1. The Truck is Too Small: There are moving truck calculators online that can help you determine which size of a truck you are going to need in order to meet your specific needs. The last thing you want to do is end up with a moving truck that is too small to carry all of your things. What would you do at that point? You can certainly get rid of stuff or ship it at the post office, but ensuring that you get the right truck from the very beginning can actually save you time and money. If you are unsure or in between two sizes, always pick the one that is the bigger of the two you are considering.

2. The Truck Doesn’t Come with Padding/Dollies/Straps: Knowing what your truck comes with is a responsibility that you have prior to actually renting the truck and bringing it home. Don’t forget to ask about these things when you make your reservation; some companies will make you pay extra for these things, while other companies simply refuse to offer them. Regardless of what the company  you are working with offers, make sure that you know ahead of time so that you can make other arrangements before moving day arrives.

3. The Truck Gets Damaged: Do you know what to do if you get into an accident when you are driving a cheap truck rental? Chances are you will be too shaken to really think about it in that moment, so know what you need to do ahead of time. Most companies will give you a number to call if the vehicle is damaged too much to drive, but others will simply allow you to wait until you deliver the vehicle to reveal the news. To this end, make sure that you opt for the extra insurance policy that they offer you when you rent the truck. This insurance will cover anything that might happen to the truck while it is in your care.

4. The Truck Breaks Down: The moving truck breaking down is one thing that many people worry about when they are moving with a truck rental. What does happen if the truck breaks down? Most companies have on call services for moving trucks, but sometimes you will have to wait for a few hours for the services to arrive at your location. As such, always keep an emergency kit on hand with snacks, a radio, flashlight, batteries, and anything else you might deem necessary while in transit to your new home. Make sure that this is the last box loaded or that you keep it in the cab of the truck with you.

5. The Truck is in Bad Shape: No one should have to pay money to a company for a truck rental that is in bad shape. Instead of taking such a truck off the lot, always go back into the office to request another truck. It is a good idea to request a walkaround when you are first considering a specific company, to ensure that they are offering good equipment. Still, if you arrive on the day where you need the truck, make arrangements for something different and go with your gut feelings rather than getting caught into a problematic situation later on down the line.

Regardless of where you are moving to, it is important that you take these things into account so that you don’t have to worry about them while you are in transit to your new home. Not only will this reduce the stress that you feel as you are moving to your new home, but you will soon see that the time you put into ensuring your readiness to handle these issues can  be the one thing that stands between your move and a nightmare. Therefore, keep this information close at hand and see just how easy moving can really be.

There are many other ways that people can save money when moving other than just avoiding the costs associated with hiring moving companies. There is often savings that comes with being able to move your own things with a moving truck rental, such as the ability to use boxes you acquire from a local store, or by using towels and sheets instead of packing paper. But some people stop and ask themselves, despite all of this savings, if moving yourself is really worth it in the long run. Can you claim these self service moving expenses when you get ready to claim your tax return? The ultimate answer is yes, but only if you meet a few requirements.

IRS Moving Expense Deduction

The IRS offers a rather generous deduction for moving expenses if you qualify. Many people take advantage of this each year because there really are not that many requirements. In fact, the IRS only asks that you meet two real things when you want to take this deduction. They find out if you are eligible by asking two simple questions:

Is the move taking you more than fifty miles from your old home? Since many people move to be closer to a new job, the IRS has set a distance rule that requires the new job and the new home have to be at least fifty miles away from the one that you used to live in.

Are you going to work at least 39 of the 52 weeks of the year following the move? This is the second test to make sure that you are moving for your job. If you want to claim moving expenses, then you have to work most of the year following that move. If you claim these expenses and you don’t work for those 39 weeks, you will have to adjust the next year’s tax return.

Expenses that are Deductible

Once you know that you are eligible for the deduction, you can start to look at the different moving related expenses that might be deductible on your tax return. While generous, the IRS does have some things that are not deductible when it comes to your move. Make sure to go over the following to see what you might be able to claim when you are ready to sit down and file your taxes. You might be surprised at what you are eligible for.

The cost of the truck rental – You can deduct the cost that you paid to rent the truck for the duration of your move. This also includes any money you paid for extra equipment and helpful moving aids offered by the moving truck rental company.

The cost of help – If you had to hire some physical help to move your things to your truck and then back into your home at the other end of the move, you can deduct the costs associated with those companies.

The cost of fuel – While it is based on a per mile amount, you are eligible to deduct the cost of fuel when you travel to your new home. This is only valid for one trip and not any return trips.

The costs of insurance – When you move, it is a good idea to get moving insurance to protect your things. These costs are deductible under the IRS moving expense rules.

The cost of storage – If you have to store the things that you are moving before you move them into your new home, then you can claim those storage costs when you claim the moving expense deduction.

