The Gold You Find In Your Spam/Junk Folder

Our Spam and Junk folders save us from email messages that could harm our computers and servers and are also a waste of our time if we stop to read them. In most cases, messages caught by our spam filters are really unwanted and illegitimate messages.

However, no spam/junk filter is perfect and in some cases the rules also capture relevant and important messages we should be reading. Many times you will find in your junk folder a response from a prospect for whom you quoted a price, a request for a quote from a potential customer or a suggestion for a new deal from a colleague.

The only solution is to check your junk folder on a regular basis, daily or weekly, go through your messages and look for any legitimate ones and act accordingly. We know it takes valuable time and realize it is a tedious process altogether, but hey, we never said that finding gold would be a an easy task…

Can You Handle The Bad News?

If your job responsibility requires you to speak with customers from time to time, you may have come across customers who complained about your service, an employee who they didn’t like or agree with or about a promise made to them that wasn’t kept. If your company operates a blog or uses a survey, you must have read some negative comments about your company, services or employees. How do you handle these? Can you handle the bad news?

As an owner of our agency I have come across negative comments addressed by customers verbally or via our surveys or blogs. I must admit that as hard as I am trying not to take these comments personally, it always trigger the question: What did I do wrong? However, I always with no fail make sure to look into the issue and respond back to the customer, often times by me.

How are you handling these negative comments?

Utilizing Trade Associations

Keeping up with industry news and trends is essential in running any type of business. Online resources such as LinkedIn are a great way to hear the latest buzz and connect with others in your trade, but don’t forget about traditional trade associations. In addition to connecting you with other professionals in your industry, these organizations can help you stay abreast of relevant news and policy, and sometimes offer discounts on relevant goods and services.
As the owner of a company operating in two separate industries, I belong to organizations in both. The American Moving and Storage Association  keeps me connected to the relocation world, and the Professional Insurance Association provides insight into the latest news and policy in insurance.
How do you use trade associations to improve your business? What tools do you use to network with other industry professionals?

Embracing Changes in Tough Times

Two weeks ago, Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke predicted confidently that “we will see growth in the third quarter continuing and that growth will continue into 2010.” Indeed, The Wall Street Journal reports the pace of job losses in the U.S. continues to slow, but what does this mean for individual industries?

While sectors heavily rooted in intellectual capital (such as technology) have been showing signs of bouncing back, companies where operating costs are much higher could take longer to recover. This month, we highlight two forward-thinking companies who have benefited from embracing change.

Inside Self-Storage reports that industry veterans Dan Kasman and Michael Gyory of New York have gone green with their latest venture with the opening of Thornwood Self Storage Center. From the re-purposing of the former warehouse structure to its energy-saving features, the new facility aims to attract the ever-growing group of eco-minded consumers who are looking for green alternatives in all facets of their lives.

Advantage Storage of Texas continues to grow by catering specifically to upscale clients. As reported by Collin County Business Press, the company’s new multi-story Craig Ranch facility blends in with the architectural style of its surrounding homes and country clubs, complete with stucco and stone construction. Advantage also specializes in corporate customers, offering a shipment receiving service, flexible space, and month-to month leases.

While both examples above come from self-storage, niche markets are proving to work in tough times for all sorts of companies within the relocation industry and beyond. While not necessarily the answer for all businesses, at the very least we hope this article has you thinking about who your customers are, and what you can offer them to better suit their needs. Who knows, you may just stumble across a new business idea!

We want to hear your success stories. In what ways have you been creative to keep business thriving?

Moving Abroad? Read Our Tips to Stress Less

Are you about to be an expat? Moving can be difficult and is even more stressful if moving abroad. However, planning ahead can ease the burden of relocating. The following is list of what you may need to coordinate before moving overseas:

Look into the country's regulations: Laws and regulations vary throughout the world. Call your new country's embassy or consulate to inquire about any requirements. In some instances, you and your family members may need visas or vaccinations, or you may need to pay taxes for shipping your household items and car. Call in advance to find out what you may need before your move.

