Mike Miller is an editor for USA TODAY Homefront, covering topics that range from moving to gutters and gutter guards. He lives in North Carolina, but as a Minnesota transplant he has firsthand knowledge of long-distance movers’ pain points. Mike has written about home and life insurance providers for Marketwatch, This Old House and Architectural Digest. He also edited three national consumer magazines about natural health and wellness — Alternative Medicine, Eating Naturally and Natural Solutions. He has a BS in creative advertising with a certificate for technology, arts and media. In his spare time, Mike rides his motorcycle, plays with his two cats and spends time with his wife and twins.
Packing your belongings in preparation for a move is tedious because it must be done carefully — particularly when handling fragile items. Furniture, appliances and large possessions such as pianos should all be properly wrapped with moving blankets, sometimes called furniture pads or furniture blankets. This protective padding prevents damage during transit. Moving blankets should…
When your lease approaches its expiration, your landlord will offer you the option to extend it or provide you with a move-out date. If you choose to relocate, you’ll want to provide proper notice to your landlord — and your lease agreement usually requires this. Tell your landlord you’re moving out with a written notice…
Storage units offer secure solutions when navigating transitional periods such as long-distance moves. With options available in small, medium and large sizes, your storage unit choice should depend on your specific storage requirements. To select the appropriate storage unit size, assess the items you plan to store. Small storage units are perfect for accommodating the…
Auto warranties are vehicle service contracts with auto manufacturers that cover the cost of repairs within an agreed-upon term of months or miles driven, whichever comes first. However, once your manufacturer’s warranty expires, you’ll be responsible for the full cost of subsequent repairs — unless you buy a vehicle service contract. Vehicle service contracts, or…
LeafFilter is our top pick for professional gutter guard installations. We like Raptor for do-it-yourself (DIY) projects. But before you choose the best gutter guards for your home, you must decide whether to hire a professional or install them yourself. The decision often comes down to price. It’s not always that simple, though. Costs for…
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