Making Moving More Affordable

While moving will cost you quite a bit regardless of how you moving, choosing to move your things on your own with a moving truck rental can be one of the cheapest routes to take. What’s more, you can also claim self service moving costs when you are ready to file your taxes for the year in which you move. Coupled with the money you can save on the move itself if you are vigilant, this can really bring the overall cost of the move to a level that you can actually afford regardless of where you stand in life. Keep these things in mind and keep all of your receipts so that you have no trouble taking the moving expense deduction this coming year.

Getting rid of clutter is a challenge for people all over the United States. Having too much stuff but too little space is a common dilemma.  Downsizing and organizing are some of the short-term solutions.  Probably the quickest and most efficient solution is to look into cheap storage options.

About 86% of the world’s consumer-facing storage services can be found in the United States. According to the Self Storage Association, there are about 58,000 storage facilities located worldwide. And 50,000 of those are located in the U.S., which means we have the largest need for self storage in the world. Ten percent of Americans lease at least one storage unit. Many of these units are permanent homes for about 100 to 2500 cubic feet of household possessions. If you, like so many Americans, are in need of self storage, you should take the time to perform a thorough amount of research in order to find the most reasonably priced storage contract for your needs.

First of all, figure out what you really need.  Storage space prices differ based on amenities, location, and size offered by particular facilities. To help you make a decision on what storage costs are acceptable to you, it is imperative to create a list of what you would like from the additional storage space. Do you want indoor or outdoor storage? Would you like climate control? Is it your preference to find a unit that is conveniently located to your business or home? Answer these questions to help you eliminate self storage options that do not meet your needs.

Secondly, make your mind up on the amount of space you will need. You need this pertinent information for you to make a price comparison among different facilities.  After you have decided on the actual amount of space you really need, assess your possessions and try to distinguish if there is anything you can put up for sale or give away.

Thirdly, start looking for the most reasonable deal. SelfStorage.com and SpareFoot are online aggregators that can tie into storage service management software and offer information on amenities and pricing at each self storage facility. These sites can serve as your guide while you search for features you want like strong security, drive-up units, around the clock access, a free moving truck, and climate control. You can then sort each facility by cost to find the most affordable self storage unit with the features and location you desire.

Lastly, determine the actual savings of short-term promotions. A lot of storage facilities will offer a discounted rate for 3-6 months, a discounted rate for a contract of a year or more, or a free first month of access to a storage unit. Take into consideration the length of time you plan on leasing the unit.  This will help you make your mind up on which promotions will save you the most money in the long run.

Self-storage should be one of the last alternatives you use to organize your home. As you evaluate costs, remember that you may need to store your items for longer than you intend to. So, you may want to look for longer-term contracts that have lower monthly rates. As previously mentioned, thoroughly researching your storage needs will help you find the best unit for your possessions. You don’t want to end up paying more for a storage unit than necessary.

1. Lexington, Virginia – Lexington only has a population of about seven thousand people, but what it lacks in people, it more than makes up for in history. Most people claim that this area is not unlike a Normal Rockwell painting. Surrounded by the Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountains, this 19th century hamlet is one place where history lives even today.

2. Cayucos, California – If you want to visit this little coastal town, you will have to make a serious detour. This simple fact has helped this small town remain untouched and small, just the way that the residents there like it. While it is quiet and calm most of the time, residents love the waves and the food of the area, both of which are famous; at least in California.

3. Wallace, Idaho – With a population of only one thousand, and buildings that are well over a hundred years old, this sleepy town in the mid-west is perfect for anyone who wants to see what life was like in the old west. Perhaps the biggest claim to fame that this little town has is the fact that all of their buildings, including a brothel that was open until 1988, are listed on the federal register of historical places.

4. Mount Vernon, Iowa – If you love art, then this little town is the place for you. With a population of less than five thousand people, Mount Vernon is an artist’s dream. Here, art is never confined to a canvas. In addition to the Iowa sidewalk chalk festival held each year,  grand masterpieces can be see almost everywhere; even on the side of a barn as visitors enter the town.

5. Rockland, Maine – If you are looking for sophistication after moving with a cheap truck rental, along with the quietness and neighborly feelings of a small town life, then Rockland might just be the perfect place. With all the charm that a small New England town is known for, along with high class businesses and homes, this little town is perfect for both visitors and residents alike.

Moving is never easy, but it can be fun when you are looking forward to the place where you are moving to. Not everyone gets a choice, but when you do, make sure that you consider one of these small towns for your next home.

At a time when everyone is looking to save money especially when moving, finding the cheapest place to live ranks high on the to-do list. There are plenty of places in the United States where you can save some money, but these top five destinations really keep your wallet fat. Considering a move to a cheaper city? Look at these options and then call the moving truck rental company and reserve your method of relocation.

