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If youre going to rent a truck when moving, one of the first questions the clerk will ask you is: Do you want to buy the optional insurance we offer?

While your auto, homeowners or renters insurance may cover damage to a rental truck or your contents inside the truck during a move, the extra insurance can be worth checking into.

Here are some questions to ask when that clerk tries to sell you insurance:

What if youre at fault? A rental truck company likely wont cover you for physical damage you cause to the truck or bodily injury you suffer in an accident where youre at fault; however, your personal car insurance may cover property damage or bodily injury to others in the case of an accident. Keep in mind, your auto insurance policy likely excludes vehicles that weigh more than 9,000 pounds, such as a moving truck.

If the accident isnt your fault, then the other drivers insurance should pay for damage to the truck and for your bodily injuries.

What about my credit card coverage? Paying for a rental truck with a credit card will likely get you free insurance from your credit card company, though it may cover damage to other people and vehicles and not to the rental truck youre driving.

What does the extra insurance cover? U-Haul, one of the biggest moving companies, sells truck rental coverage that protects renters from being financially responsible for damage to its equipment. U-Haul says its essential because credit cards and car insurance dont typically cover its rental equipment.

U-Hauls Safemove package covers the truck and its belongings, but doesnt provide liability coverage. It has a few optional purchases within it, such as a damage waiver to protect you if you accidentally back into a street sign because youre not used to driving such a large vehicle. Theres no deductible for the coverage.

U-Haul offers up to $25,000 in cargo coverage for a one-way rental and $15,000 for an in-town rental. Theres a $100 deductible and coverage is for actual cash value.

U-Haul also has a Super Safemove program that adds liability coverage, like full coverage on an auto policy. The liability coverage is primary coverage, with the first $1 million in liability covered by U-Haul and not your personal insurance.

If you do decide to buy extra insurance when moving, first check with your auto insurer to see if they cover anything during your move.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Everyone wants a great kitchen. One of the most enjoyed spaces in the home, the kitchen is used for cooking, gathering and entertaining with family and friends. However, a great kitchen doesn’t necessarily have to be a large one. If you have a tiny kitchen, below are a handful of tips to help you get the most out of it and make it feel larger:

Make use of walls.Instead of hanging pictures on your kitchen walls, hang your pots and pans. You can even find great fixtures to hang your plates and wine glasses from the ceiling or walls.

Add a mirrored backsplash.While you may not want to take up precious wall space with mirrors, a mirrored backsplash can add depth and girth to your room, making use of an area that would otherwise have no purpose.

Build up.Need more cabinet space? Look up! If your existing cabinets don’t extend to the ceiling, you’re wasting precious footage. Consider having additional cabinets built where you can store things you rarely use, like that Crock-Pot that comes out once a year or your holiday china dishes.

Abolish clutter. Nothing cramps an already small space more than clutter, and a clean countertop can do wonders for a small space. Streamline your gadgets, sell or donate what you don’t need and store away what you don’t use every day.

Light it right.A well-lit space can really open up your kitchen and make it seem not only more inviting, but also much larger. For natural light, consider adding a bay window or skylight, if possible. To lighten up your kitchen during the nighttime or gloomy days, install energy-efficient lighting throughout your kitchen to maintain that airy, open feel.

These are just five ways you can maximize your tiny kitchen. There are many other tricks, as well as storage products, that can help you get the most out of your space. Do some research to get inspired, and be creative!

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Your yard can be much more dangerous at night than it is during daylight hours. Objects you cant see, ice on the ground, animals and trespassers are sources of concern for all homeowners. Installing motion-activated outdoor lights is a simple way to protect yourself and others from these hazards.

How Do Motion-Activated Lights Work?
Motion detectors detect infrared waves, or heat waves, from moving objects, such as people, animals and vehicles. When a warm object passes its field of view, a motion detector causes a light to turn on. It stays on for an amount of time set by the homeowner, then turns off if the detector no longer senses motion. The field of view and distance range vary depending on the model of motion detector and the settings the homeowner chooses.

Reasons to Install Outdoor Lights
Motion-activated outdoor lights can help you avoid accidents and injuries at night. For example, if you need to walk up steps to enter your home or walk across your driveway after a snowstorm, a light can help you avoid falling. Outdoor lights can be particularly helpful if guests who are unfamiliar with your property come to visit at night.

Motion-activated lights can let you know if someone or something is in your yard. If you hear a noise, a light will come on when it senses motion so you can look out the window and see if the sound was caused by your pet, a wild animal or a burglar and take the appropriate action while staying safe inside your home.

