Earn More Than a Full-Timer: 10 Hot Contract Jobs

by Siri Anderson, PayScale.com

Everyone wants a good salary. But today you might just need to think like a contractor to find it.

In an economic state like our current one, more employers offer contract jobs to save on benefits and other expenses involved in a full-time hire. But because they spend less in other areas, they're usually willing to pay better hourly rates to contractors.

The information technology industry is known for relying heavily on contractors and pays them particularly well. If that's not your field, there's still a wide variety of jobs where contractors are paid significantly better than a full-time employee (FTE). Online salary database PayScale.com ran the numbers on 10 common contracting jobs to find out just how much of a raise you could score by accepting one.

1. Registered Nurse
Median annual pay: $72,400
Increase in pay compared to FTE: +24%
Typical degree: Associate's Degree, Nursing

It's no secret that nursing services are in high demand. In fact, the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) projects an added 587,000 new positions between 2006-2016, which is one of the highest increases of all occupations. That high demand puts potential employees in a strong position for salary bargaining. Put yourself in the driver's seat for salary negotiations, and you could earn a hefty raise over full-time positions -- a 24 percent increase on average.

2. Physical Therapist
Median annual pay: $78,400
Increase in pay compared to FTE: +15%
Typical degree: Master's Degree, Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is another health-care department that is expected to hire much faster than average over the next 10 years. Medical advances that help to save lives result in an increased demand for rehabilitative services. Though it takes an investment of time and money to complete the master's degree required for this field, the returns on that investment are great in terms of employment potential and the ability to dicker for more dollars in your contracting rate.

3. Project Manager, Construction
Median annual pay: $76,400
Increase in pay compared to FTE: +12%
Typical degree: Bachelor's Degree, Construction Management

The construction industry has taken a deep hit over the last year and a half, which has slowed and often halted building projects. However, management still pays in this industry, and as green works and recovery dollars continue to spur growth, more work opportunities should follow. Though a degree isn't always required to be a construction project manager, it is becoming more of the norm, especially as competition stiffens for these positions. Plus, the added education certainly helps when bargaining the terms of your contract.

4. Graphic Designer
Median annual pay: $42,300
Increase in pay compared to FTE: +10%
Typical degree: Bachelor's Degree, Graphic Design & Fine Arts

Tell mom and dad artists can make money. From package design to animation and computer graphics, designers create visual communications for our increasingly image- and video-hungry eyes. The BLS expects job growth to be average, with much of the increase coming from the video and Internet entertainment market. Keen competition is expected for these contracts, but if you land one, you can expect to get about 10 percent more pay than your full-time counterpart.

5. Business Analyst
Median annual pay: $75,300
Increase in pay compared to FTE: +7%
Typical degree: Bachelor's Degree, Computer Information Systems & Computer Science

Business analysts are very commonly contract positions -- 27 percent are self-employed, which is three times the average for most professions. Demand for analysts is expected to rise to help companies stay competitive as the business world continues to increase in complexity. Competition, however, is expected to be quite fierce since qualifications can vary widely, which increases the pool of potential applicants. Plus, the high earning potential is luring many into the fray for these lucrative contracts.

6. Software Developer
Median annual pay: $76,500
Increase in pay compared to FTE: +5%
Typical degree: Bachelor's Degree, Computer Science & Computer Engineering

Internet technologies and electronic data-processing systems in business, telecommunications and government are fueling an expected 38 percent increase in this field. That's an additional 324,000 new jobs available to developers, which is much faster than average growth. Employers look for candidates with strong practical experience usually in addition to a bachelor's degree in a related field. The BLS notes that if you can offer a good set of interpersonal and business skills, your chances for scoring the position will be greatest.

7. Programmer Analyst
Median annual pay: $69,500
Increase in pay compared to FTE: +5%
Typical degree: Bachelor's Degree, Computer Science

Computer analyst job prospects are expected to be very good due to positions opening up as workers move into managerial positions or other occupations. The best candidates demonstrate practical knowledge and hold a four-year degree in computer science or a related field. However, the BLS also notes that graduates in non-computer related fields who have taken courses in computer programming, systems analysis, and other information technology subjects should also be able to land a good contract.

8. Project Manager, IT
Median annual pay: $85,700
Increase in pay compared to FTE: +3%
Typical degree: Bachelor's Degree, Computer Information Systems & Computer Science

IT project managers are the go-to people for all phases of a firm's information technology projects. They create the requirements, budgets, and schedules to get the job done. Projects increasingly involve upgrades to the information security of an organization. Job growth is expected to be faster than the average, and workers with specialized technical knowledge and strong communications skills have the best chance of negotiating a healthy pay rate.

