When you're in the middle of your move and you're determined to squeeze that Oxford dictionary into an already-full box labeled books, remember that either you or your spouse or the mover will have to lift it. And what about that garbage bag full of linens? It looks like it will hold...that is if it doesn't encounter anything sharp.

Before you start second-guessing your packing skills, read these top 20 tips for ensuring your stuff is moved without exploding, leaking or breaking.

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When hiring a moving company, there are some things you need to know before you sign your contract, including extra charges you might be responsible for. One of my first moves, in my early 20s, involved a small upright piano, and while I knew it would be a little awkward to transfer onto the truck, I didn't realize that I'd be charged an additional fee to have it taken to my new home.

So before you're caught off guard by extra charges that tend to add up quickly and that might blow your moving budget, find out what kind of extra services might be charged to you in addition to the cost of your move.

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Winter not only means rosy cheeks, snow angels and sleigh rides, it also brings with it runny noses, fevers and chills.

If you're moving to another country, one of the first things you need to research is health care insurance. If you or a family member becomes ill, are you covered? If so, what exactly does your insurance provide? Read everything you need to know about health insurance (but were afraid to ask) and make sure you and your family are protected for when the flu bug strikes.

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Each year around this time, some of us engage in a ritual known as fall cleaning. It isn't as popular as spring cleaning, but it's a way of sorting through things to make way for the holiday season. If you're planning a winter or spring move, now's the time to get organized, and a good thorough house cleaning is a great place to start, allowing you the chance to get rid of stuff you don't want to pack.

But after you've finished sorting and de-cluttering, what do you do with the extra shirts, bed linens and towels? Instead of heading for the landfill, find out how to make some extra money or where to donate your used goods so that you're not only helping members of your community, but also reducing your impact on the earth - a win-win for everyone.

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If your moving day is flexible, then you may want to consider a few options, weighing what is the best time for you to move. There are many factors to consider, including money-saving options and when might be the most beneficial for other members of your family.

Look at the whole picture and see how flexible you can be. It's surprising how much time and money you can save just by shifting your move date by a month or two.

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Many of our past moves have been due to my husband's career in IT and some because of my career, too. Overall, I think we've been pretty fair to each other when deciding to move, always taking the other person into consideration.

But it still isn't easy.

Having been the spouse who's had to make changes in my immediate life in order to accommodate my partner, I have some advice and tips on how to make this move work for you. It'll help you adjust and make the most of this change.

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My nephew just moved to a new city and consequently, a new school. Talking to him on the phone a few times each week leading up to the move, he'd tell me about the challenges that are particular to people his age. Issues of changing schools, of meeting new people and making new friends. With his help and advice from other teens, I've compiled their suggestions to help teens through this often frustrating and scary time.

If you're a teen, and you have a suggestion or a story about moving, just comment below. I'll add it to our ever-growing list.

With the world at our fingertips, more and more people are looking for an adventure and moving overseas. While there are some further complications with making an international move, some of the same decisions need to be made, such as how much stuff to keep and what to get rid of.

To get started, find out how to begin packing for your overseas move.

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It's moving day, and despite all the planning and packing you feel like you might be forgetting something. Make sure you don't get caught up in the moving day chaos by not being prepared.

First, get plenty of sleep the night before, keep your coffee pot unpacked and set for 6:00 a.m., then check out this list of moving day tasks that still need to be done so you'll be ready when the truck arrives.

More Moving Timelines - What You Need to Do:

• 8 Weeks Before You Move
• 6 Weeks Before You Move
• 4 Weeks Before You Move
• 2 Weeks Before You Move
• 1 Week Before You Move

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Whenever we plan a move, the first thing I think of is money. How much will the move cost? We then go over the logistics of getting from point A to B and what it will take to get there. Where we're moving to determines how we move.

Whether using a moving company or renting a truck, there are lots of ways to save.

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