How to Prevent False Alarms
Homeowners are sometimes reluctant to install motion-activated lights because they are concerned that a light will turn on every time leaves blow or a car passes by. Having lights come on several times an hour and stay on for several minutes each time can be annoying to both homeowners and their neighbors, particularly if a light shines outside a bedroom window while someone is trying to sleep.

That problem is easy to avoid. You can adjust the distance and range so the sensors only detect and respond to motion in a limited area, which will keep the light from turning on when it shouldnt.

Where to Install Lights
Depending on the size and layout of your home, you may need to install several motion-activated lights. Position them so theyll cover your driveway, front walkway, backyard, any gates on your property, and a porch, patio or deck. If you have a shed where you store valuables, such as lawn and garden equipment, make sure you have a light in that area.

Protect Your Family and Property
Motion-activated lights are a simple means of preventing accidents and frightening away animals or intruders. Outdoor lights are relatively inexpensive and easy to install and can be adjusted to cover a required area and to prevent them from coming on when they shouldnt. If you are concerned about safety and security, look into installing motion-activated outdoor lights.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Need a loan to buy a house? There are many options out there to help you obtain a mortgage, and finding the best loan and lender for your particular situation can be confusing and difficult. To help you navigate the process, the American Bankers Association (ABA) offers the following tips:

Know your own financial situation. Before you begin the home loan application process, determine what you can realistically afford. Take into consideration your credit score, how much debt you currently carry and what type of down payment youre prepared to make.

Have your documents ready. Although each lender may require different documentation, you may be required to furnish the following information depending on your employment and financial situation:

Pay stubs;
Tax returns;
Financial statements (one that is less than 60 days old);
Copies of additional monthly payments such as car loans, credit cards and student loans; and
Any other information (such as proof of additional income) that you think will help a lender evaluate your credit request positively.

Review the basics. Knowing the fundamentals of the home loan process is an excellent way to prepare to choose the right mortgage. Make sure you are familiar with interest rates, loan terms and additional fees associated with buying a home.

Compare quotes. Beyond the interest rates, there are closing fees and points and commissions. Youll want to compare these for all the lenders on your list. There are several calculators available online that may help you determine which loan provides the best value, including ones offered by ABA.

Choose a trusted lender. Get references from family and friends, and do your research. Check with your local Better Business Bureau, and find out if it has received any complaints about any of the lenders youre considering.

Read between the lines. Slick TV ads, telemarketers or door-to-door salespeople will often offer fast, easy loans for houses, cars and home repair, but not disclose all of the details. Read the fine print. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Ask questions. When in doubt, ask for clarification from your lender. Discuss how long the loan process will take, how you will communicate”by phone or email”and who will service your loan.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Having a well-stocked pantry can mean the difference between having a last-minute dinner on the table without much in the refrigerator, or going to the store for supplies or dining out.

Most things in a pantry will have an expiration date, but an expiration date doesnt always mean that a product is unsafe to eat. It refers to the nutritional value and could be eaten afterward”unless you notice discoloration, odor or compromised packaging. If so, throw it out.

Food lasts longer if it has been preserved through canning, pickling, drying, smoking or pasteurization, or if it contains food preservatives. All of these inhibit bacterial growth, keep the food looking good and prevent food-borne illnesses.

That said, you dont want to take the risk of eating spoiled food. If something smells off, looks bad or tastes bad, throw it away.

Still, there are some things that should stay fresh in a pantry for a long time. For example:

Soy Sauce

If unopened, soy sauce can last indefinitely. Once the top is off, it should remain fresh for three years. What helps it last so long? High salt and acid content act as preservatives.

If you expect to use a bottle of soy sauce within a few months, you can store it in a pantry. Any longer and put it in the fridge to retain the best quality for longer.

Honey

Honeys sweetness is from a low acidic pH and very low moisture levels, which prevents the growth of bacteria. Honey can be kept indefinitely, though it may crystallize over time.

Sugar

Sugar can also last a long time”if you keep it away from moisture. Technically, sugar never spoils.

Rice

If stored properly in airtight containers, rice should also last indefinitely. White rice will store well for 25 to 30 years if properly sealed and stored.

Whole grain rice is processed and has a shorter shelf life, so keep whole grain rice and brown rice no more than six months.

Peanuts

Peanuts and items such as peanut butter, which is high processed with sugar and other food additives, can last up to two years.

Canned Fish

Tuna, salmon, sardines and other types of canned fish can last three to five years if their original packaging isnt opened or damaged. Canning removes all air in vacuum-sealed containers that are heat processed. It destroys microorganisms and prevents new bacteria from getting in.

Cornstarch

This cooks helper thats often used to thicken recipes can last indefinitely. Keep it away from moisture and you can keep a box in your pantry for years.

Published with permission from RISMedia.