9. Administrative Assistant
Median annual pay: $31,900
Increase in pay compared to FTE: +2%
Typical degree: Bachelor's Degree, Business Management & Business Administration

Administrative assistants aren't the same paper pushers of times past -- they're increasingly taking on roles of information and communication managers. Job opportunities in this field are very good. Growth will be average, but positions tend to open up as many admins move into professional occupations. Applicants with bachelor's degrees will be in greater demand for managerial assistants and complex tasks, which can earn you a fair bit more in your next contract position.

10. Mechanical Engineer
Median annual pay: $70,400
Increase in pay compared to FTE: +2%
Typical degree: Bachelor's Degree, Mechanical Engineering

Out of all the engineering fields, mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering disciplines, taking on projects from agriculture production to robots used in manufacturing. Despite the wide range of employment possibilities, mechanical engineering is expected to have a slower than average growth, increasing only by 4 percent. Emerging technologies, such as biotechnology, materials science, and nanotechnology offer the best opportunities for steady work and solid contracts.

*All salary information is from PayScale.com. It shows the median annual pay for hourly workers with 5-8 years of experience. Job projections are from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics and the Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Job Info , Jobs Sources , Career

Overqualified? 6 Tips to Shed the Label

by Larry Buhl, for Yahoo! HotJobs

In a tight job market midcareer professionals often consider openings that are less lucrative and less prestigious than their last job. Sometimes employers are glad to hire seasoned workers at a bargain, but others dismiss the candidate as "overqualified."

What's behind the overqualified label is an employer's fear that if you're hired, you'll be searching for a better job before you learn where the restrooms are. But if you really want the job, there are ways of countering the perception that you're too good for it.

1. Re-read the job description.

Just because you earned more and had more responsibility in the past doesn't mean you're overqualified for this job. If you meet or exceed every criterion, consider yourself highly qualified. On the other hand, if you don't meet all the requirements -- you would be using a new technology you've never heard of, for example -- you may actually be underqualified.

"Too many job seekers think, 'If I can do this big thing, then surely I can do those smaller things,'" says Laura DeCarlo of Career Directors International. "Maybe they can do them, but it will be a tougher sell."

2. Fine-tune your resume.

"A resume is not a document set in stone," says John M. O'Connor, president of Career Pro, Inc. "You should always rewrite your resume to fit that particular job, and that may mean taking down the tone a notch and emphasizing exactly the skills needed in the new job." To tune your resume and cover letter, also consider the company culture and include relevant words, phrases, and technologies, O'Connor adds.

3. Don't lie about your history.

It's true that some screeners go right to the salary in order to weed out the "too expensive" candidates. If you were an executive earning six figures, don't say you were a junior accountant earning $40K. Then again, unless you're filling out an online form that requires your salary history, a sin of omission just to get in the door is fine.

Experts recommend addressing salary in a cover letter or interview by giving a wide range of income you would consider, or by saying you assume the company will pay competitive salary for the job.

"You want to steer the conversation to the tasks of the job and your history of longevity in other companies and away from dollar figures," Barbara Safani, president of Career Solvers, recommends. "If you can explain how previous lateral moves benefited you, that can diffuse their fear you'll be looking for a higher-paying job."

4. Check your sense of entitlement at the door.

Are you miffed at applying for a job "beneath" your abilities or ticked at defending a career that began when the interviewer was in diapers? Those attitudes won't do you any favors.

"People read energy and attitude," O'Connor says. One way to turn around your negative attitude and impress the interviewer at the same time, O'Connor recommends, is to come prepared with incisive questions about the job duties and the company. "Show you are in touch and engaged and understand their needs."

5. Clearly explain why the job will be good for you.

"If you hire me now, I won't lose my house" may be true, but it won't impress an interviewer. Have good reasons why it would benefit you personally and professionally. "If the position is in your area of passion, say so," DeCarlo advises. "You can make the case that even though you had a management job, for example, you want to move away from management. If the job is a good career fit, the employer will be much more impressed."

6. Make circumstantial evidence work for you.

Remember, the employer is looking for a good "fit," and that means cultural and personal fit in addition to hard skills. Do you have volunteer experience or community commitments that would interest a hiring manager at a "young, hip" company? Emphasize them.

