Friday 28 January 2022

RENTING AND MOVING TO ANOTHER PLACE

 

 

Chapter 1. Renting a Place

 

Why Rent Rather Than Buying a House

 

Almost nobody is certain they will have the same job or the same business they have now in twenty years.  Anything could happen.

 

When you default on a mortgage, it doesn't matter how much equity you have built up in the house.  It's all gone.

 

I say either buy the cheapest house you can or save your money until you've got the cash to fork over either the full price or 80% the cost of the house and pay the loan off quickly.

 

On top of that, the housing market is volatile.  You can buy a house now, the price of all houses go down in the next five years so what you owe on the house is more than the house is worth.  It's called being underwater.

 

 

The Basic Process of Moving

 

You need basic stuff like:

 

bath and bed

medicine cabinet/ first-aid kit

clothing

computer. tech gadgets

school stuff

kitchen stuff

food items

truck or something to move stuff

transportation, car, bus, etc.

personal stuff

eEntertainment

sports

 

It's best not to rent a place unseen.  You can always spend a few nights at some cheap hotel on the edge of town, buy a newspaper or go to the local college website to the housing or rental section.

 

Drive your car or get it shipped.  If it's a cheap car and you're going far, get rid of it, buy another cheap car when you get there.

 

Don't buy much stuff for the apartment like furniture, home décor, etc.  Most of it means nothing.

 

saycollegemove.com

 

Renting An Apartment: Legal Issues

 

Apartment rental services that charge a fee are generally a waste of money.  You should be able to find what you want simply by looking in the newspaper and driving around the area you're interested in looking for vacancy signs. 

 

Landlords generally aren't responsible for your property if you're burglarized.  Consider buying some kind of renter's insurance. 

 

A lease is a contract between the landlord and tenant which conveys to the tenant not the ownership of the property but the right to occupy it for a certain period of time. 

 

The term may be month by month where you pay as you go with no long term commitment or the landlord may want you to sign a lease for a specific period of time, usually a year, wherein you commit yourself legally to paying monthly payments on the place as long as the landlord keeps it a decent place to live. 

 

In general, landlords provide renters with a warranty of Habitatability meaning that your house or apartment will be safe and livable within normal, reasonable standards. 

 

You, as the tenant, have the right of quiet enjoyment meaning that the place must be a reasonably stress free, peaceful place to live.  If anything breaks or needs repair, the landlord must do it in a reasonable amount of time otherwise the terms of the lease are broken and you are free to leave without penalty of debt.

 

Both landlords and tenants have some rights within the rental agreement.  Leases are generally biased in favor of the landlord in any rental agreement. 

 

If you don't want to be caught off guard, you should take the time to read the lease before you sign it and if there's something you don't like, you should bring it up with the landlord and try to amend it. 

 

For instance, most leases release the landlord from any liability should you be injured on the property. 

 

Things to watch out for before you sign the lease are:

 

Under what conditions can the lease be broken?

 

What kind of insurance, if any, goes with the rental unit?

 

Does the lease prohibit you from conducting business from your home?

 

What about children?  Overnight visitors?  How many?  Parties? Pets?

 

Do you have the right to cancel the lease?  Can you sublet the unit?

 

What about rent increases?  What about renewal after the expiration of this one?

 

What about fire protection?

 

What about my desire to decorate and make changes as I see fit?

 

Can someone like a new lover move in with me?

 

What about repairs and maintenance?

 

What about the security deposit?  How do I get it back?

 

If the building is sold, will I be evicted?

 

Is there something complicated in the lease that I don't quite understand?

 

If the landlord isn't willing to work with you with your minor quirks up front, then maybe you're better off movin' on before you get tied into something you don't really want.

 

Try to resolve any problems with the landlord first.  If that doesn't work, go to your local tenancies rights organization and get counsel from them. 

 

If you have to go to court, many municipalities across the country have landlord-tenant courts which are the legal equivalent of small claims court such that you can proceed in a relatively informal manner without the necessity of hiring a lawyer.  If that doesn't work out, you can always file a claim in small claims court. 

 

If the landlord is a slum landlord  with dirty units, complain to both your local housing board and health board.  If it borders on criminality, go to the state attorney's office and then to the media.

 

Generally, if you break something like a window or the sink gets plugged up, you're responsible for your own repairs except if it's a machine or appliance that just breaks down.  A landlord is responsible for normal care of the premises and you can sue him in the event that you suffer injury due to something negligent on his part on the property. 

 

If there's something such as loose boards on the steps and you get injured, you can sue the landlord if you meet the following conditions:

 

1. That the landlord had a legal duty to maintain the building or to make repairs and he breached that duty.

 

2. That your landlord knew or with reasonable care should have known, of the condition which caused the injury.

 

3. That you suffered personal injury or property damage as a result of the landlord's negligence.

 

4. That the injury or property damage was a reasonable foreseeable result of the landlord's negligence.

 

The tenant doesn't have to prove that the landlord knew about the defect that caused his injury only that he should have known and done something about it. 

 

The landlord has the duty to maintain the common parts of an apartment building like a lobby, elevators, etc. 

 

If you sublet your apartment, use common sense.  Tell the landlord beforehand and get someone responsible to rent it.

 

The most common complaint in renting is that the landlord decides to keep the security deposit without a justifiable reason.  The only way he's allowed to keep it is in the event of damage beyond normal wear and tear and unpaid rent. 

 

If this is not the case and the landlord won't return your deposit you have the right to sue him in small claims court.  If the landlord decides to keep your security deposit, he's required to send a letter by certified mail within 30 days explaining the reasons why and the repair bills then you can fight him in court if you want to.  If you want to fight your landlord on anything, check to see if there's a local tenant's organization in your town that can help you out.

 

The Fair Housing Section of The Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex or national origin in either the sale or rental of housing.  If you feel you have been discriminated against in the area of housing, you have 180 days to file a complaint with Hud, hud.gov. 

 

They will investigate and try to reconcile the problem.  If they can't reconcile it, they will help you with a lawsuit against the perpetrator.  Contact:

 

Housing Discriminations Hotline

Hud

451 7th St. Sw

Washington, Dc 20410-5500

800-424-8590

hud.gov

Call if you've been discriminated against while shopping for a place to live.

 

A landlord is not allowed to take possession of your personal property if you haven't paid the rent. 

 

A landlord can't shut off your heat or lock you out just because you don't pay rent.

 

The first step in an eviction proceeding is for the landlord to send you a "notice to quit"  otherwise known as a dispossess action.  This is not an eviction notice, rather a notice telling you that he intends to take action. 

 

If you want to stay in the residence, you should contact a tenants' rights organization, and/ or an attorney/ legal aid service and prepare your case.  The next step will be for either him or an agent of the court to serve you with a summons.  You can then take it up with him such as pay the rent if that's the problem or go to court to argue the case. 

 

The landlord has the right to evict you if you fail to pay the rent within the specified time after it's due, if you violate any other agreement in the lease, if your lease contains a cancellation clause that he has invoked or if state law otherwise allows him to terminate the lease by proper notice, however, many judges are more sympathetic than this and will give you a chance to pay the rent within a specified period of time and otherwise give you some time before you have to move out. 

 

A tenant can sometimes nullify the eviction process by showing proof that the landlord has not provided essential services and/ or violated some sections of the housing codes.  In such cases, judges typically suspend the hearing and require that the landlord fix the place up before the tenant pays him the rent. 

 

If you vacate before the lease is up, the landlord has the right to sue you for the balance unless he has not made an effort to try to rent the place out or you can prove that he has deprived you of a decent, nice place to live in some manner like excessive noise, no hot water, etc., roaches, etc. 

 

Legally, you're liable for the actual money he loses by you moving out so if someone moves in a month after you moved out but there was still six months on the lease, you legally owe the landlord one month's rent.

 

Sometimes tenants in large apartment complexes or in a part of a city choose to organize to protect their interests.  For more information about tenants' organizations, you could contact the following tenants' organizations:

 

California Housing Action Network

2004 Foothill

Oakland, Ca 94601

 

Metropolitan Tenants Organization

109 N. Dearborn

Chicago, Il 60602

 

Shelter Force

380 Main St.

E. Orange, Nj 07018

 

National Tenants Organization

1025 15th St. Nw

5th Fl.

Washington, C 20005

202-783-0711

 

Rental Websites

 

Rent apartments and houses or find a roommate to share a place with.