Passports and Visas: If you don't have one, make sure to file an application for your passport as soon as possible. Passport applications may take some time to process so make sure to file it months before you move. Also, if your passport is expired or is about to expire file a renewal application. If necessary, also file any visa applications.

Gather Necessary Documents: When overseas, you may need certain documents for renting an apartment, obtaining a new license, etc. Remember to obtain the following documents before you move: birth certificate, marriage certificate, social security card, employment records, and will. These documents are necessary for settling into your new life in another country.

International Driving Permit: If your license is expired or about to expire, make sure to renew it. Then, file an application for an international driving permit. You can obtain an application at your local AAA office or download one online International Driving Permit Application.

Bank and Credit Card Accounts: Close any accounts that may not be valid overseas and open an account that allows for international banking.

Medical Prescriptions: If you or a family member has a medical condition, make sure to get an extended supply of any necessary medication and also, request a copy of your medical file.

Planning ahead can ease the stress of moving abroad. Dedicating a little time and effort before the move will pay out big in the long run.

Greener Moving is Easy

Moving to a new home will inevitably have a significant impact on the environment. Cardboard boxes used for moving are often not recycled and corrugated cardboard boxes account for most of the paper waste in landfills. In addition, tape used for packing boxes is not recyclable and takes a very long time to decompose in landfills.

The following are tips on how to lessen your environmental impact while moving:

• Used materials: Save money and your impact on the planet by collecting used boxes from grocery stores, liquor stores, and other retailers. Wine and liquor boxes are particularly handy for fragile glass items as many of these boxes contain cell packs (cardboard dividers). Before moving, ask your local wine or liquor store when they will be receiving shipments so you can get plenty of boxes. Also, look to friends and family for their used boxes when moving.


• Reusable containers: Borrowing plastic containers from friends and family will reduce the number of cardboard boxes used. If you purchase plastic containers instead, make sure to save them for your next move or for your friends and family.


• Donating/selling unwanted items: Eliminate waste by donating or selling any unwanted items. Gently used clothing and household appliances may be donated at your local Goodwill, Salvation Army, or other charitable organization. Need a little extra money before your move? Garage sales can be a quick and easy way to sell your unwanted goods. If you only have a few items you want to sell, try selling them on websites such as Ebay and Craigslist.

Some moving companies are also trying to lessen their impact on the environment. If using movers, check for local "green" moving companies online. Of course, any move will not be a completely "green." However, if you follow the tips above and use common sense, you can significantly eliminate your impact on the environment.

Hurry for $8,000 First-Time Buyer Tax Credit

Although the cut-off date for the $8,000 first-time buyer tax credit is Dec. 1, if you are interested in this incentive, you will want to consider that it can take months to close on a home. Short sales can take three to six months, so with 90 days left before the deadline, first-time buyers should apply for the credit now.

According to the National Association of Realtors, 1.8 million buyers are expected to apply for the credit. There may be an extension of the stimulus package program, like the "Cash for Clunkers" offer, although that remains uncertain. For now, loan documents must be signed by the deadline to qualify for the benefit.

Mortgage Applications Are on the Rise

Mortgage applications, an early indicator of sales, rose last week in response to a drop in interest rates to a five-week low. For the week ending August 14, mortgage loan applications to finance the purchase of homes increased 3.9 percent, according to a weekly survey from the Mortgage Bankers Association. Compared to the same week in 2008, mortgage applications increased 25 percent. The drop in mortgage rates is credited with the increase.

Rates on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgages, rates averaged 5.15 percent, which is a decrease over the prior week's 5.38 percent. Average rates for 15-year fixed-rate mortgages were 4.52 percent, a decrease from 4.71 percent. Also, rates on one-year ARMs decreased to 6.66 percent, down from 6.71 percent.

Low mortgage rates, increased affordability, and the government's $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers may all help stabilize the U.S. housing market, analysts say. Sales of new homes gained 11 percent in June, the biggest jump in 8 years, and sales of existing homes rose 3.6 percent.

