Great moving advice can be found all over the Web. We thought we would consolidate some of the best-of-the-best for your viewing pleasure. We’ve found everything from music and attire for moving day to tips for saving some major money this year on your taxes. A special thanks goes out to these writers, we appreciate your passion for making moving day a better experience.

• “The Moving Playlist: Volume One” – by Coleman American: http://www.colemanallied.com/blog/post/Coleman-Allied-Presents-The-Moving-Playlist-Volume-One.aspx
• “How to Handle Utilities During Your Move” – by Atlas Transfer and Storage: http://www.alliedmovingblog.com/2011/02/how-to-handle-utilities-during-your-move/
• “Preparing to Pack” – by Shelly Moving and Storage: http://shellymoving.blogspot.com/2011/01/preparing-to-pack.html
• “It’s Tax Time….Can you Write off Your Move?” by About.com: http://moving.about.com/b/2011/02/16/tax-time-can-you-write-off-your-move.htm
• And just for fun…if you were wondering what you should wear on moving day, here’s a safe option: http://gizmodo.com/#!5765631/a-tie-with-bubble-wrap-is-the-perfect-time-killer

• Barrett Moving & Storage is Acquired by The Suddath Companies: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2011/03/prweb5101004.htm
• Fast Moving Storm Blows Through 4 States: http://www.koamtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=14155660
• U-Haul Offers 30 Days Free Storage to West Texas Wildfire Victims: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/u-haul-offers-30-days-of-free-storage-to-west-texas-wildfire-victims-117071978.html
• Freakonomics Blog Moving to NYTimes.com: http://freakonomics.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/02/28/moving-day-for-this-blog-thanks-for-everything/
• New York Mets Player Carlos Beltran is Moving to the Right Field: http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/sports/lucie-123364-mlb-beltran.html
• Fast Moving Hornbill Escapes the Zoo: http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20110301/NEWS01/103010313/Fast-moving-hornbill-escapes-zoo?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Local%20News
• Fox News Will Not Be Moving into Canada After All: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-f-kennedy-jr/fox-news-will-not-be-moving-into-canada-after-all_b_829473.html

Allied is please to announce its Van Foreman of the month winner for September. This prestigious award is presented to the Master Mover who continually exceeds our customers’ expectations. These Van Foremen are not only dedicated to our van line, but have a proven track record of success in safety, hauling and customer experience.

September Van Foreman of the Month: Terry Sloan Agent: Citizen’s Transfer and Storage, a Tucson, Arizona moving company

Congratulations to Terry – keep up the good work!

Paint – it’s one of the easiest ways to transform the look of your home. Draw attention to a focal point in your home, freshen up a room, set a mood or make a statement. Whatever you desire, there is a shade of paint that can help.

How do you choose the right paint color? Here are a few tried and tested ways to make sure you’re choosing shades that will complement your décor and furnishing.

1. Pick colors that are complementary by using the color wheel: Here’s a wheel example for you to use: http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20161202,00.html
2. Create a custom color: In love with a shade? Most paint stores will mix a custom color for you!
3. Try it out: Before you commit to purchasing a paint color, buy a pint and paint a small square on your wall. Be sure to look at the color in all lights throughout the day to ensure you’re happy with the shade.

Here is a video from Lowe’s that will give you some additional tips:

Allied is please to announce its Van Foreman of the Month winners for May, June and July. This prestigious award is presented to the Master Mover who continually exceeds our customers’ expectations. These Van Foremen are not only dedicated to our van line, but have a proven track record of success in safety, hauling and customer experience.

May Van Foreman of the Month: Philo Frost Agent: Kent Moving & Storage, a Grand Rapids, Michigan moving company

June Van Foreman of the Month: Dax Mahaffey Agent: Citizens Transfer & Storage, a Tucson, Arizona moving company

July Van Foreman of the Month: Chris Casasanta Agent: Federal Warehouse Company, an East Peoria, Illinois moving company

Congratulations to our drivers and keep up the good work!

On October 8, 2010, hundreds of Allied agents gathered for the 2010 Allied Agent Convention in San Antonio, Texas. As a conclusion to this 3-day event, the Allied corporate leadership team hosted an awards dinner to congratulate the network’s top agents and recognize commitment to the moving brand. Below are the highlights:

Allied Award Recipients

International Awards:

• Customer Choice Awards – NC Texas Moving Services, Houston, TX (North America); TEAM Allied UK, London, United Kingdom (Europe); Allied Pickfords Japan, Tokyo, Japan (Asia Pacific)
• Top International Sales Europe – Pickfords LTD, United Kingdom (Europe); Allied Pickfords, Australia (Asia Pacific); G-Inter, Sao Paulo, Brazil (Central and South Pacific); Reliable Van and Storage, Elizabeth, NJ (North America)
• International President’s Award – Berger Transfer and Storage, Houston, TX; NC Texas Moving Services, Houston, TX; Westheimer Transfer and Storage, Houston, TX
• International Agent of the Year – Reliable Van and Storage, Elizabeth, NJ