 

apartments.com

rent.com

rent-index.com

springstreet.com/apartments, database of apartments for rent in the u.s. and canada.

agreementsetc.com, online rental agreement

tenantsunion.org, tenants union, resources nationwide

american-apartment-owners-association.org

realestate.yahoo.com/re/renting/

apartments.                            dead website, try dotdash.com, thebalance.com and thoughtco.com

 

rentedspaces.com

onlineapartmentguide.com places4students.com, landlords advertise their rental properties to post-secondary students.

nofee.com, new york city apartments

rentometer.com, average rent costs.

tenant.net

aptratings.com

easyroommate.com

olr.com, nyc.

urbanspan.com

freelists.com

davishousing.com

reoservices.com

freerentalfinder.com

apartmentrentalinfo.com

howtodothings.com/realestate/a3337howtoleaseproperty.html

tenant.net

clientelevision.com/index.php/realestate/rentinganapartment.html

jdsupra.com, when renting an apartment in chicago.

washingtonpost.com/wpadv/classifieds/rentals/dcfaq.htm

searchcollegehousing.com, off-campus housing options for students, faculty and staff.

apartment-listings.com

247apartments.com

411-realestate.com

allapartments.com

apartmentcities.com

apartmentfinder.com

apartmentguide.com

apartmentime.com

apartmentratings.com

apartment-rental.net

apartmentreviews.net

apartments.                            dead website, try dotdash.com, thebalance.com and thoughtco.com
/cs/first/a/leasebasics.

apartments.                            dead website, try dotdash.com, thebalance.com and thoughtco.com
/od/fairhousing/

apartments.                            dead website, try dotdash.com, thebalance.com and thoughtco.com
/od/healthsafety/

apartments.                            dead website, try dotdash.com, thebalance.com and thoughtco.com
/od/legalissues/

apartments.                            dead website, try dotdash.com, thebalance.com and thoughtco.com
/od/rentersinsurance/

apartments.com

apartmentsearch.com

aptfinder.org

aptguides.com

aptline.com

aptrentals.com

aptsforrent.com

biz-stay.com, short-term apartment rentals.

bridgestreet.com, 800-278-7338

buyselltrading.com

chtapartments.com

cityleases.com

classifieds2000.com

craigslist.com

cts.com/browse/aptonvid

cyberrentals.com

dealtime.com

e-apartments.us

fairhousinglaw.org

flatster.net

forrent.com

forrent2.com

apartmentsforrent.bz

help-u-rent.net, services in the spearfish, south dakota area.

homesforrent.net

homestore.com, list campus housing offices plus apartments.

htm

jamison.com, atlanta.

landlord.com

law.cornell.edu/topics/landlord_tenant.html

leasehouston.com/apartments.html

livingchoices.com

lrcinc.com

lrcinc.com

metroroommates.com

michiganhousinglocator.com

roommateservice.com

nationalroommates.com/ref.asp

nyhabitat.com, new york city.

ohiolandlordtenant.com

openapts.com, boston.

places4rent.com/

rent.com

rent.net

rent.net/renthome.html

rentcanada.com

rentlaw.com

rentnet.com

rentometer.com

residentscreening.com, 301-881-3400, database used by landlords to screen tenants.

rhol.org

rhol.org/rental/ltlaw.htm#us, landlord-tenant law.

roommates.com

roommates4you.com

roommates4you.com

room-roommate.com

roomster.net

servicesroommate.com

soshares.com, north carolina.

springstreet.com

springstreet.com/apartments

sublet.com

tenant.net

tenant.net

tenant.net, tenants organization.

tribe.net

Vacancylist.com

vacancynet.com

 

Consumer Information Center

Pueblo, Co 81009

888-8pueblo

publications.usa.gov

Free booklet, Wise Rental Practices.

 

American Bar Assn.

750 N. Lake Shore Dr.

Chicago, Il 60611

800-621-6159

abanet.org

Landlords and Tenants Guide.

 

National Housing Law Project

nhlp.org 

 

Landlord-Tenant Law/ Rental Law

 

rentlaw.com, landlord tenant law for all 50 states.

consumerist.com/consumer/renting/landlord+tenant-law-for-every-state-329945.php

 

ago.mo.gov/publications/landlordtenant.htm, missouri.

agreementsetc.com, online rental agreement

apartmentrentalinfo.com

apartments.                            dead website, try dotdash.com, thebalance.com and thoughtco.com
/cs/first/a/leasebasics.

apartments.                            dead website, try dotdash.com, thebalance.com and thoughtco.com
/od/fairhousing/

apartments.                            dead website, try dotdash.com, thebalance.com and thoughtco.com
/od/healthsafety/

apartments.                            dead website, try dotdash.com, thebalance.com and thoughtco.com
/od/legalissues/

clientelevision.com/index.php/realestate/rentinganapartment.html

cmu.edu/policies/landlordtenant, legal aspects of renting an apartment.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/landlord_law_& _multi-housing_report, covers federal and state court decisions and hud rulings on public, assisted, senior and disabled housing.

ext.colostate.edu/pubs/consumer/09905.html, renting, evictions and landlord liens.

fairhousing.com, fair housing advocate.

fairhousinglaw.org

fanniemaefoundation.org/programs/hpd/pdf/hpd_1303_abravanel.pdf, public knowledge of fair housing law.

howtodothings.com/realestate/a3337howtoleaseproperty.html

hg.org/landlord.html

indiana.edu/~sls/landlord_tenant.html

jud.state.ct.us/lawlib/law/landlord.htm, connecticut.

landlord.com

landlord.com/legalmain.htm

landlordandtenant.org

landlordlaw.blogspot.com

landlordlaw.co.uk, britain.

landlordlaw.com, the practice of commercial and residential landlord representation.

landlordlawfirm.com

landlordlawyers.com

law.cornell.edu/topics/landlord_tenant.html

law.justanswer.com/rent

law.loyno.edu, louisiana.

lawlib.state.ma.us/landlord.html, massachusetts law about landlord and tenant.

laws.uslandlord.com

lipsigprice.com, new york city real estate litigation lawyer.

megalaw.com/fl/top/fllandlord.php, florida.

mrlandlord.com, landlord tenant law links.

mv.com/ipusers/nhpoa, the new hampshire

nolo.com/resource.cfm

ohiolandlordtenant.com

osbar.org/public/legalinfo/tenant.html

property owners' association.

rentlaw.com

rhol.org/rental/ltlaw.htm#us, landlord-tenant law.

tenant.net, tenants organization.

tenant-rights.net, california landlord tenant law

thelpa.com, the landlord protection agency

virginialandlordtenantlaw.com

wa.gov/ago/consumer/lt/home.html, attorney general of washington, landlord/tenant law.

wsba.org/media/publications/pamphlets/landlord-tenant.htm

 

Consumer Information Center

Pueblo, Co 81009

888-8pueblo

publications.usa.gov

Free booklet, Wise Rental Practices.

 

American Bar Assn.

750 N. Lake Shore Dr.

Chicago, Il 60611

800-621-6159

abanet.org

Landlords and Tenants Guide.

 

National Housing Law Project

nhlp.org 

 

Eviction if the Landlord Defaults on Mortgage

 

You shouldn't be evicted if you're a good tenant.

 

nlihc.org, the national low income housing coalition.

nlihc.org/doc/state-foreclosure-chart.pdf, the national low income housing coalition chart

for tenant protection in every state.

 

Home Rentals/ Vacation Home Rentals

 

411-realestate.com

a1vacations.com, vacation rentals.

allstarvacationhomes.com, florida.

allstarvh.com, orlando.

bahamas-honeymoon.com

buyselltrading.com

costa-blanca.villa-vacation.com

craigslist.org

cyberrentals.com

findrentals.com

florida-vacation-info.com/destin-florida-vacation-home-rental.html

greatandsmall.net/rental/rental.html

greatrentals.com

gulfcoastrentals.com, florida.

holidayhomenet.com, europe, britain.

holiday-home-pages.co.uk

homerentalads.com

homerentalconnections.com, paris and london.

homerentals.net

homesforrent.net

houseboatrentalcenter.com

marcodeals.com, marco island vacation rental home.

marcoislandfloridavacationrentals.com

marcoislandvacationrentalsflorida.com

marcorent.homestead.com/home.html, marco island home rental.

mauibeachcondos.com, 877-511-maui.

offcampusnetwork.com/home_rentals.asp

onegreatvacation.com

orbitz.com

orlando-vacation-home-rental.com

perfectplaces.com

places4rent.com

places4rent.com/

realestate.yahoo.com/apartments_for_rent

realestatematchservice.com

rent.com

rent.net

rent.net/renthome.html

rentalhomesplus.com

rentalhouses.com

rentals.com

rentcanada.com

rentclicks.com

rentlaw.com

rentnet.com

rentwave.com

reservationsdirect.com

resortac.com/list.asp, whistler vacation rental.

seattle-home-rental.com

servicemagic.com, screened home improvement and repair contractors near you.

superiorpropertiesmanagement.com, atlanta, ga.

therentalcenter.com, south orange county, ca.

timeawayrentals.com

tosublet.com

vacancylist.com

vacancynet.com

vacationhomerentals.com

vacationrentals411.com

villa-vacation.com

virtualcities.com

vrbo.com, vacation rentals by owner.

zipvacations.com

 

British Rental

 

flatmateclick.co.uk

 

Canadian Rental Websites

 

toronto.ontariotenants.ca

ontariotenants.ca

cbmre.ca, coldwellbanker management

buyrent-homes-canada.com

apart-zone.com, a searchable database of apartments and condos for rent in major cities in quebec.