Moving: What to Do With Hazardous Household Waste

To better protect the environment, hazardous household waste such as cleaning chemicals, medications, batteries, pesticides, fuel, paint, or explosive materials should be recycled whenever possible. If you are moving and aren't sure what to do with your hazardous household items, you may need to find a proper way of disposing them, as many moving companies will not allow hazardous materials onto the trucks. Anything labeled "caution, warning, corrosive, poison, danger, toxic, flammable, or reactive" is harmful to the air, water, and soil. For this reason, it is illegal to toss hazardous materials into the trash, pour them down a drain, or leach them into the soil. Here are some suggestions for disposing hazardous household items:

• Consider donating household supplies to your local church, shelter, or other community organization. Be sure that the products are in good condition (not leaking) and labels are readable.


• Take your items to your local hazardous waste depot or the closest EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). Be careful when transporting the items so that they don't spill or leak. The collection depot will ensure that the hazardous waste is disposed of properly.


• If you need to get rid of used oil, check with your local solid waste officials to see if there is a used oil recycling program in your area.

Tips for Relocating Older Relatives

Whether you have aging parents or relatives moving to a retirement community, an assisted living center, or into your own home, managing their relocation can often be a stressful and emotional event. Here are some tips for easing the transition for both you and your elders:

• Talk to siblings and other close relatives about sharing the responsibilities of the move. If all of the work falls on your shoulders, ask friends for support to avoid the move taking over your personal life.


• Take your elderly relative to the doctor for an opinion about what kind of home care is best. Communicate your expectations and discuss what options you can afford.


• Factor in emotions. Most likely your relative will resist leaving the household that he or she has been in charge of for years. As long as they have cognitive skills, your relatives will want to make their own decisions. Try to let your relatives assert some independence as far as sorting out which items will be moving with them and which will be donated or sold.


• Be realistic about how much time you have to help pack and move. Packing and unpacking a three-bedroom home is estimated to take 80 to 90 hours. You may want to hire a professional organizer as well as professional movers.


• If your relative is moving in with you, consider safety and accessibility issues, space for medical supplies, and plans for bathing. Also, have an emergency plan in place.


• Be positive about the new living situation. Show your relatives any floor plans or brochures to help them visualize their new home.

Choosing a New School for Your Child

If you are moving or considering a move to a new location, you may be faced with choosing a new school for your child. Do your homework when visiting schools so you can decide which learning environment is best for your child to thrive. Here are some tips:

• Read about the schools you will be visiting ahead of time. Check out reviews on GreatSchools.net as well as reading articles about schools in your local newspaper.


• Schedule visits to the schools you are considering. Find out if you will be able to meet the principal and a few teachers while you are there.


• Ask lots of questions. Which programs is the school known for? What is the school's approach to discipline? How is technology used to support learning?


• Observe the school environment. How well are the school facilities maintained? Do the classrooms seem cheerful? Do students seem enthusiastic and well-behaved?


• Consider the needs of your child. A shy child may do better in a school with a smaller class size. If your child has a strong interest in science or the arts, you may want to choose a school specializing in those programs.


• Ask around the neighborhood. Find out how other parents feel about the schools you are considering and, if possible, try to meet the Parent Teacher Association (PTA).

Housing Market Shows Signs of Bottoming Out

Housing prices rose between April and May, the first increase in three years, according to a 20-city home price index released today. Although prices have fallen by 32 percent since last peaking in 2006, the 0.5 percent increase in May was the fourth consecutive month that the decline slowed. The figures could be a sign of improvement in the worst housing market since the Great Depression. However, analysts caution that unemployment and foreclosures could increase again and a stable recovery is not expected until at least 2010. For a rebound to truly emerge, consumer confidence needs to rise and potential buyers need to have a sense that they shouldn't wait for prices to get any cheaper.