Allied Special Products Award:

• Outstanding Sales Achievement – Federal Warehouse Company, East Peoria, IL
• Salesperson of the Year – Jackie Taylor, Federal Warehouse Company, East Peoria, IL
• Driver of the Year – Steve Wells, SPD Direct Lease Fleet
• Agent of the Year – Coleman American Moving Services, Midland City, AL

Safety Award:

• Safety Award - Westheimer Transfer and Storage, Houston, TX; Circle Moving and Storage, Long Beach, CA; All American Van and Storage, North Las Vegas, NV
• Senior Safe Driver of the Year – Alan Pinnigar, Quality Move Management, Calgary, AB

Government/Military Award:

• Most Improved Military Booking Award – Atlas Transfer and Storage, Poway, CA
• Customer Quality Award/Military “Packing Services” – Circle Moving and Storage, Long Beach, CA
• Customer Quality Award/Military “Destination Services” – Bailey’s Moving and Storage, Colorado Springs, CO
• Most Improved Government Booker Award – Berger Transfer and Storage, Addison, IL
• Government Agent of the Year – Simonik Transportation & Warehousing Group, Burlington, NJ

Quality Award:

• Rising Star – Jobbers Moving and Storage, Aberdeen, SD; Berger Kansas City, Shawnee, KS; Morse Moving and Storage, Romulus, MI
• Customer For Life Award – Siracusa Moving & Storage, Inc., New Britain, CT; Morse Moving & Storage, Inc., Romulus, MI; Morse Moving & Storage, Inc., Traverse City, MI; Blanchette Moving & Storage Co., Lewiston, ME; Clancy’s Transfer & Storage, Inc., Walla Walla, WA; American Moving Services, Lubbock, TX

Sales & Hauling Award:

• Outstanding Sales Achievement – Berger Transfer and Storage, Roseville, MN
• Most Improved Booker – Azalea Moving & Storage, Inc., North Charleston, SC
• Consumer Salesperson of the Year – Kevin Staley, Berger Transfer and Storage, Columbus, OH
• Biggest Growth Consumer Salesperson of the Year – Julie Pinkey, Berger Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ
• Consumer Agent of the Year – Coleman American Moving Services, Inc., Dothan, AL
• Corporate Account Salesperson of the Year – Charles Farrugia, Westheimer Transfer and Storage Co, Inc., Houston, TX
• Corporate Agent of the Year – Rose Moving and Storage, Belleville, MI
• Outstanding Hauler – Berger Transfer and Storage, Roseville, MN
• Most Improved Hauler – Coleman American Moving Services, Inc., Dothan, AL
• Driver of the Year – Donald Carlisle, Beverly Hills Transfer and Storage Co, Inc., Gardena, CA

Agent of the Year 2009-2010: Berger Transfer and Storage, Inc.

If you are moving for a job, you could be able to deduct your moving expenses (not including meals). According to the IRS, there are two tests that must be satisfied in order for your situation to be considered.

• The distance test: Your new job must be at least 50 miles farther from your old home than your old job was from your old home. See details: http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc455.html
  
• The time test: If you are an employee, you must work full-time for at least 39 weeks during the first 12 months right after you arrive in the general area of your new job. If you are self-employed, you must work full time for at least 39 weeks during the first 12 months and for a total of at least 78 weeks during the first 24 months after you arrive in the general area of your new work location. See details: http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc455.html

There are some exceptions that can be made to the tests above, so be sure to review the IRS’ policy. To read more visit: http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc455.htm

Moving to a new state can be pricey. That’s why it’s important to consider how you’ll be affected from a tax perspective. This topic is so important we decided to do a series of tax tips that could save you quite a bit of money in your new state.

Tip #1: Consider Moving to a State Without Income Tax

Not sure where you want to move? Think about moving to a state that doesn’t have income tax. This decision alone could save you tons of money each year. Here’s a list of states that impose no income tax:

• Alaska
• Florida
• Nevada
• South Dakota
• Texas
• Washington
• Wyoming

Allied is please to welcome the following agents into its Indiana and Wisconsin moving networks.

Callan and Woodworth Moving & Storage is based out of Fort Wayne, Indiana. They are Northern Indiana and Southern Michigan movers offering a full menu of relocation and storage services. For more information, visit their website: http://www.callanmoving.com/

Coakley Brothers is a premiere moving company serving Madison, Green Bay, and Milwaukee. For more information, visit their website: http://www.coakleybros.com/

Allied would like to welcome its newest agents and thank them for being a part of our network.