places2rent.ca

bcapartmentowners.com, b.c. apartment owners and managers association.

rentbc.com

landlord-law.blogspot.com

landlordlaw.ca

bcapartmentbuildings.com

canadianhomes4rent.com

apartments.                            dead website, try dotdash.com, thebalance.com and thoughtco.com
/cs/landlordtenant/l/bl_canada.htm, landlord tenant law in canada  by province.

cmhc.gc.ca/en/bureho/reho/index.cfm, your guide to renting a home.

easyrent.ca

viewit.ca

 

Provincial Rental Offices

 

Alberta Rental/ Tenancy Laws

 

Alberta Government Services

Edmonton

(780) 427-4088

877-427-4088

gov.ab.ca/gs/information/landlord/

servicealberta.gov.ab.ca

 

landlordandtenant.org

 

British Columbia Rental/ Tenancy Laws

 

Residential Tenancies Office - Ministry of Public

Safety And The Solicitor General

rto.gov.bc.ca

 

Greater Vancouver Area

604-660-3456

 

Rest of the Province

800-665-8779

 

Manitoba Rental/ Tenancy Laws

 

Government of Manitoba

gov.mb.ca/splash.html

 

Residential Tenancies Branch

gov.mb.ca/finance/cca/rtb/gbook/toc.html

 

Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch

302-254 Edmonton Street,

Winnipeg, Manitoba R3c 3y4

(204) 945 2476

800-782-8403

residentialtenancies.mb.ca

 

Nunavut Rental/ Tenancy Laws

 

gov.nu.ca

877-279-2331

(867) 975-7291

 

New Brunswick Rental/ Tenancy Laws

 

gnb.ca

gnb.ca/acts/acts/r-10-2.htm

gnb.ca/0062

 

Fredericton

(506) 453-2557

 

Saint John

(506) 658-2512

 

Moncton

(506) 856-2330

 

Bathurst

(506) 547-2162

 

Campbellton

(506) 789-2362

 

Edmundston

(506) 735-2096

 

Newfoundland And Labrador Rental/ Tenancy Laws

 

gov.nl.ca(gov.nf.ca)/cca/tp/residential-tenancies

877-829-2608

709-729-2608, 2610 and 5829. (st. john's)

709-256-1019 (gander and area)

709-637-2445 (corner brook and area)

 

apartmentsnl.com

stjohnsapartments.com

 

Northwest Territories Rental/ Tenancy Laws

 

justice.gov.nt.ca/rentaloffice/rentalofficer.htm

800-661-0760

(867) 920-8047

 

Nova Scotia Rental/ Tenancy Laws

 

800-670-4357

902-424-5200

 

gov.ns.ca/snsmr/consumer/resten/

gov.ns.ca/legi/legc/stahtv 04-146/h0582tutes/resident.htm

 

Prince Edward Island

 

Office of The Director of Residential Rental Property

800-501-6268

Fax: 902-566-4076

irac.pe.ca/rental/

 

Québec

 

rdl.gouv.qc.ca

 

Association of Housing Committees And

Tenants' Associations

800-683-2245

rclalq.qc.ca

 

Quebec City

(418) 643-2245

 

Montreal

(514) 873-2245

 

Ontario Rental/ Tenancy Laws

 

ltb.gov.on.ca

 

Ontario Rental Housing Tribunal

888-332-3234

orht.gov.on.ca/scripts/index_.asp

 

Saskatchewan

 

justice.gov.sk.ca/officeofresidentialtenancies

justice.gov.sk.ca/provmediation/rentals

man/default.shtml

 

Office of The Rentalsman/ Provincial Mediation Board

888-215-2222 

306-787-2699 (regina)

306-933-5680 (saskatoon)

 

Yukon Rental/ Tenancy Laws

 

community.gov.yk.ca/consumer/landtact.html

 

Renters' Insurance Websites

 

Most places that sell home insurance sell renters' insurance.  Renters Insurance usually covers these things:

 

1.) Personal property in the unit.

2.) Liability in case someone gets injured on your property and sues you.

3.) Medical payments coverage if someone gets injured on the property.

4.) Catastrophic coverage if something happens, thebuilding is unlivable and you need a new place to live.

 

best-free-insurance-quotes.com/renters-insurance.html

2insure4less.com

allstate.com

answerfinancial.com

budget-quotes.com

einsure.com

fastrate.org

findinsurancecompany.com

findinsurance.us

findlowinsurance.com

geico.com

getfreeinsurancequotes.com

getrentersinsurance.com

homeins.org

ingenuitycorp.com

insuranceguide101.com

insurance-quotes--online.com

insureamericahome.com

insuredhomeusa.com

myhometownagency.com

netquote.com

quoteforinsurance.com

quotematch.com

quotemonster.com

rentersinsurancehq.com

statefund.net

usinsuranceonline.com

wellsfargo.com

 

Chapter 2. Young People Moving Out of Parents' House

 

Living With Roommates or Alone

 

I lived in a military dorm then I rented houses with other guys.  It's fine for awhile but I eventually realized everybody's a thief even if just a minor thief of food, people don't respect your stuff and if you got cash and have more than one roommate with others visiting the house, it's very easy for anyone to steal it then point the finger at the next guy.

 

People just take whatever they feel like from the fridge be it cold pizza or a case of beer.  Naïve people reading this probably think I'm cynical and jaded.  If you think that, you have not lived in the real world with people.

 

Besides that, everybody is always in your face, wanting to know your business and your roommates often feel lonely so they come to you because they want you to waste your time being aimless with them.

 

I would only live with others now if I was desperate for money and needed a cheap place to live.  Other than that, there's no way I want roommates but when you're young, it's a great way to learn about people in general.

 

In some college housing like for freshmen, they still put two people in the same room.  I'm not talking same apartment unit, I'm talking room.  You can't masturbate in peace.  It's a big deal because every young person is horny.

 

Surveys show that half of all college students report tension with their roommates. 

 

If you ever share a room with somebody in a college dorm who you're not having sex with, it will be a horrible experience.

 

Having roommates where everybody has their own room is fine.

 

Personally, I think the best arrangement is to have your own apartment.  It doesn't matter how small it is.  It's all yours to do what you want in peace.

 

Roommates will probably bug you in one way or another.

 

A friend of mine was a serious guy who answered an ad and moved in with three slackers.  I told him to stay at the library til midnight then go home which is what he did to avoid their slacker lifestyle but it was a sacrifice for him.  He couldn't study while relaxed at home because his roommates were there drinking, talking and being frivolous.

 

It's fun to meet new people but everyone is a pig when you get up close to them which is why I recommend personal space.

 

If you have roommates, try real hard to respect their differences from you.

 

Make rules right away like wash your dishes immediately.  Don't take the other person's food.

 

The best way to deal with a roommate is to stay out of their way unless they invite contact. 

 

If you get roommates you don't like, they might gang up on you.  I was outgoing.  My three roommates stayed home a lot.  I got the feeling they were talking about me in the negative. 

 

There are full blowout fights.  Often there are little games like person x puts their table in the living room where you want open space so you can do sit-ups.  Then the mind games go from there.

 

If you smoke, you will most certainly offend others.

 

If you drink alcohol, roommates might think you're pathetic and weak.

 

Some people are offended by nudity.  Take your shower, walk to your room wearing a towel.

 

Living with friends almost always leads to problems, especially with paying a fair share of the bills and doing a fair share of cleaning.

 

You're under a microscope.  Your roommate knows if you don't shower, can probably hear you masturbate and has probably snuck on your computer looking for porn.

 

Gay roommates are no problem.  If you're straight and end up with a gay roommate, most are really cool and will never impose their sexuality onto you.  Other people might think you're gay but so what.

 

Some people are disgusting, loud or slobs.  Either stay away as much as possible or move out.

 

Your roommates might bring their friends in who spend a lot of time there or they might bring someone in to have sexual relations with.  There is a point where these people are invading your rights.  Speak up to your roommate.

 

Roommates steal and lie about it.  If you have three roommates and people come in and out of your place, you will never be able to prove theft so don't keep anything valuable around, especially cash. 

 

People steal identities too.  A roommate can get your vital information by looking at your IDs and paperwork.

 

Beer was cheap when I went to the University of Florida.  Try to avoid roommates who drink and smoke dope every night.

 

People have all kinds of problems.  Avoid getting sucked into their lives.  I used to be a good listener because I was curious about life but now I know that there are needy people who want to waste my time by telling me their problems which is why I'm not so sociable anymore.

 

Try #378.198 or LB2343.3 at the library.

 

nakedroommate.com

myroommateisdrivingmecrazy.com

frontpage.okstate.edu/coe/cp101/roommates.htm, college prep 101 - roommates.

ehow.com/how_2073050_pick-roommate.html, how to pick a roommate.

 

Rate Your College Roommates

 

ratetheroomie.com, for students in the us.

 

Student Housing Info

 

There is limited student housing available on the campus of the college you're attending.  There should be some for single's and married couples.  It's usually hard to get the housing offered by the college because there's a high demand for it.

