Hindsight is 20/20” — it’s a cliche adage, but it’s pretty accurate when it comes to moving! It seems that you always wish you organized differently, planned more, or simply had an easier way to navigate the moving process. Luckily, we’ve got you covered! These 50 hacks are the most comprehensive guide to staying ahead of moving woes.
Before You Move

• If possible, clean the bathroom and kitchen in your new place before you move in.
• Designate a donate pile for all clothing and items that you don’t want to take with you. That way, all you have to do is schedule a pickup with the Salvation Army or ClothingDonations.org. Don’t forget to ask for a receipt to claim a tax deduction!
• For the 2-3 weeks leading up to your move, plan your meals around whatever frozen food, perishable items, or half open containers that you have around the kitchen. You can also donate your nonperishable items to Move for Hunger!

• Update your address for all your accounts, utilities, and subscriptions several weeks before moving day.
• Shop around! The more estimates you have for moving-related services, the more chances you have to save some money.
• Instead of throwing away old batteries and electronics, find an electronics recycling center in your area.
• Measure EVERYTHING. If a piece of furniture can’t fit in your new home, get rid of it!
• Schedule your move for the middle of the month or the middle of the week to cut costs. It’s cheaper to move then! If you’re planning a DIY move, you’ll want to look into the cost of renting a moving truck. Request a Penske truck rental quote for estimates on pricing.

How to Get Your Deposit Back

• If you’re renting, take photos of your old place as you move out and photos of your new place as you move in.
• Remove any dents in the carpet that furniture left behind with ice cubes. Simply place the ice cubes on the dents, let them melt, and use a spoon to lift the fibers.

• Use white Ivory soap, toothpaste, and other items to fill nail holes in your walls.
• Broken glass on the floor? Use a slice of bread to pick up the pieces that your broom missed!
• To make picture frames more stable and protect your walls from scuffing, cut off pencil erasers and glue them to the back of the frame before hanging it up.
• Wrap a rubber band around a hammer to prevent scuffing the wall when removing nails.

Via Rent Fluff

• To get stains out of the carpet, use a mixture of 1 part hydrogen peroxide and 2 parts water. Add some lemon essential oil to the mixture, shake lightly, spray the area, and let set for a minute. Scrub with a scrub brush, and voila — good as new!
• If you have scuff marks on hardwood floors, cut a hole in a tennis ball, stick the ball on the end of a broom, and rub the scuff mark until it disappears.

Via LifehackerSave Time, Money, and Hassle While Packing

• Ask local retailers and businesses for their gently used boxes.
• Protect fragile items with magazines and newspaper instead of packing peanuts. Beware of the ink!
• While your clothes are still hanging in the closet, put them inside a trash bag to make unpacking simpler.

• Use laundry baskets, trash bins, and suitcases as boxes.

Via Grown and Flown

• In lieu of bubble wrap, protect your dishes and fragile items with clothing and linens.
• Put stemware and glasses inside clean socks for extra padding.
• As you dissemble furniture, keep all screws and hardware in a plastic bag. Label the bag and tape it to the furniture itself, or designate a separate box with hardware for all your furniture.
• Use colored packing tape like Smart Move Tape to keep your boxes organized. Be sure to label which room the box belongs to!

 

• Write the contents of each box on the box, or on an inventory list. If you’re feeling tech savvy, create an Excel document that tracks the contents of each box. Simply search for the item that you need in the document, and you’ll know which box to open!
• If you use plastic wrap, you can leave your items in whichever container or storage bin they’re in. For example, simply wrap your utensils organizer with plastic wrap instead of letting your forks and knives run loose in a box!

Via Listotic

• Label the sides of boxes so you can read the labels even when the boxes are stacked.
• Unpack your boxes by room to prevent constant back and forth trips around the house, especially if you have stairs!
• Invest in Space Bags to maximize your storage space and minimize your boxes.