Likewise, your network can speak volumes for your ability to fit in. But make sure those contacts are recent, O'Connor says. Referrals from people who haven't seen you in 20 years could give the impression your most productive days are behind you.

What about the age issue? Career coaches admit age discrimination exists, but it may not be as widespread as seasoned job seekers like to believe. An updated wardrobe, newer hairstyle, or current cultural references could hedge against ageism, or they could make you look silly. Experts agree that the best way to impress a hiring manager is showing how well you understand their immediate problem and how you're the solution.

That's true for job seekers at any stage of their careers.

Get new-job alerts from Yahoo! HotJobs on Twitter by selecting to follow the appropriate account here: http://twitter.com/yahoohotjobs/following. Choose the "list" view, and select to follow accounts based on relevant metros/industries.

Job Info , Jobs Sources , Career

Entry-Level Jobs With Big Earning Potential

by Michelle Goodman, PayScale.com

Competition for entry-level work is starched-shirt stiff right now.

But grabbing the first minimum-wage, dead-end gig that comes along won't serve you well in the long run. After all, you don't want to live in Mom and Dad's basement forever. A better strategy is to pursue a career that allows your responsibilities -- and your income -- to grow year after year.

Here are eight of our top picks for those who are just starting out, and their median annual salaries, according to PayScale.com.

Environmental engineer
Have a bachelor's degree in engineering? You're in luck! According to the U.S. Department of Labor, environmental engineers make among the highest starting salaries of all college graduates. Entry-level positions in the field are similar to "an apprentice situation," says workplace expert Alexandra Levit, whose latest book is "New Job, New You: A Guide to Reinventing Yourself in a Bright New Career." "As you get more senior, you receive more independence to work on your own, eventually supervising your own staff."
Median annual salary: $68,628.

Network systems/data communications analyst
Not a computer science major? Not to worry. In information technology, getting field certification is often more valuable than a formal education, Levit says. Once you cultivate an area of expertise, such as network security or enterprise software, "You can very quickly become the go-to person in the organization and eventually the head of IT," she says. "And you can make a very, very good living."
Median annual salary: $61,949.

Marketing research analyst
From high-tech and biotech to retail and hospitality, consumer-driven industries rely on market data to make smart business decisions. If you have a business marketing or statistical background, you may be able to analyze data from the get-go in this field rather than starting as "a [low-paid] telemarketer," says Laurence Shatkin, author of more than 20 books for job hunters, including "200 Best Jobs for College Graduates," which he co-wrote with Michael Farr.
Median annual salary: $58,423.

Copywriter
Fancy yourself the next Don Draper or Peggy Olson from "Mad Men"? Why not try your hand at writing ad copy? "Here's something for the English major to be doing, now that journalism doesn't seem to be such a prospect," Shatkin says. Although you might start by contributing text to lower-profile agency projects, in time "you can be involved to the point where you're developing entire ad campaigns," Shatkin says.
Median annual salary: $53,288.

Sales associate
The beauty of sales is that you can enter the field even if you majored in art history, Shatkin says. "With a lot of products, you can learn what you need to know from a short training program," he explains. "And sometimes you'll work with a more experienced salesperson your first few days out." To boost your income, he says, you can transition into selling bigger-ticket items, or you can move into management.
Median annual salary: $45,656.

Lobbyist
"There are all sorts of places where lobbyists exist: lobbying firms, public interest groups, trade organizations," Levit says. "You can start with an unpaid internship and move within a couple years to making six figures." To get your feet wet, Levit suggests volunteering for a political campaign or interning on Capitol Hill for a few months to see what causes interest you.
Median annual salary: $66,929.

Public relations assistant
"PR and digital marketing are hot hot hot," Levit says. "Everyone is switching their traditional marketing to online, and they can't fill positions fast enough." Expect to work your hide off at a PR agency, a field with a high burnout rate, Levit warns. On the plus side, she says, annual promotions are the norm, with the path from peon to supervisor fairly short.
Median annual salary: $42,810.

Financial analyst
Yes, the financial sector took a beating during the past year, but finance jobs are starting to bounce back, Shatkin says. So if you're looking to put that business, finance, or statistics education to use, consider analyzing financial data for a living. "Analysts contribute to the decisions that financial managers make," Shatkin explains. Specifically, financial analysts make investment recommendations to the banks, insurance companies, securities firms, and other businesses employing them. From this starting point, Shatkin says, the sky's the limit -- all the way up to company controller, CFO, or CEO.
Median annual salary: $60,952.