 

There are a few fraternities and sororities that provide housing for their members.

 

On you college website, there is usually a housing icon where local landlords and other students put up ads looking to rent places and find roommates.

 

After that, you got the ads in the local newspapers and community websites including the college newspaper.

 

There are rental websites for everybody and there are a few national rental websites directed at college students as I list below.

 

Do an internet search like:

 

student housing, (your city and state)

 

Finally, there are local property managers (often real estate companies) who own or manage a bunch of properties and rent them out.

 

An easy way to find a place is just to drive around the streets within a half mile of the campus looking for For Rent signs.

 

Go to the Student Union Building and look for a bulletin board with ads tacked onto it.

 

If you're gay or belong to some minority, go to their college social club to see if they have some rental options.

 

Whatever you do, don't put off housing until the last minute.  Go to college a week or two early, stay in a hotel while you look for a place.

 

In the end, saving a few bucks is not worth living in the low class, high crime area for.  You have to live in a safe area.  They sometimes call the area around colleges where lots of students live the student ghetto.  These are relatively safe areas to live but don't rent a place on the poor side of town where there aren't many college students.  You'll stick out.  People will think you're an easy mark for rape and/ or robbery.  Everybody thinks college students have at least a computer and some money.  If you're a girl, safety should be your major concern.  Don't live on the ground floor of an apartment building.

 

studenthousing.suite101.com

searchcollegehousing.com, off-campus housing options for students, faculty and staff.

accommodationforstudents.com, england.

azstudenthousing.com, arizona.

beaverhousing.co.uk, london, england.

e-referencedesk.com/education/student-accommodations/

gooffcampus.com

housing4students.com

housingboard.ca, canadian student housing board.

housingnet.co.uk, england.

offcampushousing101.com

studenthomesearch.com

studenthousing.com

studenthousing.com.au, australia.

studenthousing.net, london, on, canada.

studenthousing.org

studenthousingsolutions.com

yours4rent.com

 

College Accommodations/ College Housing

 

Some colleges offer year round accommodations for visitors for a few days but most only offer them during the summer months.  If you're in any town with colleges, look up the housing office in the phonebook, call and ask if they have overnight accommodations for several nights. 

 

I noticed that a lot of British colleges offer this service.

 

e-referencedesk.com/education/student-accommodations/

journeywoman.com/newfiles/university_accommodations.htm

stayoncampus.com

 

gladstone.uoregon.edu/caer/accomodations.html

calvin.edu/prince/faq.html, 526-7200.

auc-nuc.ca/campus/summeracc.html, summer.

e-referencedesk.com/education/student-accommodations/

collegeiglu.com, find cool housing around campus

 

Campus Holidays

800-526-2915

Low cost homestay and college accommodations in England.

 

campus-lodging.com

800-525-6633

Book.

 

Campus Travel Service

Pob 8355

Newport Beach, Ca 92660

714-497-3044

800-525-6633

campustravel.co.uk

They sell a book which lists 700 colleges and universities that offer inexpensive overnight lodging.

 

Peterson's Catalog

202 Carnegie Center

Pob 2123

Princeton, Nj 08543-2123

609-243-9111

800-338-3282

petersons.com

The Directory of College Accommodations which covers 200 universities that offer inexpensive lodgings to people.

 

Chapter 3. Relocation/ Moving 1

 

Moving Your Stuff

 

The best way to move is to do it yourself with family and friends helping you.  Simply rent a truck or borrow one.  U-Haul rents out trucks.

 

If you need a mover, there are two basic classes:

 

The big, national movers.

 

Everybody else.

 

Your best bet is to pick a reputable company up front.  Stick with a national name over the other upstarts some of whom think they can do what they want.

 

Some states regulates movers.  Check with local consumer groups.

 

The American Moving and Storage Assn., amconf.org, 703 683 7410 sponsors arbitration hearings between its members and complainants.

 

Movers often quote you a price and then when they've got you packed up, tell you you're overweight or hold your goods hostage at the other end until you pay more. 

 

By law, if you pay 110% of the original quoted price, they have to give you your goods and take you to court for the rest of the money.  After all the problems I've seen in investigative reports, especially with single women, my best advice is don't try to save a few bucks on a less known mover. 

 

Pay for a major moving company to avoid the headache with all the sleazos.  Any bum can start a moving company and many do.

 

Two big tricks the sleazos do are the name thing and the box thing.  The name thing is that a local company will take on a name similar to one of the big ones thereby fooling prospective customers into thinking that they're dealing with the major company. 

 

The box thing is that movers should put only small things in boxes, not furniture or anything else reasonably big.  The accepted tools of the trade are blankets and rubber bands. 

 

The mover wraps a blanket over the piece of furniture or whatever then puts big rubber bands over it something like bike tubes so if your mover is not using these tools but seems to be obsessed with packing everything in boxes, even furniture, you know he's scammin' you for the surcharge per box.  People have reported packing surcharges of over $1000 just for a normal house's belongings. 

 

Make sure the company is adequately insured.  Get it in writing.

 

Movers will give you an estimate over the phone then after the truck is loaded, they'll typically add a few hundred dollars to the bill and you're stuck. 

 

Contact the Better Business Bureau, bbb.org, about the companies you're interested in asking about their records of complaints and visit the company buildings to see how professional they are. 

 

Go for three written estimates from different companies.  If they don't come out and check your stuff, they could be a little shady.  Accept only a written estimate and pay only a little up front.  Request that the estimate be binding as the final price. 

 

You can save lots of money by doing your own packing.  First off, look at it as a new beginning and throw away all your junk or give it to charity. 

 

Pack everything in boxes and move everything near the front door so they just come and take it all away already packed.  Movers charge a lot for their boxes.  Just go to supermarkets and liquor stores and get some for free. Keep a record of exactly what they load, give a copy to the lead mover before they load it and get him to sign it.  Number your boxes with a big black marker.  Even itemize the contents of every box. 

 

Movers charge by weight.  They weigh the truck before and after the load so watch to see that they don't overinflate the weight of your possessions by too much.  The way to do this is to locate a weigh station near your destination and ask to go there with the driver for a reweigh when he arrives. 

 

The weigh station may charge you about $20.  You'll have to pay about $20 to the weigh station for the weigh but if the weight is way off, you could end up saving hundreds.

 

If there are several guys working a job and it's a long distance move, they may routinely rummage through the stuff before the driver arrives to transport it.  They know they won't get caught because there are several different people handling your stuff for the duration of the trip.

 

One time, everything arrived for me except two stereo speakers.  It took over three months and lots of pressure on the company before I got my $350 back.  Somebody just helped themselves to them.

 

Keep the valuables and transport them yourself.  The mover is legally bound to deliver by his projected delivery date and if you experience discomfort as the result of a late delivery, you should be able to recover for damages, even in court if you have to unless the mover can prove that it was something beyond his control. 

 

Get the mover to unload the boxes in the proper rooms.  As soon as the goods are unloaded, check to see that it's all there and check to see if anything is broken.  If so, file a claim with the company immediately. 

 

Legally, you have nine months to file.  If they blow you off, contact the BBB for help. They'll try to mediate the case and if they can't solve it, go to the American Movers Conference for arbitration. 

 

Movers have different liability plans, some better than others.  The free deal is recovery based on the weight of the loss, about 60 cents per pound.  They may offer to sell you an Added Value Protection Plan for recovery based on the depreciated value of lost or broken items or a Full Value Plan based on full recovery of lost or damaged items. 

 

Intrastate moving is the worst of all because a lot of small-timers get into it.  New York is especially bad.  There was the story of one guy who refused to pay the final price which was three times the estimate so the movers just drove away with all his worldly possessions. 

 

The best bet of all is to rent a U-Haul or Ryder truck, get a few friends together, buy them some pizza and beer and do your own moving.

 

The cheapest way to move long distance other than doing it yourself is to go to a freight forwarder.  Look them up in the Yellow Pages. 

 

The deal is that you pack everything in cardboard boxes, drive to the company's terminal where they load it either into a container or in the back of a truck along with other cargo.  They drive the stuff to another terminal near your destination point, you drive there and pick it up.  It'll save you lots of money.

 

There was another deal I saw advertised on TV but I didn't get the company's name.  They drop a container off at your house.  You fill it up on your own.  They come back, pick it up and either store it or move it for you.

 

If you are a single woman, try to have a male friend come by because then the mover will be less inclined to snow you.  Besides that, it's not safe for a woman to be in a house alone with several moving guys.

 

Packing Stuff in Luggage

 

The following general information applies to going on a trip as well as going to live somewhere for a few months or so like going to college.

 

Take as little as possible.

 

I was almost shocked as I was thumbing through the book catalog at tenspeed.com and saw two books dedicated to packing for a trip:

 

The Packing Book: Secrets of the Carry-on Traveler, Judith Gilford.

 

Hassle-Free Business Travel: A Blueprint for Planning, Packing and Plugging In, Wm. J. Mitchell.