Via The Life You Live

• Fill up pots and pans with spices containers, dish towels, and other kitchen items to save space.
• Avoid nasty smells and leaks by defrosting your fridge completely the night before your move.
• If you’re moving your refrigerator, wrap your refrigerator and freezer in plastic wrap to keep the doors from opening during transit.

“Why didn’t I think of that?!” — Or, Genius Packing Hacks

• Snap a picture of the back of your TV and other electronic devices. That way, you know exactly which wires go where when you’re setting up in the new place!
• Put knives inside an old oven mitt to prevent injuries.

Via Apartment Therapy

• String electronic wires through paper towel rolls to avoid tangled messes.
• Use rubber bands to prevent getting locked out. String a rubber band around one door knob, then cross it over and wrap it around the door knob on the other side to keep the door from locking.

Via Awesome Inventions

• Put jewelry in egg cartons to keep your necklaces from knotting and tangling.
• Place a cotton ball in makeup compacts to keep them from breaking.
• Use rubber bands to keep pots and lids together.

Via Awesome Inventions

• Stack plates vertically (like you would in a dish rack!) to prevent them from breaking. For extra protection, put a styrofoam plate between plates.
• To keep toiletries from leaking during transit, put a piece of plastic wrap over the opening, then screw on the cap.
• Use a box cutter to create handles for your boxes.

Via ListoticMoving Day Must-Dos

• Buy cereal, milk, and other easy breakfast items so that there’s food available the morning after moving day.
• If you’re moving with kids, incorporate them into the moving process by giving them a special box for all their favorite things. Let them decorate the box as wildly as they like!
• Keep a snack bin available during moving and unpacking. Load it up with water, protein bars, chips, or whatever you need to stay fueled up during your move.

Via Clutter Interrupted

• If you’re moving with a dog, put their food and water bowl in the same room as where you put it in the old place. The more consistent you are with your dog’s routine, the less likely they are to be anxious and destroy things.
• Keep all your moving day essentials in an overnight bag. It’ll prevent having to sift through boxes to find your laptop, toiletries, clothes, and medications!
• Keep valuables like your Social Security Card on your person during moving day.
• Pack the items that you’ll need most immediately in a clear plastic bin, or a designated “open first” box. Think: bed sheets, hand soap, towels, etc.
• Take a breather! Moving day is stressful, so allow yourself some “me time” when it’s over. Watch a movie, order some pizza, or do whatever you need to relax after a long day of hard work.

There you have it folks! You’ve got 50 hacks to make the moving process hassle free.


Article taken from: Updater.com

With millions of moves every year in the United States, it’s a minor miracle that most of them go smoothly, with no issues whatsoever. Hiring quality moves is a must, of course.
But even with so many smooth moves, scams or shoddy practices do occur. It’s in your interest to be informed about every step in the process.
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Here are 11 ways to hire the right team for your move:

