What happens when you loose personal property due to fire or theft in your home? Many residents incorrectly assume that their landlord's insurance policy will cover their belongings in the event of a fire or robbery. A small monthly investment in renter's insurance can protect tens of thousands of dollars in property damage, as well as personal belongings!

Although renter's insurance is purely optional for the resident, obtaining it is smart and affordable. Renters insurance costs roughly $12-$15 per month.

Okay, but what if your home is damaged from a fire to the point that you have no place to live? Additional living expenses from renter's insurance will pay for hotel bills, temporary rentals, restaurant meals, and any other expenses you incur while the home is being repaired. In addition to replacing belongings in the event of a fire or theft, renters insurance also has a liability component. It's important to protect you and your family against any lawsuits for bodily injury by you or even your pets. Also, even if you don't entertain friends or family on a regular basis, issues could arise if a repair or delivery person sustained an injury in your home. The standard renter's insurance policy covers about $100,000 in liability. Ask your management company what they recommend!

Get more than one written, in home estimates so you can make an informed decision. Show the mover everything that needs to be moved, from the attic to the basement and including any sheds, garages and storage areas. Avoid any unusually high or low estimates. If someone says they can give you an estimate over the phone or by email, it's possible they're trying to scam you.

Reputable interstate movers must, by law, provide you with the federal publications that explain the moving process, as well as the cost of value insurance and your rights and responsibilities during and after the process. If a mover asks for a large down payment or full payment in advance, that may be a warning sign. And if a company says it won't return your items to you without more money than you agreed to pay, contact the Better Business Bureau or local law enforcement for help.

Read everything carefully and make sure you have it all in writing, along with copies of everything you sign especially the most important document -- the bill of lading, which is the receipt for your goods and the contract for their transportation. Never sign any blank forms!

Cash, coins, jewelry, photographs and important papers should be taken with you or shipped separately. Use a shipping service with tracking numbers, such as FedEx or UPS.

Don't be afraid to ask questions about anything you don't understand. If the moving company can't or won't answer your questions, you might want to look for another mover.