 

It's very simple.  You don't need a book of fluff to tell you what to do.  Pack as though you're gonna be carrying the stuff on your back for a long hike across the desert.

 

A lot of people have this vision bound up in their heads of what they'll do on their trip like read x number of books and wear a certain dress to dance the night away but trips have a life of their own.  They're about action in the moment.  They never go the way you plan them to.

 

You don't even need to pack much clothes.  At the end of the day on my trips, I would often take the wash 'n wear shirt and pants I wore that day (I never brought more of three of any article of clothing on any trip) and wash them in the hotel shower.  They would dry by the next day.

 

In a word, pack as lightly as you can.  Learn from me.  I started off in my first few trips packing a bunch of stuff but generally, the more experienced the traveler, the lighter their load.  You're there to travel and experience life not to recreate your home.

 

My advice is to buy some of those knapsacks and kitbags backpackers use as their luggage.  You can put a lock on a duffel bag so that airport baggage handlers don't snoop through your stuff.

 

Think like a backpacker.  Go to the backpacking websites in this book.  They have to travel with all their stuff in hand unlike the average tourist who goes from hotel room to hotel room by bus, air, train or car.

 

Use a small backpack/ carry-on.  If you don't have enough room to pack all your stuff you'll be forced to eliminate the unnecessary.  Take a messenger bag for daily travel.

 

A backpack is much easier to carry around than luggage.

 

In case it gets cold, bring a jacket.

 

Bring one pair of running shoes, no formal shoes.

 

Bring all-purpose camper's (or camping) soap.

 

You can buy what you need where you are.

 

Travel is supposed to be fun, not about lugging stuff around.  Packing light makes travel simple.

 

The main things to pack are:

 

Air tickets

Cash

Cellphone

Credit and debit cards

International drivers' licence

Maps

Paperwork, visa

Passport

Phonecard

Photocopies of vital documents

Travel guidebooks

Travel Insurance policy

Travelers' cheques

 

Here are some other things to pack:

 

Alarm clock

Backpack

Batteries

Books

Camera equipment and film

Cigarette lighter

Clothes

Compass

Contact lens stuff-glasses

Contraceptives

Cosmetics

Daypack

Earplugs

Extra eyeglasses and hearing aids

First aid kit, if you're hiking

Flashlight

Fleece jacket

Games

Glasses, contact lenses

Important phone numbers on a piece of paper or in a wireless gadget

Jewelry

Map of the area

Medication

Money belt

Money, keep it in several different places

Mosquito net

Mosquito repellent

Notebook or journal and pens

Padlock and chain

Pen and paper

Penknife

Personal stereo and CDs

Photocopies of your birth certificate and passport

Photograph of your luggage in case it gets lost

Photos-postcards of home

Rain gear-umbrella

Recreation stuff for the kids

Sarong

Sewing kit

Shampoo

Sheet sleeping bag

Shoes

Shortwave radio

Sink plug

String

Sun hat

Sunglasses

Tampons

Toiletries

Toothbrush

Towel

Wallet

Watch

Water bottle, water purifier or purification tablets

Waterproof money-holder

 

catsa.acsta.gc.ca, 888 294 2202, air transport security agemcy.

ehow.com/how_2084161_pack-luggage.html, how to pack your luggage.

princetonreview.com/college/research/articles/life/necessities.asp, comb the house and pack your bags; packing for college.

izon.com

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/travel_and_subsistence

travelite.org

upl.codeq.info, universal packing list.

onebag.com, how to travel light.

packinglistonline.com

 

Take Care of Moving Business

 

Pack your stuff up.  Pack as though you're going to live in a log cabin.  Throw everything you don't really need away.  Don't be a packrat or a nostalgia nut.  Memories are in your head not in cheap junk left over from your glory days.

 

Either hire a real estate professional to sell your house or go on an FSBO website and list your house.  A good agent will save you time and money in the process of selling your house.

 

Book the movers.  You can choose to have the movers pack everything, just a few things or you can pack everything yourself.  Pick a legitimate big company not some fly-by-night from an ad out of the paper.  Obtain estimates from several different companies.

 

Arrange to have gas, water, phone, cable and electric meters cut off.

 

If you rent, give written notice to the landlord and make arrangements for the return of the security deposit.

 

Get a Change of Address cards from the post office.

 

Cancel contracted services like regular lawncare and pre-authorized checks like for cable TV.

 

Cancel home insurance, gardening services, dry cleaning service, newspapers, magazines, etc.

 

Transfer bank accounts and securities to branches where you'll be living.

 

Transfer medical, dental, prescription and optical records to your new medical professionals' offices.

 

Change car registration and insurance.

 

Make arrangements for the moving of pets.

 

Get rid of flammable liquids.  It is illegal for movers to move them.

 

Some things to consider when moving are:

 

Close accounts, change banks.

 

Notify insurance companies of your new address.

 

Change utilities.  Pay the old bill so it doesn't screw up your credit record.

 

Get medical records from your doctor, dental records from the dentist.

 

Give or throw away all your trivial stuff.

 

Disconnect utilities.

 

Get car tuned up.

 

Dispose of flammables.

 

Take care of the phone.

 

Get sleeping pills for pets.  Make transport arrangements.

 

Clean the fridge.

 

Give friends your new address.

 

Cut off any home deliveries like milk or newspapers.

 

Fill out the appropriate change of address forms with the Postal Service.

 

Fill out post office change of address forms.

 

Use up as much food as possible before you move.

 

Change automobile registration.

 

Keep pets locked up in the new house for a few days.

 

You might have to change your will.

 

Check up on state income taxes.

 

When you're settled in, register your kid at the new school.

 

If moving is related to work, you can deduct the expenses from your income tax.

 

When you move, call the local chamber of commerce or social service agency and ask if they have a telephone directory and information about your new town.  Many towns have a welcome hostess who brings you free gifts and a coupon book sponsored by the local merchants.  Try valupak.com.

 

Go to your library for general information about your new town.

 

Try the YMCA to meet new people.  YMCAs have daycare facilities.

 

Have a house warming party.  Invite your new neighbors.

 

Some people get lonely.  Join the church or a club.

 

If moving overseas, contact the Center of Disease Control, cdc.gov, find out what immunizations you should get and get them.  Don't act too American, blend in with the natives.  Show respect by trying to learn their language.

 

If you're a student, buy cheap furniture or use boxes.  Don't rent furniture.  It's a sucker deal.

 

Moving Scam

 

In most businesses, you might look for the little guy for the cheaper deal but the big difference between moving and every other business is that the guy gets your stuff and can hold it hostage.  In some other service like a home improvement job, you can just tell the guy to get lost. 

 

It doesn't work like that in the moving business which is why it's the one business where I'll tell you to stay away from the little guy.  Use only the well-established national movers.  The scam quotient has gotten so bad that the good movers have asked the government to regulate them in order to separate the bad from the good.

 

The deal now is that the American government, through the Department of Transportation, dot.gov, regulates movers who do interstate moving, that is, move people across state lines which means that anybody can put an ad in the paper posing as a mover and as long as they do local, in-state moves, they're technically legal but a lot of these guys are just straight out con artists.  I'll say it one more time then leave it, use only a well-established bigtime moving company. 

 

The deal is that beefs with moving companies is currently a civil and not a criminal matter even if the mover is holding your stuff hostage for more money.  The sleazo movers know this and will play just about everybody, knowing the cops won't do anything about it.

 

Read the contract.  Get an exact figure for the full fee in writing.  If you don't agree to this price, don't sign the contract.  If you agree, you have a written record of the highest fee they can charge. 

 

Even then, they still don't care.  They get to your destination, say it cost them more money than expected then tack a thousand dollars on your bill then they charge you $20 a day for storage while you file civil suit.  You can't win.

 

The base moving insurance offered doesn't cover much.  It's a flat rate per pound so don't leave any valuables or delicate items with the mover that could break.

 

Many companies add on costs with their packing process. Consider packing your belongings yourself and getting a quote only loading the stuff on and off, not an extra charge for actually packing the stuff charging extra for boxes, tape, etc.

 

The most common complaint is that they charge you extra from the original bill after they've got your goods hostage and if you don't pay, they will charge a daily storage fee on your goods until you cough it up. 

 

movingscam.com

movingscam.com/blacklist.shtml, moving company black list. avoid these moving companies.

 

Moving Interstate

 

The American government, through the Department of Transportation, dot.gov, regulates movers who do interstate moving, that is, move people across state lines.

 

The Federal Department of Transportation, dot.gov, (888 dot saft) regulates moving companies that operate between different states but not local ones that just operate within a state.

 

A lot of the local movers don't follow the interstate law.  They don't report themselves to the federal DOT if they're doing interstate moving.  They do it until they get in trouble then close the company down and open up a new one.

 

Interstate movers are required to show an MC number in their advertising which is from 3 to 6 digits long.  If they claim to be an interstate mover, ask for their MC number then check it on the dot.gov website, licensing and insurance division.  A lot of fly-by-nighters claim to be licensed as interstate movers but if they don't have this number, they're lying.