1. Moving inventoryA reputable moving company will take inventory of all your belongings and determine the bulk and weight of your move either in person or through a virtual survey. The estimator should be thorough and check all of your storage places such as cupboards, drawers, garages and bookcases. A large component of the mover’s price is based on the weight of your stuff and the space your goods take up in the truck. Be sure you understand this estimate and that it is as accurate as possible.
2. Get a thorough walk-throughAn estimator who performs a quick walk-through without noting what you plan to move is going to be off the mark. A good estimator will ask questions about what you plan to take from your current house to your next home. So, be sure you are prepared to tell the estimator which items you don’t want on the truck—the items you plan to give away, donate to a charity, sell in a yard sale, or leave behind for the new owners.
3. Don’t pay a large depositReputable movers won’t demand cash or a large deposit before moving. You should only pay upon delivery. If you pay in advance, you have no control over when you will see your belongings again. When you do pay, use a credit card to help protect you from possible fraudulent activity.
4. Avoid moving companies with a name switchSome companies avoid being assessed by the Better Business Bureau by doing business under a variety of names. Be sure the company has a local address and information about licensing and insurance. Their employees should answer the phone with the full name of the business.Find out if there are any other names the company “does business as,” as well as their state and federal license numbers. Search online to see if there are complaints about the company. To find out more about the company’s history, call the consumer complaints hotline at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 888-368-7238.
5. Get references on moversIf your friends and family don’t have recommendations, get a list of reliable movers from associations such as the American Moving and Storage Association and state associations of movers.Ask any mover you speak with for references. Tell them you want a list of three customers from your area who have moved in the past three months. Call those customers and ask direct questions about their experiences.
6. Avoid packing costsIf you pack your belongings yourself, the mover generally isn’t responsible for damage to them. However, if you have your mover do the packing, you may pay inflated prices for boxes and packing materials, not to mention time and labor. If you decide to have the movers pack, ask about the packers’ experience. Most packers are  careful, but you want to avoid the chance of getting someone who tosses whatever they can into a box and then seals it up with little regard for breakage.
7. Beware of extra feesDo you live in a two-story house or are you moving into one? Moving to or from a 10th-floor apartment? If so, you’ll likely be charged extra for the movers’ having to negotiate stairs and elevators. Have a narrow street that won’t fit a moving van? Expect a surcharge for the transfer of your belongings to a smaller truck for delivery. Make sure to ask your mover about any additional fees that may apply to your situation.
8. Avoid a blank moving contractNever sign a blank contract. Get absolutely everything in writing. The mover’s estimate and any extra fees should be listed, as well as your pick-up and delivery dates.Read your contract and make sure all of your belongings are listed. If your laptop isn’t labeled on the inventory form you sign before the driver leaves, you can’t expect it to be in the box when he arrives. You can’t file a claim for something that doesn’t appear on the inventory list.
9. Don’t accept the “guaranteed” quoteThere are three kinds of moving contracts:
   • A non-binding estimate on your contract means the company cannot require payment more than 10% above the original estimate. Any overages must by paid within 30 days of delivery.
   • A non-binding to exceed estimate on your contract insures that you will not have to pay for any overages to the original estimate. The estimate is the maximum you’ll be required to pay for any services rendered.
   • A binding estimate on your contract is supposed to be a guaranteed price for the move and all extras and services. If you request additional services (such as unpacking), any extra fees must be paid within 30 days of delivery.
10. Report any problemsYou have nine months to report any problems to the moving company and file an insurance claim. So if you’re opening boxes a year later and find shards of glass, you’re out of luck.On moving day, try to open each box and sift through it to check for damage. Note any problems on the mover’s copy of the bill of lading before signing it.
    Your mover has 30 days to acknowledge receipt of your claim. Within 120 days of receiving it, he must deny your claim or make an offer to pay.
11. Moving insurance and valuation protectionAll moving companies are required to assume liability for the value of the goods they transport. However, there are two different levels of liability. You need to be aware of the charges that apply and the amount of protection provided by each level.
    Full (Replacement) Value Protection:
    This is the most comprehensive plan available for the protection of your goods. Unless you select the Alternative Level of Liability described below, your shipment will be transported under your mover’s Full (Replacement) Value Protection level of liability. With this plan, whenever an article is lost, destroyed or damaged while in your mover’s custody, the mover has the option to either:
    • Repair the article to the extent necessary to restore it to the same condition as when it was received by your mover, or pay you for the cost of repairs.
    • Replace the article with an article of like kind and quality, or pay you for the cost of replacement.
    Under this option, movers are permitted to limit their liability for loss or damage to articles of extraordinary value, unless you specifically list these articles on the shipping documents. An article of extraordinary value is any item whose value exceeds $100 per pound (for example, jewelry, silverware, china, furs, antiques, rugs and electronics). Ask your mover for a complete explanation of this limitation before your move. It’s your responsibility to study this provision carefully and make the necessary declaration.
    Alternative Level of Liability:
    This no-cost option is the most economical protection available, but it provides only minimal protection. Under this option, the mover assumes liability for no more than 60 cents per pound, per article. Loss or damage claims are settled based on the pound weight of the article multiplied by 60 cents. For example, if a 10-pound stereo component valued at $1,000 were lost or destroyed, the mover would be liable for no more than $6 (10 pounds x 60 cents). There is no extra charge for this minimal protection, but you must sign a specific statement on the bill of lading agreeing to it. If you do not select this alternative level of liability, your shipment will be transported at the full (replacement) value level of liability and you will be assessed the applicable valuation charge.

