If you’re moving cross-country and are carrying a significant amount of items, you should talk to your moving company about the possibility of temporary storage. This is a service offered free of charge by many companies, in which your belongings are stored in a facility, rather than delivered to your new address. This is a great option if you’re moving to a new city but don’t have a place to live yet, or if your new house needs repairs before you can bring your items in.

Temporary storage has its drawbacks, such as reduced insurance (your boxes may not be protected against damage), limited access (you may not be able to go back and forth to the storage place to retrieve items one at a time), added costs (when it’s time to move your moving boxes, you may need to do it yourself or pay an extra charge) and other considerations.

Finally, companies may refuse to store valuable items for you, including pianos, pool tables or electronics. If those are among the items you packed in your cardboard boxes, you need to find out what happens with them and whether the temporary storage option is a good one for you.

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Drywall has been used to form walls in homes since World War II. Much easier to use than plaster, drywall, also known as gypsum and sheetrock, is easy to repair and just about any job can be handled by the homeowner with even a modest amount of dexterity.

For small jobs, like nail holes, you will need some sand paper, joint compound and a putty knife. First, clear the area if any loose pieces of drywall are hanging. Next, sand the area to roughen the surface a bit. Grab the putty knife, dip it into the compound and draw it across the hole or dent. Remove the excess with a second pass. Let it dry. Sometimes the compound will shrink a bit and if this is the case just apply a second coat when it dries. Once completely dry, use fine grit sandpaper and gently sand the area. A sponge dipped in water can further smooth out your work. Before repainting, make sure to prime the area first.

Somewhat larger holes can be repaired in much the same way with one addition. Iron on patches can be bought from most hardware stores and will act as a backing for the application of compound. Using a regular iron, set it to medium heat and then apply the patch. Afterwards, apply the compound in the same manner described above.

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A relatively simple way to spruce up the bathroom at low cost is to re-grout the tile. Over time, bathroom tile can crack, lose its color or become full of mildew (which can become a health hazard). This job does require a little elbow grease and a few basic hand tools but is otherwise not difficult.

You will need the following tools: grout saw, chisel, utility knife, latex grout, grout float, grout sealer and a tile sponge.

• Clean the tile and grout thoroughly.
• Grab the grout saw (a sort of serrated knife) and begin scrapping back and forth between the tiles on the existing grout.
• Use the utility knife and chisel to remove the excess grout.
• Mix the grout (though there are other types, latex is best as it resists moisture more) and spread it evenly over the cracks using the grout float at an angle of close to 30 degrees.
• Press the grout completely into the cracks using the grout float.
• Next, remove the excess grout by drawing it across the top of all areas covered.
• Following the directions on the container of grout wait to allow the grout to set. Usually about 5 to 10 minutes. When this has been done take the tile sponge, wet it and then draw it over the entire work area. Your trying to smooth out any rough areas in the grout you have just laid.
• After 3 to 5 days, gently scrape away any grout left on the tiles themselves and then brush on the grout sealer. The sealer will further prevent the absorption of moisture and mildew.

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Moving is stressful. Anything you can do to make it a little bit easier will help you in the long run. With some extra planning, you will not have to worry about kicking that cardboard box in frustration and can instead focus on taking a well earned break over pizza and cold beer before getting back to the job.

One way to do this is by clearly designating your moving boxes room by room. Head to the stationary store and pick up a pack of markers of different colors. The colors themselves don’t matter, but having a different color for each room of the house does.

Start with the bathroom. Grab a marker. Let’s say the red one. Mark the box with a big red dot. All moving boxes with a red dot from here on out will be for the bathroom. The master bedroom bathroom with another color dot. Then, if you like, you can further break down the contents by writing with a regular pen. For instance, “Sink” or “Shower” or “Toilet paper.”

Using the dot system when packing will make your life easier in that you will not have to bend over and read your scribbling as you go. You can just look at the color, deliver it to the appropriate room and unpack it later.

Also, if others are helping, you can post a legend and tape it on the front door. As your helpers carry in a box they can just reference the legend and take the box to the appropriate room.

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The temperatures are rising. So is the air conditioning bill. But with the oppressive heat how can you alter the temperature in your home a few degrees to both give both you and your electricity bill a break? There are some options to consider that can make your life easier with a modest amount of attention.

• If there is an air conditioner, find a way to cover the outdoor units without restricting their flow of exhaust. An awning will help. Clean the filters regularly as well. Alternatively, try planting shrubs around the unit.
• If using an air conditioner, thoroughly seal and caulk windows.
• Install ceiling fans. This is a cheaper alternative than air conditioning.
• In drier, less humid climates placing a bowl of ice in front of a box fan is good option.
• Install awnings over doors and windows to reduce glare and direct sunlight.
• On south and west facing sides of the house avoid the use of too much rock or cement. These materials will absorb heat most in these areas. In this same area of the house planting trees and or lattice work with vines will help cool things down.
• In the kitchen use an electric boiler to heat water and a microwave oven to cook instead of using gas.
• Turn off appliances and computers completely when not in use.
• Tint windows.
• Paint the walls in light colors.
• Roof your house with shingles that will absorb less heat.
• In the attic, upgrade your insulation to industrial strength.