Take Online Moving Company Reviews Lightly

As more and more people spend more time communicating online, consumer review sites have become a popular resource for choosing everything from restaurants to dry cleaners. When choosing a moving company, online reviews can be helpful, but readers should beware that those reviews may not be written by actual customers. Overly positive reviews may be written by the company's employees or publicists, while overly negative reviews may be written by that company's competitors. When searching for a moving company, take online reviews into consideration, but also look into the company's press, the size of their truck fleet, and ask as many questions as you can when you call them on the phone. Also, consulting the Better Business Bureau is a reliable way to research a company's reputation.

Handle With Care: Moving After a Crisis

Relocation is sometime the result of an unfortunate event such as a divorce, death, illness, or job loss. The emotional trauma associated with the life-changing events can add grief to an already stressful situation, which is the move itself. The important thing to remember is that you need to take care of yourself in order to take care of your move. Here are some tips for coping with a move during difficult times:

• Focus your energy on the tasks at hand. If you are moving in the middle of or after a crisis, your emotions are likely affecting your decisions. Think carefully about each part of your move and try not to make rash decisions. Your instinct may be to throw away or burn items associated with a bad memory, but there are other options that may make more sense, such as selling or donating those items.


• Ask for help. If you feel overwhelmed, don't be afraid to turn to your friends, family, or neighbors for help. They are probably already wondering if there is something that they can do to make your move easier. Having an extra hand in packing sentimental items or an extra pair of eyes to babysit can make all the difference. Seeking professional help can also make a huge impact on your health and well-being during an especially trying time.


• Be good to yourself. Get enough rest and don't over-exert yourself. Hire a moving company to handle your move if you don't feel physically well enough to do the heavy lifting. Know that it will take time to heal from the unfortunate events, and that moving to a new place is part of moving forward.

Landlord Skimping on Duties? Maybe it's Time to Move

If you are a renter, you probably know what your responsibilities are--you pay your rent on time, you are clean and considerate of your space, and you follow the terms of your lease agreement. But what if it's your landlord who is neglecting responsibilities? The recession is causing some landlords to skimp on repairs, neglect utility payments, and fall into foreclosure. So how can renters protect themselves? If you think your apartment building is not meeting safety codes, contact your city administrator, local tenants' association, or legal advocate. If all else fails, you may need to move to a new home. Before you sign the lease at your new place, check to see how well the building is maintained. Look at the conditions of the floors, walls, ceiling, foundation, stairs, fixtures, and wiring.

Protect Your Floors During Your Move

Moving is dirty business--have you thought to protect your floors on moving day? Both the home your are moving out of and the one you are moving into are bound to get dirty, dusty, and scuffed by the traffic of movers, heavy furniture, and appliances. A dropcloth or loose pieces of cardboard laid on the floor can be a safety hazard for movers who might trip. Better options include utilizing rugs, carpets, and rubber mats (tape down the edges with painter's tape to avoid shifting) to create a runway into heavily-trafficked areas. Other ways to protect floors include placing adhesive felt pads to the bottoms of furniture legs. Even with the padding, be careful not to drag furniture across the floor. For carpets, use a clear self-adhesive film such as Carpet Shield to prevent stains and wear.

Home Improvement: Where to Begin?

Congratulations, you have just secured your new home! Before you move all of your stuff in, you may want to tackle home improvement projects first. Whether you are the owner of a new house or you are renting an apartment, there are probably a few things that need fixing. Which projects should you complete first? Budget both your time and money with these suggestions:

• Structural: Safety should be your biggest concern when moving into a new home. If the foundation, roofing, siding, or stairs in your home are unsound, begin repairs as soon as possible. Also, check the wiring and electrical outlets. Of course, if you are renting, you will want to have your landlord or super handle the repairs.


• Convenience: What needs to be fixed in order for you to be comfortable? Do you need a fence so that your children and dog will not run into the street? Do you need new screens on the windows to allow fresh air into your home?