Article taken from : Moving.com

The Top Misconceptions About a Power of Attorney Get answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about a POA by learning from these misconceptions:

Misconception #1: You can sign a power of attorney if you are legally incompetent.Someone cannot appoint a power of attorney (or sign any legal document) if they are incapacitated.

According to Furman, this is one of the most common misconceptions about the power of attorney. “So many times I get a phone call from someone who says ‘I just got certification from my dad’s doctor to state that he is not competent so I can have you do a power of attorney and living trust for him,’” he says.
Contrary to popular belief, only a mentally competent individual can appoint a POA for themselves. However, because this misconception is so wide-spread, Furman wrote about it in detail in “The ElderCare Ready Book.” In Chapter 10, “Famous Last Words,” Furman writes:
“For some reason, people do not grasp the concept that one needs to be competent to execute legal documents. I understand that people generally look at what they need to get accomplished first; for example, accessing a bank account because dad is not able to anymore. However, at some point, they are told, informed or just believe that dad must have lost their legal capacity prior to the signing of a power of attorney or living trust. This is just backwards! Once Dad lacks legal capacity, then he can no longer sign any legal documents including a power of attorney or living trust, which was intended to be used if Dad became incompetent. The only recourse is then a conservatorship or guardianship proceeding through the court, which is a very costly and time-consuming process.”

Misconception #2: You can find a power of attorney document on the internet.Power of attorney forms may be found online, however, it is heavily ill-advised to use.
A power of attorney should be created to appropriately represent the specifics of the unique circumstances and the decisions and care that need to be made on behalf of the person. “People should stay away from the internet and have a power of attorney custom drafted to your circumstances,” Furman advises.
Getting a power of attorney document from the internet means that you could be paying for a document that::

• Does not cover the legal requirements of your state
• Doesn’t represent the details that are appropriate to your situation
• Is not current
• Is too ambiguous
• Lacks important authorities

“If a power of attorney is ambiguous it is ripe for challenges and interjections,” Furman says. “The issue is that when problems with a power of attorney are discovered it is usually too late to do anything about it.”

Misconception #3: A power of attorney grants the agent the right to do what they please with your estate.By law, the agent under a power of attorney has an overriding obligation, commonly known as a fiduciary obligation, to make financial decisions that are in the best interests of the principal (the person who named the agent under the power of attorney).
A power of attorney doesn’t grant full financial rights regarding assets. “Based on fiduciary obligations, just because it says you have the power doesn’t mean you have the right,” Furman explains. “The right to act is based on fiduciary circumstances. If the action is not in the best interests of the principal then, notwithstanding that you have the power to act, you do not have the right to act,” he says.
“It’s important that people understand that this fiduciary obligation is not stated in the power of attorney, and it doesn’t need to be because it is implied by law,” Furman says. “The fiduciary obligation is an aggressive restriction placed on the agent under a power of attorney” to protect the principal.
People hesitate towards getting a power of attorney because they are worried that the agent will mismanage their affairs and assets. Legally, your agent shouldn’t do something that is not in your best interests — that is their fiduciary obligation to you as your agent.
However, it can’t be emphasized enough that you must appoint someone you trust. Furman advises that you try to choose someone who is trustworthy and has integrity, especially if their power of attorney is going to extend after you are incapacitated.

