It's officially a new year. And as such, it's time to start thinking about everything we've done in the past year, like moving, and things we need to do in 2009, like taxes. No one likes to think about taxes, but if you've moved in the past 12 months you could be looking at a nice write-off - and that's definitely good news!

So my advice is to keep and collect your receipts, then see if they can be deducted when you file your taxes. Rules vary according to your government's stipulations.

Trying to determine if you can deduct and what you can deduct may take some time and patience; it can, however, pay off in the end. And that's a great way to start off a new year.

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I once went with the cheapest movers I could find. I was still in college and was barely making it from month to month. What I didn't know at the time was that I needed to take into consideration other factors than just how much my stuff weighed and what the price is per pound.

Remember, that not all estimates are created equal, and while one moving company may seem cheaper than another, there are four key factors you need to consider when comparing movers. And don't forget to make sure you get estimates from at least three companies (five preferred) before you hire.

When moving to another country, another state or even another city, one decision you'll have to make is if you should rent or buy a new home. Often, renting is clearly the better option simply because of the cost and possibly the length of stay. However, if feasible when moving overseas, foreign ownership is an opportunity to not only secure an oversees investment, but also makes you feel a little bit like a local.

If you do decide to rent, check out About's Guide to Apartment Living/Rental for great tips and suggestions for finding that perfect place to live.

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No, I'm not talking about the holidays - all those fun end of year parties and silly hats and lots of champagne...Nope, I'm talking about tax time!

Even though taxes are not due for another few months, it's never too soon to start collecting your moving receipts. You'll be glad you did when April rolls around and you're trying to remember exactly how much you paid for that moving van you rented back in September. So take a break from all the parties and do something fun for a change - your accountant will thank you!

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