 

Call the local chamber of commerce to see if there are complaints against the mover.  Go to bbb.org where it only takes a few seconds to type the company name in to see if there are complaints against it.

 

Interstate movers are legally bound to publish their rates and rules, in a document called a tariff. Ask your interstate mover for a copy of the tariff.

 

Movers do not have to provide estimates. however, if they don't give you one, don't do business with them.  Get the estimate in writing.  There are two types of estimates:

 

1.) A binding estimate means that's the set price.

 

2.) A nonbinding estimate means it's an approximate price which will be adjusted, usually upward, later.  If the final charges exceed the estimate, if you pay 110% of the estimate, the mover must deliver the goods and defer the balance you owe for 30 days.

 

Ask what type of estimate it is and get it in writing.

 

At the time of the estimate, the mover must give you:

 

A copy of the estimate.

 

A copy of the brochure called Your Rights And Responsibilities When You Move.

 

Dispute settlement/ arbitration information in case it comes to that.

 

A telephone number for inquiries and complaints to the company.

 

Service Order.

 

At the pick-up, they should give you a copy of the Bill of Lading/ Freight with the mover's name on it and an inventory of the goods.

 

Upon delivery, you should receive a copy of the Completed Bill of Lading/ Freight.

 

If you have a problem, call either the DOT, BBB or your local consumer protection agency. 

 

Relocation Services, Relocation Agents

 

There are relocation companies and consultants that hire their services out to individuals and companies who send their workers to postings in other areas.  If you're an individual moving somewhere, you can hire one of these people to help you move. 

 

They do everything from hiring a mover to taking care of most of the paperwork and even get visas if the customer is moving to another country.  They'll find a house or an apartment for you to rent or buy.

 

There are also relocation professionals who work in the Human Resources or Accounting Department of large companies to help employees who are posted elsewhere move.  Most have some college education, usually a business degree.

 

For employees moving overseas, the relocation administrator must often calculate a moving allowance and factor in bonuses to the paycheque because many companies add bonuses to employees working overseas.  There might be a housing

allowance too. 

 

They have to make travel arrangements.  They often have to pay for the travel of the employee's entire family.  They might have to pay for the private schooling of the employee's children.

 

activerain.com, critical of relocation consultants because they refer you to their friends to sell you everything you need who give them a kickback.

 

relocationagents.com

 

rhstemphousing.com, a national provider of extended stay, corporate housing services and emergency housing services.

corporatecare.ie, a relocation service based in cork, ireland.

huwfrancis.com

kristalsellsdenver.com, denver.

relo-experts.com, nevada.

relocationcentral.com

relocation-guide.net

relocationguideonline.com

relocationhelpdesk.com, raleigh, nc.

reloguide.net

relojournal.com, relocating.

movingtoaz.com/relocation/index.php

libertyrelocationdivision.com, 800-296-1802, nevada.

kudzu.com/guide.jsp?guidename=relocating.html, atlanta georgia relocation services.

insiders.com/relocation

movemeto.com

 

erc.org, employee relocation council, many real estate links.

euro-relocation.com, relocation agents.

firstlinerelocation.com, helps you move.

themigroup.com, global relocation services.

 

Chapter 4. Relocation/ Moving 2

 

Moving Advice Websites

 

protectyourmove.gov

 

moving.com

moving.com/movers/moving-company-quotes.asp, free quotes.

offtocollege.com/collegemove, Off to College Guide to housing, dorm room and transportation needs.

upack.com/moving-services/student.asp, ABF U-Pack Moving, They deliver an empty trailer, you load, they drop it off, you unload.

moving.                            dead website, try dotdash.com, thebalance.com and thoughtco.com
/od/preparingforyourmove/a/move_residence.htm,                            dead website, try dotdash.com, thebalance.com and thoughtco.com
, Tips on moving from home into a dorm.

pensketruckrental.com/personal_rental/moving_guide/college.html, Penske, 1, 900 U.S. locations.

moving.                            dead website, try dotdash.com, thebalance.com and thoughtco.com
/od/preparingforyourmove/a/childrenleaving.htm, College Students Leaving Home; How to Help Them Move.

homefair.com/articles/moving/moving-to-college.asp

homefair.com/real-estate/city-profile/index.asp, City Report section for info

mayflower.com

moving.                            dead website, try dotdash.com, thebalance.com and thoughtco.com
/od/movingforcollegestudent1/Moving_Tips_for_College_Students.htm

moving.                            dead website, try dotdash.com, thebalance.com and thoughtco.com
/od/preparingforyourmove/a/adviceparent.htm

monstermoving.com/moving_and_planning/quotes/jumppage.asp, moving company online quotes database.

moving.org

movinghomechecklist.com

movecentral.com/addresscentral

selfstorage.org, 703 921 9123

move.com/guide, how-to guides.

towserver.net, 800 728 0133, towing and recovery assn. of america.

usps.com/moversnet.

movingscam.com/forum

channels.netscape.com/ns/realestate/movingguide.jsp

movereviews.com

atlasworldgroup.com/howto

 

Major Moving Websites

 

moving.com

moving.com/movers/moving-company-quotes.asp, free quotes.

offtocollege.com/collegemove, Off to College Guide to housing, dorm room and transportation needs.

upack.com/moving-services/student.asp, ABF U-Pack Moving, They deliver an empty trailer, you load, they drop it off, you unload.

moving.                            dead website, try dotdash.com, thebalance.com and thoughtco.com
/od/preparingforyourmove/a/move_residence.htm,                            dead website, try dotdash.com, thebalance.com and thoughtco.com
, Tips on moving from home into a dorm.

pensketruckrental.com/personal_rental/moving_guide/college.html, Penske, 1, 900 U.S. locations.

moving.                            dead website, try dotdash.com, thebalance.com and thoughtco.com
/od/preparingforyourmove/a/childrenleaving.htm, College Students Leaving Home; How to Help Them Move.

homefair.com/articles/moving/moving-to-college.asp

homefair.com/real-estate/city-profile/index.asp, City Report section for info

mayflower.com

moving.                            dead website, try dotdash.com, thebalance.com and thoughtco.com
/od/movingforcollegestudent1/Moving_Tips_for_College_Students.htm

moving.                            dead website, try dotdash.com, thebalance.com and thoughtco.com
/od/preparingforyourmove/a/adviceparent.htm

 

 

Moving Websites

 

If you need more info, get the book Moving and Relocation Sourcebook by omnigraphics.com.

 

uline.com, boxes, new, discount moving boxes

boxquest.net, boxes, used: buy or sell moving boxes locally online

packrat.com, they bring container to your house, you fill it up, either store it or move it anywhere.

realestatemovers.com

movemeto.com

amconf.org, picking a mover, make moving easier

homestore.com/move/tools/movingcalc.asp movingadvocateteam.com, complaints

monstermoving.com/moving_and_planning/quotes, moving companies online quotes database

movingscam.com

oneswitch.com, changes the address for your magazine subscriptions

rightmove.co.uk

oneentry.com/moving_leads.jsp

movetopia.com

moverescue.com

doortodoor.com/moving

nycmover.com, nyc.

123relocation.com

aimrelocation.com, city profiles

askmedi.com, background info on a doctor for a fee.

avatar-moving.com

buyboxes.com

call220.com/resources/

careguide.com

emove.com

erc.org, employee relocation council.

fasrelo.com

globalvanlines.com

glynncounty.com/relocation_guide, brunswick, georgia.

helpumove.com

home.calinet.com/rrcs

homecenter.com

homefair.com

homeisaz.com/buyers/arizona-home-buyers-relocation.html, free scottsdale and phoenix arizona relocation guide.

homestore.com

insiders.com/relocation

homes.wsj.com, wall street journal guide to

irs.gov, taxes.

jamesphelps.com/relocation-guide, free orange county relocation guide.

jobsvista.com/relocation.html

jobweb.org/catapult/cities

justrentals.com/relocating

lightningvanlines.com

make-money-instantly.com/articles/non-profit-organization-to-help-with-relocation

makethemove.com

members.aol.com/freerelo, relocation info.

minneapolisrealestatehomes.com/relocation/index.php, minneapolis relocation guide.

monstermoving.com

move.com

movequest.com

movernet.com

moverquotes.com

moversguide.com/

moveyouroffice.com, office relocation and leasing guide

moving.com

homefair.com

movingcenter.com

movingestimates.com, get free moving quotes from moving companies, movers, auto transport companies, self storage and moving insurance.

movingguide.org

movingtoaz.com/relocation/index.php

newcomersnetwork.com

pathfinder.com/money/depts/real_estate/bestplaces, best places to live.

powellguide.com/lakepowell/relocation.html, lake powell relocation guide.

realestatejournal.com/toolkit/relocationtools/

relocatetoarkansas.com

relocation.tbo.com

ryder.com, truck rental.

santaferealestatehomes.com/relocation/index.php, santa fe relocation guide.

sayrelocate.com

schoolmatch.com

shurgard.com, self-storage facilities.

somd.com/relocate, help relocating to southern maryland.

sourceone.on.ca, moving resources, north america.

tampa4u.com/relocation_guide.html, tampa relocation guide.

tampabayrealestatehomes.com/relocation/index.php

uhaul.com, truck rentals.

usps.gov/moversnet

uvl.com, uvl.ca, united van lines.

vanlines.com

virtualrelocation.com

welcomewagon.com

movinglady.com

pods.com

 

bigbook.com/

city.net/

erc.org/research/center.htm

homefair.com

ired.com/

relojournal.com/

rent.net/

virtualrelocation.com/

vtourist.com/

usacitylink.com/

 

cgi.money.cnn.com/tools/costofliving/costofliving.html, Cost of Living Calculator; CNN.com

 

bankrate.com/brm/movecalc.asp, Costof Living Comparison Calculator

 

ChamberFind.com

 

salaryexpert.com, International Salary Calculator and Cost of Living

 

ChamberofCommerce.com

 

cityrating.com/costofliving.asp, CityRating.com

 

citytowninfo.com, CityTownInfo.com

 

bestplaces.net, Sperling's BestPlaces

 

county-map.digital-topo-maps.com, US County Maps for all 50 States.  