• Cosmetic: This will probably be the hardest part of your home repair budget to keep under control when you first move in--there's always something to decorate. Start with the practical first--window treatments, lighting, shelving, children's rooms, etc. Go through one room at a time, saving your private quarters for last.


• Amenitites: Always dreamed of having an outdoor deck with a jacuzzi? How about a swimming pool, an indoor gym, or a bar in the basement? Once you have fixed the most important aspects of your home, add luxuries as your budget allows to complete your dream home.

Moving On Up: Is There Such a Thing as Affordable Luxury?

If you have been apartment- or house-hunting in the past 6 months, you have probably seen ads promoting luxury living for bargain prices. Sure enough, prices are dropping for units in enormous high-rises with swimming pools, roof decks, onsite gyms, and common areas that would be great for having all your friends over, but can you really afford the upgrade? Before you get caught up in a luxury fantasy, figure out how much you can really afford to spend. Remember, you'll need to factor in expenses like paying utilities, buying food, and furnishing your new place.

Most experts recommend planning to pay 25-30% of your take home pay as rent or mortgage, though in some higher cost areas that could run to 35 or 40%. You must take all of your monthly expenses (including credit cards, transportation costs, and student loan payments) into account.
Set a budget and stick to it when looking for your new home. Knowing how much you can realistically spend will help you weed out places you can't afford, no matter how glamorous they seem.

Rent or Buy? Tools to Help You Decide

Given recent dips in home prices and the current low mortgage rate climate, home ownership is significantly more affordable for prospective first-time homeowners. Earlier in 2009, a provision in the Stimulus Bill provided for a first-time Homebuyer Tax Credit of 10 percent of the purchase price of the home up to $8,000. However, there are many extra costs associated with owning a home, such as closing costs, mortgage interest, property taxes, maintenance, and insurance. You will also want to consider whether property values are appreciating or depreciating in the area you are looking to move to. There are several online calculators to help you determine whether you can afford to buy a home or not. Here are a few:

• Move.com


• Ginnie Mae


• Yahoo! Real Estate

Which Neighborhood is Right for You? Questions to Help You Choose

Location, location, location--you've heard it before--the area you choose to live in will have the most impact on your home's value and your quality of life. So how do you know where to go? You probably already know whether you prefer a city, the suburbs, or a small town, and which climate is most desirable for you. But there are many other factors to consider before you relocate. Here are a few questions to help you narrow down your options:

• How long will it take me to get to work? How much will it cost?


• How far will I be from family and friends?


• Can I afford the local taxes?


• What are the schools, hospitals, and other public services like? How close am I to them?


• What is the crime rate?


• Are there any amenities nearby, such as parks and recreation centers? Are there things to do both during the day and the night?


• What is the traffic like? Is it noisy?


• Are there new homes being built nearby? What is the long-term plan for the neighborhood?


• What are the current values of similar homes?


• Is there shopping nearby?


• Where are homes selling fast? Where are sales stagnant?

Hooking Up Gets Easier

One of the headaches of moving into a new residence is calling various utility companies to hook up your services--usually you are put on hold for longer than you would like, and then you wait a few days for the service to kick in. Until now--the Internet has simplified this otherwise annoying process. Most utilities--cable, phone, gas, electricity, and Internet--will let you sign up for service or change your existing service online, saving you far more time than you would spend signing up for each service over the phone.

Even easier is a new service that lets you do all your utilities hookups online, WhiteFence.com. Not only can you sign up for all of the services at once, you can compare each provider for the best price. Just enter your zip code and let the information come to you, including special offers and discounts. And since they will have your move-in date already, the utilities can be hooked up before you arrive, so no more waiting around for the cable guy.

The Eco-Friendly Move

Moving often requires lots of fuel and packing products, but there are ways to relocate with a greener state of mind. Here are some tips:

• Downsize your move: The less stuff you have to pack up and move, the less packing materials you will need. Get rid of any unnecessary clutter by donating things to charity and thrift stores, or selling items on Craigslist or eBay.