Misconception #4: There is one standard power of attorney.The principal determines the type of powers to grant their agent in the power of attorney document, which is why it should be drafted by an experienced attorney in the court so that it covers the principal’s unique situation.
With that being said, there are types of powers of attorney people frequently about. These include:

• General Power of Attorney
• Limited or Special Power of Attorney
• Durable Power of Attorney

What is a General Power of Attorney?
A general power of attorney governs all financial powers covered by a power of attorney (like buying or selling a property or otherwise managing one’s assets). However, the specific language of a power granted will depend on the decisions outlined in the signed document. The powers in a POA are specific, especially when custom drafted. The agent needs to check the POA document to see if the necessary authority over the principal’s affairs has been granted.

What is a Limited or Special Power of Attorney?
A limited or special power of attorney does not have all powers. For example, a power of attorney could be drafted, which only grants the power to conduct a real estate sale for the title of one property.
In California’s Probate Code, there are exceptions to the rule about what powers general POA grants. Although this law can vary by state: “In California if certain powers are not expressly written in the general power of attorney then they still don’t exist,” Furman explains. “For example, the power to gift, the power to create a trust on behalf of the principal, the power to disclaim a gift — if these powers are not expressly written in the general power of attorney then they don’t exist — even with a ‘catch-all’ clause in the document, such as a phrase saying ‘all other powers are granted,’ they don’t exist unless they are specifically written in,” he says.
A Health Care Advanced Directive (HCAD) allows an agent to manage health or medical decisions for the principal should he or she become incapacitated. This document is meant to give guidance for the principal’s health care (about the principal’s wishes to remain on or off life support among other health-care related situations).
A Physician’s Order Regarding Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) is not a power of attorney. This document is a directive for doctors and first responders who need to know the principal’s resuscitation wishes in an emergency health situation.

What is a Durable Power of Attorney?
A durable power of attorney can withstand the mental incapacity of the individual, but not death. A durable POA allows the agent to continue to act on the principal’s behalf, even if the principal is mentally incompetent. This authority is often granted to trusted agents who can manage the duress of end-of-life medical care decisions regarding health, as they may be faced with these important decisions once the principal can no longer express his or her wishes.
Occasionally, the court may terminate the durable power of attorney documents in the case of divorce, so there needs to be specific wording in the signed document that clarifies whether the managing of affairs extends in this case.
Misconception #5: A General Power of Attorney and Durable Power of Attorney are the Same Thing.All powers of attorney terminate in the event of death. As such, once a person has passed away due to health issues, the authority granted to the agent under the power of attorney terminates.

What is the Difference Between Power of Attorney and Durable Power of Attorney?
Power of Attorney broadly refers to one’s authority to act and make decisions on behalf of another person in all or specified financial or legal matters. It also refers to the specific form or document that allows one to appoint a person to manage his or her affairs. Durable POA is a specific kind of power of attorney that remains in effect even after the represented party becomes mentally incapacitated.

General Power of Attorney vs. Durable Power of Attorney?
The key difference between a general POA and a durable POA lies in incapacity. Regular powers of attorney all terminate if the principal dies or becomes incapacitated — meaning that the agent can legally engage in business on behalf of the principal until the principal dies, is mentally incompetent, and/or can no longer make informed decisions independently.
Once either of those events occur, the power of attorney is no longer valid. This general power of attorney might be useful if the principal is out of the country or otherwise indisposed, but the durable power of attorney is needed if the principal is no longer capable of making crucial decisions about health care on his or her own.