1. Sherman, Texas: The city of Sherman, located a mere sixty miles north of the massive city of Dallas, is home to over one hundred thousand people. Many of the streets look as if they were taken right from the Midwest. With the median income level of only forty five thousand a year, it is no wonder that this is one of the cheapest places to live. With an on average apartment rental going for less than six hundred dollars, this truly is an affordable place to call home.
2. Springfield, Illinois: This city, also the capital of the state, has multiple claims to fame that the much larger, and better known city of Chicago doesn’t. First, it is the capital, secondly, it was the longtime home of President Abraham Lincoln, and third, it is one of the most affordable places in the country to live. With average rentals going for only $550 dollars a month, it is easy to see how this city made the list.
3. Waco, Texas: The median income level for the city of Waco is only forty thousand dollars, which is one reason that it made it to the most affordable cities to live in list. Because of its location, Waco provides big city living at a little city price. With average rentals going for around eight hundred dollars, and boasting a college educated population, this city is not only affordable, but is a great place to call home.
4. Fayetteville, Arkansas: Perhaps the biggest aspect that put this little city on this list is the fact that utility costs and food fall far below the average for the country. Apartment rentals run around five hundred and fifty dollars as well, making Fayetteville one of the most affordable of all cities on this list. With an average median income of only forty five thousand a year, and a metro population of over four hundred thousand, it is easy to see why this is another great place to live.
5. Springfield, Missouri:  The number one cheapest city to live in within the boundaries of the United States is the city of Springfield again, but this time in the state of Missouri. With an average income of forty one thousand a year, this city is the third largest city in the state. Food prices and utilities remain well below that of the national average, and home prices also come in below what you might expect of such a metropolitan area.

Finding the home or city of your dreams is no longer difficult. With the right truck rental, you can be on your way to a new home and a much more affordable cost of living.

A Boom in Moving Truck Rentals

Moving can be scary when such companies are allowed to operate. Without the proper license, a mover can pretty much do whatever they want. This is why there has been such a boom in moving truck rentals over the past few years. Consumers are no longer willing to sit on the side and allow these companies to take their money or harm their things. But even when you choose to move your things on your own, it’s important to take a few steps to ensure that the truck rental you obtain is better than the scam movers that you might have hired.

Protect Yourself When Moving

If you are considering a moving truck rental, then make sure that you remember these simple steps:

·Always reserve ahead of time. Trucks are generally overbooked, so if you don’t reserve in advance, you might face unavailability.

·Do a walk around of the truck before you sign the paperwork and take it off the lot. You want to make sure that it is in working condition and in good repair.

·Get extra insurance. Truck rental companies will charge you for any ‘damage’ that they see on the truck. This is another good reason to do a walk around when you first obtain it.

·Read the fine print. Never blindly sign a contract when you are getting a truck rental.

Research Before Signing

Whether you choose to hire movers, or you opt for the moving truck rental solution, make sure that you are aware of your rights so that you can reduce stress when you move. Never sign anything blindly or hand over money to a company that you are not really familiar with. Do some research to ensure they have all the proper licenses (including truck rental companies) so that you can enjoy the moving process rather than dreading it.

Getting a self storage bin is a common practice, especially if you are moving your own things with the help of a moving truck rental. There are a couple of different kinds of storage units out there, and you should be aware of the differences so that you can safely store all of your things, even those that require some kind of climate control. While meat is not something you should store anywhere but your refrigerator, there are lots of other goods that need to be in a climate stable area.

Outside Units

Perhaps one of the most common forms of self storage is the kind that looks much like a garage. These outdoor storage units are big and roomy, and can be easy to get in and out of, but they are not climate controlled. If you have a few boxes or things that aren’t going to be affected by temperature extremes, then this is a cheaper and more feasible method of storing all of your things. What’s more, most of these storage places offer the use of their own moving truck rental if you purchase so many months of service.

Indoor Units

If you have things, like records, that will break or get damaged as of the result of climate extremes, then you need to look into a different option. Indoor storage units are generally the best option for you because they are all housed in a building that remains at a constant comfortable temperature throughout the year. Even when it is really cold outside, or really hot, you can be that the temperature inside the storage building will be much like that of your own home. As such, delicate things that might be susceptible to hurt when exposed to cold or heat will be safe in this type of storage unit.

Finding a Good One

Just like movers, when you are looking for self storage, you want to find a company that you can work with over time. This will reduce the stress of moving. The last thing that you want is to deal with a company that is not honest or one that doesn’t protect the things that you put into your purchased storage unit. As such, it is important to take some time to research the different options out there. Remember, there are two main kinds of storage units, so make sure that you know what you want before you go looking. This will only save you heartache later.

Save some Cash

You are already saving on your move by opting for a moving truck rental, but there are also ways that you can save money on self storage. First, calling around to get quotes is the best way to weed out those companies that offer storage at a hefty price. Secondly, it is a good idea to check with the people you rented the truck from to see if they offer discounts when you rent a truck and storage at the same time.