• Be on the lookout for boxes: The more boxes and packing materials that you can reuse instead of buying new, the better. You may even be able to find free moving boxes on Craigslist or through some moving companies' recycling programs.



• Rent-a-Crate: Available in 13 U.S. locations, this company rents reusable plastic moving crates that they will deliver to and pick up from any location.



• Use eco-friendly cleaning supplies: You'll probably be doing a lot of cleaning at both your old and new places. Avoid harmful chemical cleaners and opt for natural, biodegradable cleaning products.

Who Are the People in Your Neighborhood?

Once the boxes are unpacked and the furniture is arranged, it's time to adjust to your new home. Moving to a new neighborhood can be overwhelming, and one way to smooth the transition is to find time to introduce yourself and your family to your neighbors. Don't wait until you need to borrow a power tool to meet your neighbors--knowing who is in your community will help you feel safer and, hopefully, you will make new friends too. You may think you don't have time to put in the effort to meet the people in your 'hood, but just a few simple steps can help speed the process:

• Curb appeal: Get outside and do yardwork or repairs around your home--not only is this good for your home, but your neighbors will probably notice you. This is a great opportunity to wave and say hello. Don't come on too needy, just be pleasant and drum up a conversation.


• Hit the park: Most neighborhoods have a park, a playground, or even a few benches where locals congregrate. Similar hangouts include community pools, libraries, and coffee shops. Make an effort to visit these areas, even if it's just to read a book. Ask your neighbors for recommendations on local attractions and they will probably be happy to share information with you.


• Explore common interests: If you have kids, you will most likely have an easy time meeting other parents in the neighborhood. Likewise, figure out what you have in common with people in your area, and be open to making a connection. Join a local exercise group, take a class in your neighborhood, or explore the arts scene.


• Knock, knock: Bringing a baked dessert over to your new neighbors' doorstep might sound like a scene from the 1950s, but there's nothing wrong with going out of your way to meet the people in your proximity. You might find an elderly neighbor who doesn't get out much who you otherwise would not have met.


• Host a party: You don't necessarily have to throw a block party to get people to like you--invite a small group over for coffee and muffins, or wine and cheese--once you've finished redecorating, of course.

To a Good Home: Not Just You, But Your Pet Too

Unfortunately, one side effect of the poor economy is that more people are abandoning their pets. Some people make a terrible choice on moving day and abandon their pets. Perhaps they are moving far away and don't want to pay for the transport of their pets, perhaps their new homes don't allow pets, or perhaps they just don't want Fluffy or Scruffy anymore. Stray pets end up fending for themselves, sometimes reaching the brink of starvation until they are taken in by animal welfare agencies, where their fate is uncertain. If you make the commitment to be a pet owner, it is your legal responsibility to make sure your pet is safe. Call your local humane society or animal control if you are not able to move your pet. If you know of a pet that needs a new home, check out 1-800-Save-A-Pet.com, an online database on which people can offer to provide foster care for animals whose owners may not be able to keep them for as long as a year.

Are They Here Yet? Estimating Your Delivery Window

One of the most frustrating experiences that can occur with a long-distance move is when you arrive long before your movers. Considering that most moving companies estimate that it takes at least two days to move 1,000 miles, if you are moving cross-country, you could be looking at a week or more, depending on driving conditions. Also, since summer is the busiest moving time, you may need to be more flexible with your delivery time-frame, aka, delivery window. Generally, a mover will be able to give you an approximate delivery window based on your request--some companies even offer a guaranteed delivery date. A professional moving company should keep you abreast of their moving schedule as it unfolds. What if you can't be there when your stuff arrives? You will either need to authorize a third party to be there when the truck arrives, or have your movers place your things into storage. Most movers will make every effort to meet your expectations for delivery, however, it's important to make sure you have contact information for your movers as well as a bit of flexibility and patience.

