Moving can be stressful, and the last thing you want to worry about during your move is whether your belongings will arrive, and if so, in what condition.
      An estimated 1.4 to 1.6 million household moves take place each year. Most go smoothly but a significant number don't. In fact, the U.S. Department of Transportation receives about 3,000 to 4,000 complaints each year from consumers who contend moving companies victimized them.
      Here's what usually happens. Someone hires a moving company through the Internet because of a low estimate. Once the truck shows up and loads everything, the estimate is increased to two, three or four times the original bid. The consumer is then told that unless the new bill is paid, their possessions will be sold at auction.
      The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration says in other instances moving companies will fail to deliver or deliver damaged goods, then refuse to compensate them for loss and damages claimed. Some may not even be legitimate carriers at all, but will prey on those who can least afford it - the elderly and uninformed.

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     Condos and townhouses are selling like never before, with prices in various parts of the country breaking records. If you're thinking of selling, now's a great time to cash in and move up. In order to receive top dollar, you'll want to show your home to look its best.
      The National Association of Realtors recently reported that condo and co-op sales sales in 2002 rose 10.5 percent above what had been the record in 2001 - and they're appreciating faster than single-family homes. The median price of an existing condo in 2002 was $137,100.
      So, if you've decided that now is the time to sell, you'll want to take the time to properly prepare your condo to show to potential buyers.
      When it comes to regular, detached houses, first impressions and curb appeal are everything. With a condo or townhouse, first impressions are still important, but curb appeal comes more with the overall look of the development and how well it's maintained - something normally controlled by the homeowners' association.
      And because you'll have less control over the curb appeal, it's even more important to impress would-be buyers once they open the door to the condo or townhouse.
      One of the first things to do is to light up the house, buying additional lamps if you need to.
      Because many townhouses and condos share walls, there are two walls

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