 

careeronestop.org

 

Moving Companies Lists

 

movingscam.com/blacklist.shtml, moving company black list. avoid these moving companies.

 

allmovingquotes.com

cpuc.ca.gov/static/transportation/movers.htm, california.

epinions.com/moving_companies

epinions.com/moving_companies--~all

escapeartist.com

expatica.com

franandrowena.com/files/373274/movers_moving_companies.htm

homebulletin.net/moving_companies

hoovers.com/company-information/--hicid__1624--/free-ind-factsheet.xhtml

movers411.com

moversdirectory.com/companieslist.html

moving.com/moving_and_planning/quotes/index.asp, mover quotes, get an estimate from a variety of different movers.

moving.org, american moving and storage association.

moving-ca-movers-california.com

moving-ct-movers-connecticut.com

moving-il-movers-illinois.com

movingin.com

moving-ma-movers-massachusetts.com

moving-md-movers-maryland.com

moving-nj-movers-new-jersey.com

moving-ny-movers-new-york.com

movinguide.com

protoquest.com/yss/resources/moving/companies.cgi

themovingyellowpages.com

topmovingcompany4u.com

upack.com, you pack, we drive, you save.

 

American Movers Conference

American Moving and Storage Assn.

1611 Duke St.

Alexandria, Va 22314

703-683-7410

moving.org

amconf.org

 

American Movers Conference

Dispute Settlement Program

1611 Duke St.

Alexandria, Va 22314

703-683-7410

amconf.org

Many free booklets about moving, will take your complaints and try to resolve problems with moving companies.

 

At&T If You're Moving

800-Move Att

att.com

 

Department of Transportation

Federal Hwy. Administration

Office of Motor Carriers

4000 7th St. Sw

Washington, Dc 20590

800-424-9312

202-266-0665

fhwa.dot.gov

Ask if an interstate mover is licensed, etc.

 

Mover's and Warehousemen's Assn. of America

1001 N. Highland St.

Arlington, Va 22201

Movers are notorious for ripping people off.  If you have a beef, try contacting this organization.

 

Nationwide Relocating Service

800-323-7097

Free listing of average house costs in 125 cities.

 

Allied Van Lines

Box 9569

Downers Grove, Il 60515

alliedvan.com

Free booklet, Guide To A Good Move.

 

Moving Companies Info

 

bestchoicemoving.com

confiancamoving.com, 866 266 8464

alliedvan.com

atlasvanlines.com

bekins.com, moving co.

chipmancorp.com

globalvanlines.com

mayflower.com

shurgard.com, self-storage facilities.

 

Atlas Van Lines

1212 St. George Rd.

Evansville, In 47703

812-424-4326

Fax: 812-421-7125

atlasvanlines.com

Free moving booklets.

 

Mayflower Movers

Box 107

Indianapolis, In 46206

mayflower.com

Free moving booklets.

 

North American Van Lines

800-524-5533

Reliable moving company.

 

United Van Lines

1 United Dr.

Fenton, Mo 630026

800-325-3870

uvl.com

uvl.ca, Canada.

Free moving booklets.

 

Canadian Moving Info

 

mover.net, canadian assn. of movers.

 

moveit.ca

canadian-movers.ca

allaboutmoving.ca

artofmoving.com

atlasvanlines.ca

avatarmoving.com

fgiworld.com

fraserhoyt.com

householdmovers.ca

movingto.com

premiervanlines.com

relocate-canada.com

relocatecanada.com, info@relocatecanada.com

tippet-richardson.com, scarborough, on.

 

Thomspon's Moving and Storage

3 Freeman St.

Middleton, NS B0S 1PO

902 825 3929

Fax: 902 825 6261

 

Moving International/ Worldwide Moving

 

Most movers put your stuff in a container and ship it by ship.  Smaller things can go on air cargo but it's more expensive.  In my opinion, the costs of transporting things is worth almost as much as the value of the stuff itself, not to mention the headache of moving it plus breakage.

 

I say pack a few things in a few trunks, ship them via cargo and buy new furniture when you get there.

 

moving.com

aafsw.org, associates of the american foreign service worldwide, this organization's website includes many helpful articles and links for expatriates outside the u.s. foreign service

oanda.com/converter/classic, classic currency converter.

escapeartist.com, escapeartist.com, information on living, moving and working overseas, plus country destination profiles, publications and links

state.gov/s/cpr/rls, foreign embassy information: lists foreign consular offices in the united states and has the website and e-mail addresses of embassies.

homefair.com/homefair/calc/intsalcalc.html, the international salary calculator; compare the cost of living in hundreds of cities around the world

moving.com/irc, moving: international.

tunisiadaily.com/pdf/prices&earning.pdf, prices and earnings: a comparison of purchasing power around the globe.

transitionsabroad.com, transitions abroad provides resources for work abroad, study abroad, cultural travel and living overseas.

travel.state.gov/travel/living/living_1243.html, u.s. state department services and information for american citizens abroad.

worldclimate.com

123movers.com/international_movers/sinternational/default.html, get free quotes from international movers.

alliedvan.net

branchor.com

craighead.com

escapeartist.com/expatriate/resources.htm

fidi.com, network of worldwide moving companies.

insiders.com/relocation

linksmoving.com

monstermoving.com

move.com

movequest.com

moverlist.net

movermax.com

moverquotes.com

moving.com

movingcenter.com

navl1.com, north american van lines.

oneentry.com, moving companies quotes international movers.

pathfinder.com/money/depts/real_estate/bestplaces, best places to live.

relojournal.com

relojournal.com/newsbrk.htm

themovingyellowpages.com

topmovingcompany4u.com

uhaul.com, truck rentals.

uvl.com, uvl.ca, 800 325 3870, united van lines.

vanpac.com, sales@vanpac.com, 800 877 0444

vipvanlines.com

virtualrelocation.com

 

Business Moving/ Corporate Relocation

 

Corporate relocation services move either individuals or entire companies to other locales.

 

123movers.com/corporate_relocation/soffice/default.html

a1firstclass.com

allmovingquotes.com/corporate_relocation/

b2bre.com, business real estate directory.

bishopsmove.net/businessrelocation/employeerelocation.htm

business.com

cfmoving.com/corporaterelocation/

businessmoves.com, corporate relocation consultancy for uk and international businesses.

businessmoving.com

business-moving.com/resource_management.htm

edcmover.com, texas movers.

erc.org

lamovers.com, southern california.

libertymoving.com/corporate_moving.html, new york state.

mayflower.com/moving/relocationservices/relocationservices.htm

moveyouroffice.com, office relocation and leasing guide

moving.com/irc, international relocation.

mrinetwork.com/tools/relocation.htm

mymovingneeds.com/find_corporate_relocation.aspx

nyc.gov/html/nycwasteless/html/in_business/relocation_guide.shtml, business relocation guide relocating your business

relocationcentral.com, 800.272.7863.

sirva.com

atlasworldgroup.com

teamrelocations.com

sterlingrelocation.com

cartus.com, global relocation and workforce development solutions.

stevensworldwide.com

armstrongrelocation.com

relocationapartments.com

business.com/directory//trucking/moving_companies

suddath.com/business.html

thepepper.com/realty_business_relocation.html, arizona business relocation services.

unitedvanlines.com/mover/relocationservices/relocationservices.htm

upackrelo.com

palmermoving.com/corporate_benchmark.htm

work.com/corporaterelocation1152

viptransport.com

 

Self-Storage Websites

 

Try your local phonebook.  Most moving companies have a storage service.  If you live in a college town, there should be several storage companies around the campus.

 

upickstorage.com, name your price.

 

pods.com

cert.co.uk

cityselfstorage.com

estoragefacilities.net

onsitestorage.com

self.storage.alltheindustrials.com

self.storage.alltheservices.com

selfstor.ca, toronto.

selfstorage.org, 703 921 9123

shurgard.com, self-storage facilities.

storage.eweek.com

storage.industrial101.com

storage.unit.alltheindustrials.com

stor-wel.ca, montreal, 514-721-1717.

thestoragecompany.net

yellowselfstorage.com

 

American Movers Conference

American Moving and Storage Assn.