Source: Salary data from PayScale.com. The salaries listed are median annual salaries for full-time workers with 5-8 years of experience and do not include any bonuses, commissions, or profit sharing.

Michelle Goodman is a freelance writer and author of "My So-Called Freelance Life: How to Survive and Thrive as a Creative Professional for Hire."

Job Info , Jobs Sources , Career

10 Job Sectors in Decline

What to Do If Your Industry Is on the Way Out

by Margaret Steen, for Yahoo! HotJobs

People in almost every profession may feel like jobs are scarce right now. For many industries, this is a temporary situation. But jobs in some fields are expected to continue disappearing even after the economy picks up.

Is your industry on the decline? The federal government projects that a number of industries will lose jobs from 2008 to 2018.

"You can't sit around and wait for news to come out about what's going to happen to your industry," said Alexandra Levit, author of "New Job, New You." "You have to be proactive about this."

Disappearing Jobs

Here's a list of the top 10 industries expected to lose the most jobs by 2018 -- and what to do if you're working in one of them:

1. Department stores: Projected to lose 10.2 percent of the 1.56 million jobs they had in 2008.

2. Semiconductor manufacturing: Projected to lose 33.7 percent of the 432,000 jobs it had in 2008.

3. Motor vehicle parts manufacturing: Projected to lose 18.6 percent of its 544,000 jobs.

4. Postal service: Projected to lose 13 percent of the 748,000 jobs it had in 2008.

5. Printing and related jobs: Projected to lose 16 percent of its 594,000 jobs.

6. Cut-and-sew apparel manufacturing: Projected to lose 57 percent of its 155,000 jobs.

7. Newspaper publishers: Projected to lose 24.8 percent of its 326,000 jobs.

8. Mining support jobs: Projected to lose 23.2 percent of its 328,000 jobs.

9. Gas stations: Projected to lose 8.9 percent of its 843,000 jobs.

10. Wired telecom: Projected to lose 11 percent of its 666,000 jobs.

Semiconductors are one of several manufacturing industries on the declining list. Because so many different types of manufacturing jobs are disappearing, it will not be easy to simply get another manufacturing job. You may need to develop some completely new skills.

Levit suggests beefing up your resume with volunteer work so you can show skills that will be applicable in other industries. For example, helping a volunteer organization deal with its members can show that you have client-service skills.

She also recommends being innovative to keep your job. "You need to be front and center with management, giving them suggestions for how they can remain competitive."

Are You Affected?

What should you do if your industry is on this list? First, don't panic. The job declines in these industries are projected to take place over a decade. And many jobs -- a majority in most of these industries -- will remain even after 10 years.

Still, it's good to start thinking about Plan B. Build your savings and start researching what other industries might be able to use your skills.

If you're nearing retirement and had been planning to move into a different field, you might want to make the move earlier. And if you have many years of work ahead of you, you should consider seriously whether it's feasible for you to stay in your industry for the long term.

"Start sharpening your transferrable skills," Levit said. These include project management, budgeting, and customer service. "You want to be developing a resume that showcases the skills you have in all those areas."

Job Info , Jobs Sources , Career

Toxic Bosses: Worst Managers to Work For

by Joanna Boydak, LiveCareer.com

Gallup surveys of U.S workers suggest that 20% of employees are dissatisfied with their immediate supervisors. Here are some of the most toxic managers and suggestions for how to deal with them.

1. The Control Freak

This type of manager won't let anything happen without her approval, no matter how small. This micromanager is never satisfied until she's put her own stamp on whatever you do. The Control Freak struggles with task delegation.

How to cope: If you're being micromanaged, don't take it personally. To satisfy this type of manager, anticipate the information she wants and proactively offer consistent updates. Don't criticize your manager or get defensive. Instead, earn trust by assuring her that you will do your work to her specifications.

2. The MIA Manager

The MIA ("Missing in Action") Manager may work in a different office, constantly travel for work, or just be too busy for any real face time. Although this may seem like the best type of boss to have, it can backfire when you seek career advancement, need some direction, or just find yourself out of the loop.

How to cope: Get on his radar with routine calls, emails, and visits. Having established communication paves the way for a stronger work relationship and more visibility. Since this type of manager is not a readily available mentor, look to other supervisors, perhaps outside of your organization, for career advice and guidance.

3. The Politician

This type of manager surrounds herself with subordinates that make her look good. The Politician works harder at networking than anything else and takes credit for your accomplishments.

