a new child care provider?

Finding a good child care provider is tough, especially if you are in a new city. There are dozens of questions you should consider about potential child care providers, including:

• How is the  facility set up to handle emergencies?
• What is the emphasis of the activities? To have fun? To learn? Both?
• Do the children at the facility look happy?
• Does the center take your needs into consideration? Is the staff accommodating and flexible?

If you want to see a comprehensive list of questions you should ask yourself when visiting a potential child care provider, you check out this child care checklist. As your child may spend several hours a day at their child care provider, you can't be too careful when picking which one to send your child to.

Moving 101: Keeping your cat happy during a move

Cats are finicky animals, even during non-stressful times. If you are planning on moving with a cat, you should check out this article on moving with cats. It has some very helpful suggestions on how keep your move as stress-free as possible for your cat.

Moving 101: Employment for the "trailing spouse"

Have you gotten a job in a new city, leaving your spouse to look for a new job in your new, unfamiliar town? Or, has your spouse recently found a position in a new town and you are trying to find a position quickly as well? Some tips on how to get employment include:

• Check with the HR department of the employed spouse's new company. They may be able to aid the "trailing spouse."
• Subscribe to the Sunday paper of your new town, as there are usually a lot of opportunities in the help advertisements.
• Join any clubs available to you for networking purposes.
• Contact relatives and friends in your new area. Even if they are not working in the field that the "trailing spouse" may be interested in, they still may be able to give good advice or point to successful companies.
• Make appointments with executive recruiters and employment agencies.
• Sign up with a temporary agency.

Though this may be a stressful time for both parties, it is important to keep trying. These tips should help you or your spouse find employment relatively quickly.

Moving 101: Packing Electronics

As someone who did not pack their electronics very well in her last move, I speak from experience when I write that packing your electronics correctly is very important. To find out how to pack your electronics to avoid damage, you should check out the article 10 Tips for Stashing Your Electronics. One of the tips that you can put into practice well before your move is that you should keep the original boxes of your electronics. Though this may take up a lot of room in your closet, when you do move, you will be thankful for the safety that they original packing material provides for your expensive electronics.

Hopefully, if you follow these instructions, you won't arrive at your new home with a cracked LCD on your flat panel TV, like I did.

Moving 101: Items you shouldn't move

There are several items that have been deemed too dangerous to move. Professional movers will not move items that are flammable, corrosive or explosive, and you should not move these hazardous materials either. You can look at this hazardous materials list to see examples of items that you shouldn't move. Before packing, you should ask your professional mover for a complete list of items that they will not move to make sure you are compliant with their regulations.

Moving 101: How to pack like a pro

Everyone from your mother-in-law to your neighbor has tips on how to pack for a move. If you want to check out suggestions on how to pack from professionals, you can read the article Pack Like a Pro. The article gives you tips and tricks on how to pack well, especially if you are packing boxes that a professional mover will be moving. Before you start packing, you should check out this article to avoid headaches on moving day.

Moving 101: Finding low cost furniture

If you are moving on a budget, which most people are, it's good to save money where and when you can. Getting all new furniture can add up financially, especially on top of all the other moving expenses you will be incurring during your move. To cut down on the prices you spend on getting your place livable, you can:

• Buy used furniture: You can shop around at local used furniture shops if you have enough time to do so. If time is an issue, you should try online sites, such as craigslist.com. Once you choose your city and the furniture option under the "For Sale" heading, you can see other people in your area who want to sell their used furniture.
• Rent furniture: Renting furniture is a cost saving option that can not only relieve strain on your wallet, but also on your back. If you move frequently, this could be the perfect option for you. WhiteFence offers rental furniture from the only national furniture rental company - Cort Furniture Rental. If you are interested in renting furniture from Cort, just enter your address on WhiteFence and look at the "Furniture Rental" options.

Moving 101: How to move your vehicle

Need to know how to move your vehicle? There a few steps you need to follow to ensure your car shipment goes smoothly:

• Make sure to schedule the move at least four weeks in advance.
• When you call the car mover, be able to provide information on where the car will be picked up from and delivered, the pick-up and arrival date and the type of car.
• Do not leave personal property inside your car during the move.
• Have your car insured for the move.

For more suggestions on how to move your vehicle, you can look at this Web site.

Moving 101: Designing your house before you move

Planning the layout of your new house will save you hours of shifting around boxes once you get to your new home. Using the home planner on the Century 21 Web site, you can easily plan where you will place all your furniture before you even begin moving. Once you plan out your home and furnishings, you can print out your plans to share with your movers to make sure all of your possessions go where you want them to go.