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You just finished unpacking your moving boxes and are settled into your house. But those pesky, nosy neighbors next door are annoying you to no end. Rather than start your own modern day version of the Hatfield’s vs. the McCoy’s, consider making some slight alterations to your backyard. There are many creative ideas that can provide relief while still being aesthetically pleasing.

• Fencing. This is the easiest, most direct way to handle the issue. Nothing says leave me alone like a solid, tall fence. Wood or brick will do. If there is an existing chain link fence, consider weaving something like bamboo through the links, or mounting a lattice of some kind. A quick growing vine, like Kudzu, will quickly cover the entire area in a wall of green.
• Planters. Along the offending property line you can have a planter built and then landscape it with quick growing shrubs.
• Generally speaking, most trees take years to mature and are therefore not ideal in this regard. However, there are some relatively quick growing trees that might make some difference over the long term. Willow, eucalyptus and poplar are examples that will grow 6 to 15 feet in a year.
• Privacy screens are another option and can be set table side between you and your neighbor.

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While you probably will take special care when packing boxes with your computer, you may not think twice about packing other items that may end up destroyed or damaged as a result. The list of fragile items at home is large and it changes depending on the size of your home, your taste and the items you own, but here is a quick breakdown of items that need to be carefully packaged in high strength moving boxes to prevent damage:

• Anything with glass or mirrors in it
• Computers
• Pool tables
• China
• Electronic equipment, such as audio systems
• Microwave
• Pianos and other musical instruments, especially those with strings
• Collectibles
• flower pots
• Artwork
• Photographs and paperwork that can be damaged by humidity or direct contact with the sun
• CDs, DVDs and tapes, especially if they don’t have a case

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The best way to pack your computer is to use the original box it came in. Unfortunately, few of us ever keep the box, so that may be basically impossible.

1. If you do know somebody who recently bought a computer, though, pick up the phone and ask if they still have the box (you can return it later if they need it).
2. As a second choice, try a find a cardboard moving box that is as close to the size of the computer as possible, so there’s little shifting during the move.
3. Before you even consider putting the machine inside, pad the box itself using lots of bubble wrap plastic on the bottom and the sides of the box. Then wrap the computer in a blanket and add bubble wrap around it, making sure you tape the plastic so it stays put.
4. Once the computer is in the box, fill any empty spaces around it with padding material, such as more bubble wrap or blankets or crumpled up packing paper or foam peanuts.
5. Clearly mark the box as Fragile with permanent markers.
6. Use separate moving boxes for computer accessories such as keyboard, wires, speakers and more.

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• Reuse everything you can. This goes for moving boxes you bought from a previous move to giving things a different use (blankets can be used to wrap delicate items, for example).
• Sometimes it does pay to spend more on moving supplies. For example, buying wardrobe moving boxes may prevent wrinkles or stains in clothes that would otherwise need to be dry-cleaned once you reach your new home.
• Start as early as possible. The more you wait, the more chances you’ll incur on extra charges, such as having to buy packing boxes at full retail price instead of taking advantage of online deals, having to pay more for last-minute moving or dishing too much for a hotel room on the way to your new home because all the cheap ones have been taken.
• Don’t move during the summer if you can avoid it. Moving companies raise their prices during this time because it’s the most popular season and demand is higher. If you can’t do anything about the timing, book well in advance so you can get the best price.
• Inquiry about any hidden costs well in advance. If there are taxes added, ask for an estimate. Find out what happens if you live in an isolate area, if you have stairs and if mileage is included. Negotiate for a full contract that shows the full price to be paid, rather than just the basics.

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Your Body:

• Make sure all moving boxes weigh less than 50 pounds. If possible, try distributing the weight evenly so all sides are similar. Also, make sure the packing boxes are of a size you can handle. If the box is too big for your arms to reach its sides, you’ll be putting additional strain on your back and shoulder to handle the weight.
• Practice picking up the boxes by bending your knees and getting close to the floor.
• Get help if you can’t handle lifting the cardboard boxes yourself. If you have a previous injury or too much stuff to move, consider hiring a moving company that offers full service, so you don’t have to carry anything yourself.
• Get equipment that can make things easier, such as a trolley, dolly or straps.

Your Mind:

• Allow yourself breaks while packing. A 10-minute break for a cold glass of Coke or some fresh air out in the balcony will make a world of difference.
• Ask for help. Your friends and family members may not be able to help you pack the whole house, but even a couple of hours here and there can lower your load.
• Let go of unrealistic expectations. If you’re getting the kids involved, don’t expect perfectly organized packing. And yes, things do go wrong while moving. Take the best you can get and be ready to deal with the unexpected.

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