A Clean Slate: Tips for a Tidy Move

Moving out and moving in present an opportunity to clean and reorganize all of your personal belongings. Do you really want to unpack dusty lamps and crusty appliances in your new home? Here are some tips for making your move a clean sweep:

• Got stains? Use a mix of baking soda and vinegar to scrub out most household stains, from grime to grease. Of course, be sure not to submerge any electrical appliances in water--you'll want to spot-clean those with a rag. Sprinkle baking soda on carpet stains, let sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum.
• Dust in the wind? Moving around furniture is likely to kick up some (or a lot of) dust. Get it under control with a heavy-duty vacuum and, if necessary, a portable air cleaner.
• Cover and contain: Protect clothes you rarely wear in garment bags, put shoes and accessories in container bins, and utilize suitcases and bureau drawers for clothes you wear regularly.
• Shred it: When tossing paper waste such as bills and bank statements, be sure to shred documents to protect yourself from identity theft.
• Now is the time to get rid of clutter: make bins labeled "store," "sell," "donate," and "trash."
• Clean from top to bottom, and save floors, toilets, and sinks for last.
• Be sure to clean your oven, whether you are taking it with you or not.

Your new place will likely be clean, but there are some things you will want to do before you unpack:

• Wipe down cabinets and drawers with a warm, wet rag. This will ensure that you remove any pesticide residue and dust.
• Disinfect bathrooms, refrigerators, and freezers.
• If you're exhausted from your move and too busy to tackle it yourself, consider hiring a cleaning service to get your new home sparkling.

America on the Go

What are the most popular cities in the U.S. right now? You're probably thinking something like New York and San Francisco, but the recent quarterly report from the AMSA (American Moving & Storage Association) might surprise you. The cities with the highest percentage of people moving in are: Charlotte, N.C.; Denver, Co.; Austin, Tx.; and Dallas, Tx. These cities reflect more affordability, and in this recession, people are leaving places with high costs of living and strained job markets for greener pastures. Are you thinking about relocating? Check out this handy cost of living calculator to see if a move would make sense for you. For example, someone making $50,000 in New York City could expect to see his/her salary drop to $27,569 in Charlotte, but also pay 61 percent less for housing in Charlotte. If you are struggling to pay your bills, relocation may be worth looking into.

Got Space? Creating Guest Bedrooms

Summer is underway, and if you have friends and family visiting your home, most likely you will need all of the space you can get. Clear that pile of clutter taking over your craft room, home office, or basement, and turn that valuable real estate into a guest bedroom. Not ready to part with your clutter? Put items in a storage facility or mobile storage container, and at the end of the summer when your guests are gone, you can move those items back inside. Here are some tips for making your guest room a cozy respite:

• Clear closet and/or drawer space: Leave room for your guests to unpack their belongings so they can feel at ease. Make sure there are empty hangers and space to put shoes.
• Place an uncluttered nightstand and reading lamp next to the bed. This will help your guest feel comfortable in his/her room after you and other hosts have retired to bed.
• Try not to have too many personal items in the room. The last thing you want your guest to experience is the feeling of being shuttered in your world of trinkets. Try to emulate the decor of a hotel room and create a relaxing, minimalist abode.
• Don't forget the bathroom: Place new toothbrushes, toothpaste, and toiletry items for your guests. Add a welcoming touch with candles, soaps, and plenty of clean towels.
• Use this opportunity to educate your guests on the surroundings they are visiting. Leave guidebooks on your town or city in the guestroom, and if your guests will be traveling on their own, road maps and pamphlets for attractions.

Moving Paperwork: Look Before You Sign

In addition to your inventory, there are a few other imporant forms you will want to have handy on moving day:

Estimate
Always get the estimated cost of your move in writing after meeting with your moving company.

Order for Service
This document is required for every shipment of belongings transported for an individual shipper. You are entitled to a copy of the order. You and the mover must sign the order.

Bill of Lading
This is the contract between you and your mover, and the information (such as prices and delivery dates) should match the order for service. The driver who loads your shipment must give a copy of the bill of lading before loading your items onto the truck.