What Does a Durable Power of Attorney Mean?
In regard to a durable POA, the word “durable” specifically means that the effectiveness of the assigned power of attorney remains in effect even if the principal becomes mentally incompetent. Typically, there are four situations that would render powers of attorney null and void:

1. If you revoke it
2. If you become mentally incompetent
3. If there is an expiration date
4. If you die

The durable power of attorney was created to allow the assigned power of attorney to remain in effect after the principal becomes mentally incompetent. Mental incapacity is defined as a person being unable to make informed decisions. Additionally, mental incapacity can include persons incapable of communicating decisions, or persons with medical concerns relating to disease or injury (such as a coma or unconsciousness). Lastly, it can also refer to a poor state of health where the person is mentally disabled or incapacitated.
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Article Written By: ​By Kimberly Fowler for aplaceformom.com

Many real estate investors know that when they do an exchange, they can’t touch the money, they have to identify what they are going to buy within 45 days, and close on any replacement properties within 180 days of the closing date of the property that is sold. While these facts are true, there are some other things to understand ahead of time that will make it easier to have a smooth and successful 1031 exchange. Here are five points to consider. 

1.     Sign Exchange Documents Before You Close

The 1031 exchange rules allow you to sell your “relinquished” property to someone, and acquire your “replacement” property on a later date from a different person. By signing exchange documents and following the other rules, you can take what would otherwise be a sale followed by a purchase and turn it into an exchange. It’s essential to sign exchange documents on or before the date that you close on the sale of your relinquished property. Exchange documents include an exchange agreement entered into between the real estate investor and the intermediary, an assignment of your rights under the contract to sell the relinquished property and a notice to the buyer of the assignment. On or before the date you close on the purchase, you will also need to sign an assignment of your rights under that contract and you will need to give the seller notice of that assignment. The intermediary assists with this documentation.

2.     Think About Who Will Acquire Replacement Property

The same taxpayer who sells the relinquished property must buy the replacement property. What if your lender requires you to acquire the replacement property in a single asset entity? This is workable because a single member limited liability company is disregarded for tax purposes. So, for example, an investor can sell his relinquished property that has been held by him individually and can acquire the replacement property in an LLC as long as he is the only member/owner of the LLC. 

For more information, read our article Vesting and 1031 Exchanges – Same Taxpayer Rule

3.     Buy Enough Replacement Property to Defer All of the Gain

In order to completely defer all of the tax you would otherwise have to pay on the gain, you must do two things. First, you must acquire replacement property that is equal to or greater in value than the relinquished property. So if you sell something for $1 million, you must acquire replacement property worth at least $1 million or the transaction may be partially taxable. Second, you must invest all of your net equity from the sale into the purchase. If you sell something for $1 million that has a $300,000 loan on it, you must invest the full $700,000 you net out of the sale into the replacement property in order to completely defer the taxes. (This example ignores expenses to keep it simple.) To summarize, in this example, you would need to acquire replacement property for at least $1 million, invest $700,000 of cash into it, and then either borrow $300,000 or invest your own funds in that amount. 

For more information, read our article Financial Requirements in Structuring a Fully Deferred Exchange

4.     Think About Expenses

There are some expenses that can be paid with the exchange proceeds that will not cause the deal to be partially taxable. For example, brokerage commissions, escrow fees, exchange fees and transfer taxes are generally considered to be this type of expense. On the other hand, when you are selling the relinquished property, if you give the buyer a credit for security deposits or pre-paid rents, you are using exchange proceeds for non-exchange expenses and it could result in your exchange being partially taxable. For that reason, it’s best to come in with your own funds to pay these if you don’t want to pay any tax. 

For more information, read our article Closing Costs in a 1031 Exchange – a Trap for the Unwary?

5.     Think About Experience and Safety

Your intermediary will provide vital guidance through the 1031 exchange process. You may need special expertise when dealing with seller financing, reverse and build to suit exchanges, dissolving partnerships, and other unique issues that take careful planning and guidance.

Additionally, when you do an exchange, your funds are held by the intermediary until you use them to acquire replacement property. It’s important to find out how those funds are held – are they in a separate account identified by the name and tax ID number of the investor? Are they held in an FDIC-insured bank account or invested in securities? Is the intermediary financially strong and reputable?