Moving 101: Buying a Home

Want to transform from a renter to a homeowner? If you have never owned a home before, you might feel overwhelmed at the process of buying a home. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development had the nervous prospective home buyer in mind when they created this Web site on buying a home. It details nine steps that every prospective home buyer should follow as they fulfill their dream of owning a home. You should check it out if you would like more information.

Moving 101: Cost of living in a new city

If you always wanted to move to New York City, but were afraid to make the leap because you are unsure what salary you would have to make in order to maintain your lifestyle - I have found the perfect tool for you. If you use the Salary Calculator, you can enter in your current city and salary, and it will calculate how much you would have to make in the city of your dreams.

Now, when you get offered that job in NYC or any other city, you will know if you should accept it or pass.

Moving 101: Moving to college

When you start college, the last thing you want to be worrying about moving. If you plan well and only take what you need, you will be done with your unpacking quickly. The summer before college starts, you should start planning exactly what you should take with you when you move. I found an article that was written with a college student in mind, College Life: Student Tips and Tricks for an Organized Move, to help you plan your move easily.

Moving 101: Moving tips for an international move

For an international move, you will have to do all that you would normally do for any other move, plus more. But don't let this thought overwhelm you. As with all moves, if you plan well, you will save yourself a lot of headaches. Some special considerations to make when you are planning an international move:

• Make sure to finalize any immigration legalities, such as you Visa and work permits.
• Check that your appliances, electronics and any other electrical equipment that you are packing is compatible with the electrical outlets available where you are moving. You may need to get adapters depending on where you are moving.

Also, there are some things that you should do with any move, but are especially important to do when you are moving internationally. You should:

• Check with your moving company about what types of products they can move internationally. You will not be able to move anything flammable.
• Make sure to get moving insurance and conduct a thorough inventory of all of your belongings before and after the move.
• Pack all personal documents that you may need, like your passport, birth certificate and health records, with you so you can easily access them.

Moving 101: Searching for a home

Looking for a home in your new city? It is tough to do, especially if you currently live far away from where you are moving to. This site, Realtor.com, has over 2.5 million homes on the market that you can look through at your leisure. If you need an easy way to look through possible housing choices, this site could help you.

Moving 101: Relocation schedule

Are you trying to determine your moving schedule? The Relocation Wizard can help you with your planning needs. The Relocation Wizard takes into account various moving factors, like where you are moving, if you have kids, if you have pets and other aspects of your move that might affect your schedule.

Moving 101: Keep records of cancellations

You're moving, so you disconnect or cancel your services at your current residence. You think you are free and clear until a few months later when you receive a bill for the past three months of service at a house that you no longer live in. Unless you have records, you may have to pay these bills.

As this happened to me not too long ago, I know that this does happen upon occasion. I got charged $300 for six months of phone service for an apartment that I no longer lived in. Thankfully, I had kept records of when I called to discontinue my service. Because of my records, the phone provider prorated the bill and I did not have to pay a cent.

When you call to cancel or disconnect a service when you are moving or just changing your provider, be sure to keep a record of your phone call. Get the name of the customer service representative you speak to and get the confirmation number. Put all this information in a safe place for six months at least to make sure you do not need it.

Moving 101: Preparing your house to be sold

When moving, you first have to deal with what you are leaving behind. One of the biggest things that you will be leaving behind is, obviously, your house. There are several ways that you can make your house ready to be sold. Little things, like cleaning well, can even boost the price buyers are willing to pay for your home. Read the article Preparing Your House for Sale in Better Homes and Gardens to find out more tips for preparing your house.

Moving 101: Helping your kids to adjust

No matter how far you are moving, the change will be tough on your children. Your move will be especially tough on your children if they have to change schools. To help your children adjust to your move, you should read this article from Better Homes and Gardens. It has a lot of good advice on how to aid your children in getting over the "school changing blues."

Moving 101: Judging the crime rate in your new city

I found a great tool if you are moving and are concerned about the crime rate in your new city. It is called the Relocation Crime Lab® and with it you can compare the crime rate of your current city with the city you are planning on moving to. Although the data is a few years old, it still can provide a good reference point to start from when researching the crime rate of your new city.

Moving 101: Evaluating cost of living in new city

It is amazing how many issues you can consider when evaluating the cost of living for a new city. From the taxes you will have to pay on your new home to how much it will cost to get your favorite foods, it all adds up in the end. When moving, you should consider all these things before determining if and where you are going to move. This article should help you to think of all the costs you should add up when estimating your new cost of living.

