Pack some boxes and lift some tax savings on
your next move with these deductions.

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Less Stress With These Moving Tips:

Moving across the street or across the country can be stressful. Here are some tips to help eliminate some of the fear, uncertainty and dread from your moving experience:

Tip #1: Don't go with the first bid; get several quotes. When looking for a mover, doing your homework beforehand can save you some heartache -- and maybe even money -- down the road. Don't be shy; ask lots of questions about your move such as the packing of your items, insurance, deposits, etc. And don't forget to check with friends who have recently moved to ask for their recommendations or war stories. You can also check with the Better Business Bureau and Department of Transportation for references and alerts.

Tip #2: Conduct an apples to apples comparison. Make sure you are basing your final selection decision using the same criteria. Some moving companies charge by weight and miles, others by volume. Understand how the estimate will be verified and finalized. Be forewarned: volume-based estimates are often inaccurate which may make them seem appealing at first but could make for an ugly surprise and more money down the road.

Tip #3: Book early. Once you decided on the mover that's best suited to your needs and wallet, "book it, Danno." Not unlike the airline industry, booking early can garner you a better rate or discount than if you wait until the last minute. Two months in advance of your move-out date should be optimal timing - ten weeks is recommended if you're moving during the summer months.

Tip #4: Don't move what you don't want or need. Moving is a great time to scale back on those items you haven't used or worn in years. Do you really want to pay to move that treadmill that now only serves as an alternate closet or do you honestly believe that those leisure suits really will make a comeback? Downsize. And another word of advice: If you're arranging for a furniture pick-up from a charity, you must give them plenty of lead time.

Tip #5: Consider packing yourself. There's really no way to fool you into believing that taking on this task will bring you limitless joy, but it may save you dollars. You will want to check with your moving company, however, as to the insurance coverage on items packed by you versus them.

Tip #6: Purchase extra insurance. Hopefully you checked out the company's insurance coverage before you decided on your mover. You may also want to ask about "full replacement coverage" offered through many movers for an additional fee. Again, coverage may be limited for items you pack yourself.

Tip #7: You can take it with you. Don't allow valuables such as cash, jewelry, photographs and other important documents and necessities, such as medication, to be packed. Make plans to take these items with you or send them with a shipping service that can be tracked.

Tip #8: Get copies of your medical records or have them transferred to a new physician. Ask your current physicians for copies of your medical records before you move, or have them transferred directly to the appropriate doctors at your new location if known. And don't forget the dentist. Allow enough time for the records to be copied and/or transferred.

Tip #9: Spread the word. You can go online to complete a U.S. Postal Service "Change of Address" form for forwarding of your mail and optional catalogs. A valid credit card and email address are required to complete the Online "Change of Address" form. If you are not able to use a credit card or valid email address, you can print the "Change of Address" form and bring or mail it to your local Post Office.

Tip #10: More for the mile. Because of the rising cost of gasoline, the IRS announced a new 6-month mileage rate increase for moving expenses in connection with a new job of eight (8) cents, to 27 cents a mile, up from 19 cents for the first six months of 2008. Taxpayers always have the option of calculating the "actual" costs of using their vehicle rather than using the standard mileage rates. Just remember to keep track of those miles!

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