Driver's Inventory
The driver may write up an inventory of your items as well. If you disagree with anything on the inventory, make notes on the document.

You will want to keep these documents on your person during the move along with your inventory. When you arrive at your new location, use your inventory and the driver's inventory to check off items as they arrive and inspect their condition. The driver will request that you sign his copy of the inventory--do not do so until you are fully sure that it is accurate or has been noted with any damages or loss. Feel free to write "subject to inspection" underneath your signature so that you can inspect each item within the allotted time period.

Declutter and Downsize Your Move

As you plan your move and itemize your valuables that you want to insure, you will probably have a growing mound of things that you won't be taking with you. Decluttering is a healthy byproduct of the moving process--especially if you are putting your home on the market. Most of us only use a fraction of our possessions, no matter how much fills our closets. In advance of moving day, move all of your least-used items into one room, and separate them into four piles: store, sell, donate, and trash. Reduce the size of your trash pile and sell valuable unwanted items on Craigslist or Ebay, donate useful items to charity, or look into recycling options, such as Freecycle. Here are some questions to ask yourself as you declutter your home:

• When was the last time I used this item? If I won't use it in the next six months, why am I keeping it?
• Is this item worth paying my hard-earned money for to move?
• How hard would it be to replace this item if I needed it in the future?
• Does this item have sentimental, legal, or financial value?
• How soon after moving will this item come out of its box? Is it worth putting into storage?

You will be surprised at how much stuff you can do without, and hopefully, decluttering will reduce some of the stress of your move and save you money.

Our History

MovingInsurance.com, the initial portal was established in 2003. Today, Relocation Insurance Group, LLC has successfully revolutionized the way people purchase moving insurance. We were the first and the best supplier of relocation insurance. In a relatively short amount of time, we have expanded our moving insurance program to include a network of over 1000 affiliated moving companies around the world.

Capitalizing on the success of MovingInsurance.com, our management team has decided to broaden the agency’s operations by offering similar insurance programs to the burgeoning self storage, mobile storage, rental truck and logistics/freight markets. We are proud to supply relocation insurance to tens of millions of Americans This is surely an expanding industry and we look forward to pioneering its future expansion and transformations.

The Variety of Coverage

The term Relocation Insurance covers a variety of services available to you the customer. Relocation Insurance refers to Moving Insurance, Storage Insurance, Mobile Storage Insurance, and Logistics Insurance. In order to pick the best possible match for your needs read the following descriptions of each type of insurance:

Moving Insurance- protects your belongings during a move. Whether you are relocating to a new home or moving your office locally or across the globe, Moving Insurance has you covered. Visit movinginsurance.com for more details.

Storage Insurance- provides affordable and competitive insurance coverage for your valuables while being stored in a self storage facility. A wide range of coverage is available for personal belongings, office furnishing, or commercial goods. Visit storageinsurance.com for more details.

Mobile Storage Insurance- An insurance program for consumers choosing the mobile storage option for their relocation. While in transit or when being stored, your belongings are insured. Visit mobilestorageinsurance.com for details.

Logistics Insurance- protects freight and cargo while being shipped and stored locally, domestically or worldwide. Visit logisticsinsurance.com for more details.

Welcome to the Relocation Insurance Blog

Hello, and welcome to the Relocation Insurance Blog. My name is Gadi Binness, and I am a relocation insurance professional with more than 23 years of management experience in the business. I have worked for a number of the largest moving and storage companies on the East Coast, and now hold Property and Casualty Insurance Producer licenses in all US states.

RelocationInsurance.com was created as a comprehensive resource for all of your moving and storage related insurance needs, and I hope that this blog will become a useful extension of that service. Each week I will be sharing my expertise with our Relocation Insurance customers, discussing relevant news, information and trends in the insurance industry. I also hope that this blog will become a place for interactions with my readers, one where you may pose questions and I can answer them directly. If you are interested in the world of insurance, or simply have a question relating to the services Relocation Insurance provides - please stop by the blog again next week.