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Show Page 12 Hume Magazine. THE DAIl.V IIKKAI.I), Friday, October II, 19 Should you move yourself or hire professional? By ELIZABETH SCHEIBNER Copley News Service In today's upwardly mobile society, moving is a way of life. Whether it's for a better job. a big- ger house or a change of scenery, more than 16 million households will make a move this year. Whether you're relocating across town or across the continent, moving is one of life's most stressful events, filled with both and anticipation. uncertainty While there's no way to eliminate all the stress associated with a move, there are ways to make it easier on you and your family. One of the fust decisions to make is whether to move yourself or hire professional movers. Before making this important decision, you'll need to consider how much stuff you're moving, how far you're going and how much physical work is involved. MONKS moving continues to gain in popularity as consumers discover the benefits of moving themselves," says Gerald "Do-it-yours- Riordan. president of Consumer Truck Rental. Ryder "Sell- - movers who use rental trucks could save an average of 50 percent, and as much as 80 percent, compared with the cost of using a commercial mover." While the financial benefits of moving yourself are significant, the amount of work required may Even ;he most organized people can find preparing for a move a bit overwhelming. The key to a successful and hassle-fre- e move is careful planning. The following guidelines can help you prioritize tasks in preparation of your move. 1 MONTH BEFORE Begin packing clothes and nonessential items. Get rid of items you no longer use or want. Have a garage sale or donate items to charity. Obtain copies of important documents, such as medical and dental records, birth certificates, marriage licenses, pet immunization records and Social Security papers. Make hotel reservations for any overnight stays en route. Have cars serviced if you're driving any great distance. 2 WEEKS BEFORE Reconfirm moving date and Nave your business & country too! LaDaun Ray Branch Broker at a time. Donate old clothing and unused items to charity or sell them at a garage sale. For easier movers offer insurance coverage. Make sure you understand the type Never accept an estimate over the telephone since it's impossible for movers to get an accurate assessment without taking inventory of your goods There are a number of factors that will affect the final cost, of coverage you're getting including all possible loopholes. While most moving companies are honest, there are some that will try to take advantage of you. If you including moving large items, the savings. Most people underestimate how much personal property they own and are surprised to discover how exhausting it is to load and unload boxes. Be realistic about your physical limitations. Tiven if you plan to mov e yourself, you may want to consider hiring professionals to move heavy items, such as furniture, books and large appliances. Your rental dealer will help you determine the si.e truck you'll need and the number of boxes. A house usualtypical truck, while a ly requires a house requires a truck. Ask the rental agency about additional moving supplies you'll need, such as hand carts, such as a piano or pool table; packing antiques, heirlooms or other valuables; and transporting boats, snowmobiles and lawn mowers. Movers also charge extra for negotiating stairs and elevators or using cranes, hoists and rigs. For your protection, experts suggest you get a binding estimate from the mover, which lists all items to be shipped and all services required. If there are any changes to the estimate, a written addendum must be signed prior to the move. TAX DEDUCTIONS Under the Clinton administration, many of the traditional tax deductions have ot moving-e- 24-fo- ol furniture pads, time with the mover. Notify the post office to ward mail. Send out change-of-addre- been ss nected. Close or transfer bank accounts and safe deposit boxes. Obtain traveler's checks lor the move. 1 DAY BEFORE Disconnect all appliances and empty the refrigerator and freezer. Get rid of all food you are not bringing with you. Pack up belongings needed for the trip: clothes, prescrip- tions, toysgames, snacks, checkbook and credit cards, personal effects and a basic loading, limit the weight of each box to 30 pounds and label each box with a list of its contents and the room it's going into. DISCOUNTSINSURANCE Peak moving season is from Memorial Day to Labor Day. w hen the weather is good and the kids are out of school. If possible, try to schedule your move to take advantage of discounted rates. If that's not possible, try to reserve your moving van or rental truck as much as 60 days in advance and arrange for a weekday move when rates are lower. Be sure to also ask about other discounts, such as automobile club, military or senior citizens. It's rare to get through any move without a few broken or lost items, which is why you'll want to make sure your belongings are insured during the move. Check your homeowner's policy to see if your household goods are covered "in transit." If not, most rental companies and or eliminated. it is still possible to deduct many of your moving expenses from your adjusted gross income. Be sure to keep all receipts, including any items you aren't able to resolve a dispute with your mover, contact the Better Business Bureau or the Interstate Commerce Commission. PROFESSIONAL MOVERS donate to charity. Under the new tax law, you can deduct the cost of moving and storing household goods, traveling to the new location (including lodging but not meals on the road), shipping automobiles and transporting pets. In order to qualify for these deductions, however, the move must be For specific guidelines, consult your tax adviser or call the IRS Problem Solving Line at (800) you decide to hire a commercial van line, experts suggest you get at least three estimates before making your final selection since prices can vary considerably. Be aware of the lowest bidder. Some companies low-ba- ll estimates to get your business and then tack on hidden fees and surcharges, which can add up quickly. 1' d. 829-104- 0. Tovmft commercial NEW VIEW H0.VI5! kit. ON ARRIVAL Enhance the security of your new home by changing Iwks. changing the alarm code (if necessary) and getting to know your new neighbors. A modified However, off-seas- for- cards. Contact the utility companies water, gas. electricity, and tell them phone, cable when you want service discon- firsi-ai- d xpense tape heavy-dut- y and rope. lind out if it's more economical to rent the boxes than purchase fctr beautiful executive home on 12 acre with animal rights 5 bdrms. 3 blhs, make this home just the place for large family that wants space, clean air. qooq schoois. This unique floor plan's extras include title entry and pnvate on ice Approx 2700 sq ft. Must see priced ngni w ,uw Experts suggest that you start packing about a month before moving day, working on one room not be worth mooth move By ELIZABETH SCHEIBNER Copley News Service them. 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