How to cope: The Politician is usually a major delegator, so take advantage of the extra responsibility. Your coworkers and other supervisors will take notice of your hard work, and it will pay off. Try to pick up some helpful networking skills from your masterful political boss while you have the chance.

4. The Airhead

The Airhead is new to the industry or simply lacks any viable management skills. The good thing about this type of manager is that he is open to your ideas, opinions and suggestions ... probably because he doesn't have any of his own.

How to cope: Instead of dwelling on the fact that you could probably do a better job, act enthusiastic when your assistance is needed and offer smart alternatives to his ill-advised ideas. Use his lack of expertise as a way to shine in your current position and show you are a team player.

5. Napoleonic Manager

You may be dealing with a modern day Napoleon in the office if your manager demands the unachievable from her subordinates. The Napoleonic Manager has no life outside of work and expects the same from you.

How to cope: Flattery will get you places with this type of manager. Stroke her ego by frequently asking for her input and acknowledging her expertise. Instead of making a direct request or demand, become skillful at the art of persuasion. All the while, soften her up by telling her how much you admire her dedication or analytical prowess.

If you'd prefer to be your own boss, take the free entrepreneur test to see if you have what it takes to start your own successful business. Or take a free career test to find a job you'll love.

Check out LiveCareer's new Free College and University Search to help you sort through thousands of educational opportunities to find the one that will help you to achieve your career goals.

Job Info , Jobs Sources , Career

Is Your Job Keeping You Single?

by Joanna Boydak, for LiveCareer

U.S. government data reveals that up to 44% of the U.S. workforce is single -- and it may be because of work. Here are four reasons why your job might be keeping you single and what to do about it.

1. "I don't have time to date."

Many people who are single say their jobs don't leave them with enough time to meet Mr. or Mrs. Right. You may have made a conscious decision to make career your No. 1 priority. Or it may be that pursuing your dream job is easier than pursuing your dream partner. Whatever the reason, dedicating too much of your time and energy to your career will cause your dating life to flounder.

Solution: Make dating your work. Approach your social life with the same determination and commitment you apply to your career. You wouldn't expect to get ahead at work if you didn't put in the time. Make an investment in your coupled future by setting dating goals, like committing a certain number of hours a week to dating.

2. "My boss knows I'm single and singles me out."

Singles are often expected to work late, travel for business, and take on last minute assignments because they don't have "family commitments." For example, Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell stated last year that the choice of Janet Napolitano as Homeland Security Secretary was an excellent one because she has "no family and no life" and could devote 19-20 hours a day to the job.

Solution: Value your dating commitments. If your boss asks you to work late, you don't always have to say "yes." Saying that you already have plans is an acceptable excuse. It's great to be able to put in the hours to get ahead at work, but make sure that you're not allowing work to get in the way of your other life goals.

3. "Everyone I know is taken/married/coupled up."

While this may not seem to be a job-related issue, it could be. Statistics show that nearly half of all married couples met at work. So you're at a disadvantage if your work doesn't provide you with opportunities to meet and hang out with other singles.

Solution: Create your own dating pool. Branch out and try different approaches to meeting other singles. Join a local group/club, attend a different restaurant/bar, or join 40 million Americans using online dating and social networking sites to meet available singles.

Going back to school can help you advance your career and give you a chance to interact with like-minded people. Use the free education-decision test to find out if going back to school is the right move for you.

4. "No one wants to date a ..."

Unfortunately, some jobs come with certain stereotypes that can make a prospective date run for the hills. For example, being a lawyer or therapist could make you a dating pariah because nobody's idea of a good date is to argue or be psychoanalyzed!

Solution: Be yourself, not your job. If you have a job with a poor career dating profile, don't reinforce these prejudgments. Be aware of the stereotypes that go along with your job title and avoid discussing work-related topics until you and your date have a better understanding of each other.

Take a free career test to find the perfect job for you: one that matches your interests, values and work personality. Check out LiveCareer's new Free College and University Search to help you sort through thousands of educational opportunities to find the right program for your budget, time, and career goals.

Job Info , Jobs Sources , Career

College Grads: Which Ones Earn the Most?

by Bridget Quigg, PayScale.com

Have you ever wondered if Stanford grads really do make the big bucks, or if a "party school" degree can still land you a high-paying job?

Online salary database PayScale.com put together a 2009 College Salary Report that highlights which college graduates make the highest and lowest salaries right out of college and how that changes 10 years post-graduation.