1611 Duke St.

Alexandria, Va 22314

703-683-7410

moving.org

amconf.org

 

Self-Storage Assn.

4141 Crossgate Dr.

Cincinnati, Oh 45236

513-984-6468

Membership directory of 1600 self-storage

companies.

 

City Directory Websites

 

Try the following website formula for any American city you're interested in:

 

ci.name of city.two letter state abbreviation.us like:

 

ci.akron.oh.us or simply don't use the ci at front like akron.oh.us.

 

For towns and villages, use community as the suffix like:

 

community.name of town or village.two letter state abbreviation.us like

 

community.waterville.tx.us

 

local2me.org

Type in your zip code and you get all kinds of links to your part of town from shopping to friendship.

 

yahoo.com

Go to bottom of the page at the Get Local section.  Enter your zipcode and you'll get resources for your area.

 

yahoo.com/regional/u_s_states

 

2chambers.com, list of chambers of commerces u.s.a.

bucknell.edu/geosearch

chamber-of-commerce.com

cimedia.com/sites.html

cities2k.om

cities.com

citydirectories.psmedia.com/index

cityguide.lycos.com

city.com

city.net

city.net/regions/north_america

city.net/countries

city.net/countries/united_states

city.net/countries/united states/(insert full name of any state in here)

citypass.net, buy a citypass for attractions in major american cities.

citysearch.com

city.net/destinations

cityspin.com, 800-275-5895

citysurf.com

cityview.com

clickcity.com/index2.htm, chamber of commerce directory.

clickcitytravel.com

culturefinder.com

digitalcity.com

divein.com

editorandpublisher.com

forumone.com

freetrip.com

homefair.com

homestore.com

indo.com/distance, distances between places, latitude and longitude calculations

infospace.com/cityguides

isotropic.com/metro/scope.html

jobweb.org/catapult/cities

justgo.com

locality.com

local.yahoo.com

mapquest.com.

members.tripod.com

metroblogging.com

metro.jussieu.fr/bin/cities/english

money.cnn.com/best/bplive

moviefone.com

neosoft.com/citylink/default.html

nsbol.com/nsbol/comindex/us_index.htm

realcities.com

sidewalk.com

stanford.edu/geosearch

starcitysearch.com

superpages.com

thomas.com, the thomas guide, sell city directories for major cities.

timeout.cm

towd.com

townonline.com vindigo.com

travelocity.com/

usacitylink.com

uschamber.com, u.s. chamber of commerce.

vtourist.com/vt

welcome.to

wings.buffalo.edu/world/vt2

worldexecutive.com/cityguides/

yahoo.com/promotions/metros

yahoo.com, go to more yahoo button then yahoo metros.

zagat.com, restaurant ratings.

 

Environmental Maps

 

These are maps that show environmental hazards geographically like toxic waste dumps or other environmental problems.

 

epa.gov/enviro

fema.gov/individual/home.shtm, flood maps, disaster info.

hud.gov/emaps, environmental maps.

 

Vehicle Transport/ Driving Free

 

These are auto transport companies who transport vehicles for people on the backs of tractor trailers for a fee. 

 

Some of these auto transport companies also use drivers to drive their vehicles cross country so if you have a license, don't have a criminal record and put up a small deposit, they will give you a vehicle to drive cross country or to your particular destination for free.  They'll probably fingerprint you.

 

There are many automobile transporting companies listed in the phone book.  I really haven't ventured to take the initiative to call them and ask whether they accept civilian drivers, however, these ones actively advertise for civilian drivers. 

 

Another approach is to call a car rental company and ask for the car control department then ask if there are any deadhead or nonrev cars going to a particular city.  These are cars that need to back to where they came from.  This approach might not work but it's worth a try.

 

driveaway.com

 

1aamotorcycles.com, motorcycle transport company.

123movers.com

aaat.com

aardvarkauto.com, 888-866-4020

americanautotransportcompany.com

aswd.com, 800-338-8850

autoandtruckshippers.com, 888-577-5400, truck transport co., ships trucks.

autodriveaway.com, 800 621 4155

autotransporter.com

autovanrvdelivery.com, 574-534-4250

bluehighways.net, 800-622-6601

btransport.com

carmovingguide.com

dasautoshippers.com

dependableautoshippers.com

eagleonexpress.com, 209-483-8925

enclosedvehicletransport.com, 888-827-6799

ezautoshipping.com

findahauler.com

horselesscarriage.com, 800-631-7796

movecars.com

newmaninternational.com, 813-221-5000

passporttransport.com, 800-325-4267

shipcardirect.com

shipmyvehicle.com, 877-512-2227

sundayautotransport.com, 717-697-0939

transpecialists.com, 626-968-4904, truck transport service, ship trucks.

transportautos.com/driveaway, 800 677 6686

transport.industrial101.com

 

Aaacon

230 West 41st

New York, Ny 10037

212-354-7777

 

Accelerated Express

800-677-6686

 

All America Auto Transport

800--942-0001

 

Atlas Motives

800-448-0766

Carriere

800-540-9111

 

choicemall.com/shipacar

888-274-4722

 

Dependable Auto Shippers

800-826-1083

 

Universal International Transportation

800-421-2369

 

Universal Auto Shipers

800-526-4972

 

Auto Driveway Co.

310 S. Michigan Ave.

Chicago, Il 60604

800-346-2277

autodriveaway.com

 

Arizona

Phoenix

602-952-0339

 

Tucson

520-323-7659

 

California

 

Long Beach

562-421-0313

 

Los Angeles

213-666-6100

autodriveawayla.com

 

San Diego

619-295-8060

 

San Francisco

415-777-3740

 

San Jose

408-984-4999

 

Colorado

 

Denver

303-757-1211

 

Dc, City of Washington

 

Washington

703-524-7300

 

Florida

 

Ft. Lauderdale

954-771-4059

 

Ft. Meyers

941-768-2345

 

Jacksonville

904-398-4400

Miami

954-456-2285

 

Orlando

407-678-7000

 

Tampa

813-254-8411

 

Georgia

 

Atlanta

404-364-0464

404-305-8000

 

Illinois

 

Chicago

312-939-3600

 

Indiana

 

Indianapolis

317-259-7060

 

Kansas

 

Kansas City

913-381-2125

 

Wichita

316-945-2882

 

Kentucky

 

Louisville

502-456-4990

 

Louisiana

 

New Orleans

504-737-0266

 

Maryland

 

Baltimore

410-366-8863

 

Massachusetts

 

Boston

781-642-7378

 

Michigan

 

Detroit

810-442-2335

 

Grand Rapids

616-530-0187

 

Minnesota

 

Minneapolis

612-926-0262

 

St. Paul

612-698-6929

 

Missouri

 

St. Louis

314-726-2886

 

Nebraska

 

Omaha

402-571-5010

 

Nevada

 

Las Vegas

702-658-8500

 

New Jersey

 

Hackensack

201-440-0707

 

New York

 

New York

212-967-2344

 

Syracuse

315-445-0809

 

North Carolina

 

Charlotte

704-525-6556

 

Greensboro

336-272-2153

 

Ohio

 

Cincinnati

513-385-6654

 

Cleveland

440-331-1495

 

Columbus

614-261-8170

 

Oklahoma

 

Oklahoma City

405-943-8443

 

Oregon

 

Portland

503-294-2955

 

Pennsylvania

 

Philadelphia

215-884-6662

 

Pittsburgh

412-276-6922

 

Tennessee

 

Memphis

901-685-3360

 

Nashville

615-244-8000

 

Texas

 

Dallas

972-233-5533

 

Houston

713-692-3433

 

San Antonio

210-226-1676

 

Utah

 

Salt Lake City

801-353-9390

 

Virginia

 

Richmond

804-353-9390

 

Washington

 

Seattle

206-235-0880

 

Wisconsin

 

Milwaukee

414-327-5252

 

Canada

 

Calgary, Ab

403-289-7854

 

Halifax, Ns

902-832-1240

 

Montreal

514-956-1046

 

Toronto

416-222-4700

 

Vancouver

604-985-0936

 

Winnipeg

204-663-2966

 

National Auto Transporters

 

3000.com/nati

800-423-3266

 

Chicago, Il

312-489-3500

 

St. Paul, Mn

612-777-7780

 

Burlingame, Ca

415-342-9611

 

Miami, Fl

305-945-4104

 

Los Angeles, Ca

818-988-9000

 

Mt. Clemens, Mi

810-465-5210

 

Salt Lake City, Ut

801-972-6819

 

San Diego, Ca

619-562-8666

 

Phoenix, Az

602-992-5200

 

Glendora, Ca

818-963-9252

 

Atlanta, Ga

404-257-0605

 

Portland, Or

503-252-3967

 

Auburn, Wa

206-762-7840

 

 

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