Moving 101: Moving with kids

When you are moving with children, you need to take a little extra time with them in the weeks before you move. Explain to your children why you are moving, where you are moving to, where they will be going to school and any other details that could make them feel more comfortable with the move. Taking this extra time will help them to feel more comfortable with the move and lead to an easier transition to their new situation.

Moving 101: Moving Calendar

Just found out you're moving and are unsure what you should do first? I just found this really cool moving calendar site that can generate a to-do list calendar based on how much time you have until your move date. All movers should have something like this to keep them organized.

Moving 101: Moving with plants

When moving with house plants, you should take several precautions to make sure your plants arrive at your new home safely. Some of these precautions include:

• Well before you move, you should re-pot all your plants in unbreakable planters.
• One week before your move day, you should rid your plants of insects. Insecticides may be harmful to you and your family, so make sure you follow all directions.
• As you get closer to your move day, continue to water your plants normally. Especially be careful not to over water them.
• Pack your plants in a box securely on the night before you move. Make sure to punch holes in the box so that the plants can get air.
• On your move day, do not let your plants get too hot or too cold; either could seriously damage the plant. Put them in a place where you can control the temperature along your drive.

If you want to read about special care instructions for moving with common household plants, you can look at the Caring for a Specific Plant chart in the article How to Move House Plants.

Moving 101: Calculating moving costs

So, you've always heard that moving is hard on your wallet, but just how hard will it be on you? With this online moving calculator, you can estimate how much you will spend on your move based on how far you are moving and how much you are moving. This is a smart tool to use, because once you know how much you are likely to spend on your move, you can budget your other expences accordingly.

Moving 101: Finding the best school

If you are moving with kids, one of your big concerns will be where to send your children to school. A great tool to help you find out what schools are in your area is The School Report. With this free service, you can find out how many kids attend the schools in your area, awards and honors the schools have received and even the average SAT scores of each school.

Moving 101: Finding a good deal on your utilities

It is important to shop around for your utilities to ensure you get the best deal. Several companies offer introductory deals or may or may not require deposits, so it is necessary for you to check out all your options to make sure that you are getting the best deal. At WhiteFence, you can compare and connect your utilities at one place, so you can free up the hours you would have spent on the phone, giving you more time to do the stuff you need to - like packing.

Moving 101: Changing your address

When you move, there are several people you have to alert that you are moving. To make changing your address with the post office easier, you can use WhiteFence to change your address. But you will still need to let others know about your move, including all of your utilities, personal and professional services (e.g. credit cards, pharmacies, insurance agencies, publications) and government offices. You should sit down before you start changing your address with anyone and make a comprehensive list of all those you will have to notify, so you can check off the list as you go to ensure you don't forget anyone.

Moving 101: Too much to move?

Two months before you move, take an inventory of your belongings. If you find you have a good number of items that you believe will just be gathering dust in your new home, plan a garage sale to avoiding throwing away things at the last minute. If you don't have the time or the space to have a garage sale, you can call a local charity to arrange a drop-off or pick-up so the items will be used for a good purpose.

Moving 101: Color coding your boxes

How good is your penmanship? Don't put it to the test on moving day. Instead of trying to write a contents list on each and every box, try color coding the boxes with stickers to alert either you or your movers which rooms the boxes belong in. Not only will this save time and ink, it will also prevent movers or anyone passing by from seeing an interesting label on your boxes and deciding to rifle through your belongings.

Moving 101: Moving pets safely

No matter if you have a fish or a dog, you have to take special care of your pets during a move. Many pets can notice the changes in their environment and become stressed even before they are brought out to the car. See this article to get advice on how to move your pet safely, as well as how to lower the stress level on your pet during your move.

Moving 101: Avoiding nightmare movers

Moving is a stress, no matter what, but planning well and picking the right movers for you can at least relieve some of the stress. According to the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA), you should always choose an AMSA certified mover to make sure your possessions are in good hands. These movers have agreed to a Code of Conduct that was established by AMSA to protect consumers from unethical movers. For more information on how to know who is certified, go to the AMSA Web site to find AMSA certified movers.

Moving 101: Packing Smart

We all know that packing at the last moment is not your best course of action when moving, but the question is: When to pack what? You should start packing about two months in advance of your move date, beginning with clothes that you will not need in the current season (if you are moving in the winter, pack your summer clothes). Another set of items you can pack early is books, knickknacks and other items on display. As you get closer to your move date and you begin to pack everyday items, there are some items that you should make sure stay unpacked, namely a change of clothing, pet food, snacks, can opener, corkscrew, towels, toiletries, shower curtain and cleaning supplies. Make sure you have room to pack these items with you in your car to make sure they are unpacked first as well.