While it may be no surprise that social work came in as the least well-paid major overall in PayScale's report, you may not know that Dartmouth's grads fare better financially 10 years after college than Harvard's.

Whether you went to a small, liberal arts college or graduated from an Ivy League school, take a look at the list below to see if your alma mater made a top 10 earners list.

School Name / Starting Median Salary / Mid-Career Median Salary

1. Dartmouth College: $58,200 / $129,000
2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): $71,100 / $126,000
3. Harvard University: $60,000 / $126,000
4. Harvey Mudd College: $71,000 / $125,000
5. Stanford University: $67,500 / $124,000
6. Princeton University: $65,000 / $124,000
7. Colgate University: $51,900 / $122,000
8. University of Notre Dame: $55,300 / $121,000
9. Yale University: $56,000 / $120,000
10. University of Pennsylvania: $60,400 / $118,000

Maybe you didn't get to attend one of these top schools, but there's another factor that may contribute to a higher paycheck: your major.

According to Al Lee, PayScale's director of quantitative analysis, "Even more than where you go to school, the degree you get is a bigger influencer of your pay for the vast majority of Americans." Lee says that an English major from Harvard may end up making six figures, but that person is an exception among English majors.

Which degrees bring home the most bacon? "Ones involving numbers," says Lee. Seven of the 10 highest-earning undergraduate degrees in the report are in engineering, with economics, physics, and computer science filling out the rest.

Undergraduate Degree / Starting Median Salary / Mid-Career Median Salary

1. Aerospace Engineering: $59,600 / $109,000
2. Chemical Engineering: $65,700 / $107,000
3. Computer Engineering: $61,700 / $105,000
4. Electrical Engineering: $60,200 / $102,000
5. Economics: $50,200 / $101,000
6. Physics: $51,100 / $98,800
7. Mechanical Engineering: $58,900 / $98,300
8. Computer Science: $56,400 / $97,400
9. Industrial Engineering: $57,100 / $95,000
10. Environmental Engineering: $53,400 / $94,500

What other interesting facts did PayScale discover?

• Philosophy majors earn more 10 years after college than business administration and nursing majors.
• Two of the 10 most popular jobs held by Harvard University grads are executive director of a nonprofit organization and high school teacher.
• Loma Linda University graduates have the highest median starting salaries at $71,400 per year. That's over $6,000 more per year than a Princeton grad.
• The top paid English majors are technical writers.
• The top paid political science majors are intelligence analysts.

Job Info , Jobs Sources , Career

Relocating for Less

by Gina Cappiello, 123 Movers

Relocating for a new job can cost thousands of dollars, depending on how far you are going and how much you are moving. Cut costs during your move with these easy money-saving moving tips:

Use Free Materials

Moving boxes and packing materials can be costly if purchased brand-new. Save some bucks by getting all (or most) of your supplies for free. Visit supermarkets, wholesale clubs, and liquor stores for sturdy and clean boxes. Most places have these on hand and will gladly give them to you free of charge. The same goes for packing materials like Styrofoam peanuts and foam wrap. Do research on sites like Craigslist for people who have recently moved that are looking to get rid of their moving boxes and supplies. Don't forget to pay it forward and give your moving supplies to someone who may need them, too.

Compare and Save

Use a moving website like 123 Movers to get moving quotes from licensed and insured movers in your area. Moving companies end up calling you with quotes instead of the other (and very frustrating) way around. Invite the ones you feel are the best into your home for a more accurate in-home estimate and compare the prices to save big. Not only do you save money, but you will also save tons of time by letting the movers do all of the work.

Sell Your Clutter

Purge your entire place of things you no longer want or need. Items like clothing you no longer wear, furniture you don't need, or appliances you never use can be sold for quick cash. Utilize online marketplaces or set up a yard sale to get rid of excess while making a few extra dollars in the process. Not in the mood to sell? Donate your unwanted items to charity. Not only will most places come pick it up for you, but with a receipt, you can use it as a tax write-off when tax season arrives in April.

Pack Yourself

It may be a pain to do, but pack your own things up instead of letting movers do it for you. The fees for a packing company can become astronomical with labor, boxes, and special wrapping of fragile items. Save your hard-earned cash and do it on your own or with some friends or family members. You get the benefit of packing everything your way at your own speed, instead of being in the dark about where all of your belongings are on moving day. Aim to pack a box a day a couple of weeks before your move, and you will be in great shape when moving day finally arrives.

Job Info , Jobs Sources , Career