How to Pack for a Move: A Complete Checklist

One of the most stressful aspects of moving is packing. When considering how to pack for a move, a smart approach is first to gather the moving supplies you’ll need and then systematically go room-by-room until the job is done. Follow MYMOVE’s checklist for moving to make the process more manageable and creates less stress.

General packing tips

Packing is one of the most crucial phases of moving. By organizing items based on common functions, room use, or other factors, it makes it easier to keep track of your belongings during transport and unpack at your new place.

Here are some easy packing guidelines: 

• Pack like items together. Start packing each box with a layer of padding – it can be newspapers, bubble wrap, or household goods, like blankets or towels. Then, put the heaviest items into the box first.

• Label each box by room and by its contents.

• Pack a box of essentials. Must-have items like: screwdrivers, hammers, snacks, drinks, toothbrushes, a change of clothes, paper plates, plastic utensils and cups, a first-aid kit, medications, etc.

• Refrain from filling boxes to the brim. This prevents boxes from becoming super heavy and reduces the likelihood that they break or are dropped during transit.

That settled, let’s move from room to room with packing checklists and tips.

Start by gathering your moving supplies

To ensure a successful move, you’ll need the following moving supplies:

1. Gather cheap or free packing and moving boxes: Use websites like NextDoor Neighbor to search for used boxes or ask your friends and family. Gather a variety of sizes and make sure the packing boxes are in good condition.

2. Buy bubble wrap (or try to find it for free): Bubble wrap keeps your items protected during the move. And best of all, you can buy it at office supply or department stores inexpensively or find it free on Facebook Marketplace.

3. Rent a dolly: Carrying boxes between places becomes taxing and could lead to drops. To prevent them from happening, rent a dolly from a home improvement store or moving company as it makes moving much easier.

Go room-by-room with a packing checklist

Start by making an inventory of the items you plan to take. Do this based on each room — this will help you organize faster and keep track of your valuable possessions. From there, gather moving supplies such as packing and moving boxes, padding, tape, and blankets — everything you’d need to protect your things during transit.

When you go to pack your items, try to combine them based on function — for example, pack kitchen supplies together.

Lastly, don’t forget to mark your moving boxes so you know exactly where it goes in your new home. On the top and sides of your box note the room name, the contents of the box, and whether or not items inside of the box are fragile. For example, a box you packed from the kitchen could say: “kitchen/everyday dishes/fragile.”

Here are some additional packing checklist items for each room of the house:

The kitchen

1. Defrost the refrigerator: At least 48 hours prior to moving out.

2. Organize dishes: Packing dishes for moving isn’t as hard as you might think. Just make sure to pack them carefully by wrapping them in bubble wrap. And refrain from overpacking boxes. Overpacking will make it more difficult to move the boxes and if a box incurs damage, you could lose a whole grouping of plates.

3. Use sectioned boxes for your glasses: It’s a simple, secure way to transport them.

4. Pack small appliances: Start by removing any blades or loose components. Tape the cord around the appliance, tape any additional parts to it, and be sure to include the instructions.

5. Pack dry goods: Tape paper or bubble wrap around seasonings and pack jars containing spices or food on the bottom so they don’t move around during transit.

6. For refrigerated goods: Store them in coolers with ice.

The dining room

1. Roll up the rug: Secure in plastic or use a rope.

2. Pack chairs: By removing the legs and placing them in moving boxes with the nails/casters in a labeled plastic bag.

3. Secure kitchen table: By wrapping it in a blanket and placing it in an area where it doesn’t slide around.

4. Pack decorations (this includes lamps, pictures, artwork, etc.): By wrapping any items containing glass or ceramics in paper or bubble wrap.

The living room and den

1. Secure electronics: For TVs and computers, secure the screens using a blanket and unscrew the base (if the device has one). Tape the screws and base to the back of the TV.

2. Pack furniture: Place furniture into the moving truck before packing moving boxes. Remove the legs off couch and chairs to make them easier to maneuver into your new home.

3. Keep electronic components organized: Tape the power cables to each electronic component along with the HDMI or audio auxiliary cables and remote control.

4. Handle artwork and mirrors carefully: Wrap them in blankets or bubble wrap.

5. Prepare your coffee table for transport: Put furniture sliders under the legs so you don’t scratch the floors when you move it. Cover the top of the table with a blanket to prevent scratching.

6. Remove bulbs and lampshades from lamps: Store in boxes, and cushion carefully. Wrap the base of the lamp in bubble wrap if it’s fragile.

7. Pack your books, CDs, and DVDs in separate boxes: Don’t make boxes too heavy or they’ll break.

The bedrooms

1. Pack casual clothing: Fold them and place them in moving boxes. For formal wear, consider buying wardrobe boxes that allow you to keep the clothing on hangers during transport.

2. Organize jewelry: Put all valuables in a container you keep on you at all times during the move.

3. Pack mattresses: Put them in bed bags that will keep the mattress protected from the elements during the move.

4. Keep all bedding and pillows clean: Put them in trash bags to keep out dust and place them in labeled moving boxes.

5. Pack your home office: For crucial files, keep them in a safe or locked file box.

The bathroom

1. Pack toiletries together: Make sure to have easy access to them for your new home. The bathroom will likely be the first room you unpack.

2. Organize towels: Pack towels, toilet paper, soap, and more in one box for each bathroom your new home has.

The laundry room

1. Move appliances: First, unplug the washer and dryer. Next, disconnect all components including the dryer vent and washer hose, and tape the power cords to each appliance.

2. Throw away detergents and fabric softener: They’re dangerous to transport.

3. Use laundry hampers/baskets as moving boxes: Pack hampers with socks, T-shirts, and more for an easy move.

The garage/storage shed

1. Pack lawn furniture cushions: Put them in boxes or trash bags.

2. Dispose of hazardous materials: Get rid of any paint, fertilizer, or weed killer — these are hazardous to move.

3. Pack tools: Put them in a tool chest. For items like a saw or hammer, wrap them in towels then pack them in boxes.

4. Drain the items requiring gas: For your grill or mower, drain the gas before transporting the item. Remove the gas tank from the grill (if applicable) and turn it in before moving.

5. Deflate pool toys: This will make it easier to pack them in boxes. s.

6. Take your bike with you: Use a bike rack on your car or SUV for safe transport.

Frequently asked questions

What packing supplies do I need for moving?

When considering how to pack for a move, you’ll need to buy or find items such as boxes, tape, blankets, a moving truck or trailer, and rope for securing loose items.

Where can I get free packing and moving boxes and supplies?

Moving is a common reality for many of us, which means once someone completes their move, they won’t need their supplies any longer. Websites such as Facebook Marketplace or Freecycle are filled with people giving away free moving supplies. Make sure to check these out a few weeks before Moving Day.

How do you pack dishes for a move?

Layer the bottom of the boxes with packing peanuts or paper. From there, wrap each plate in a layer of bubble wrap then stand the dishes up in the box. This is the best way to keep them secure. And once tightly packed, don’t forget to write “FRAGILE” on the box.

How do I organize items before moving?

A great tip is to go room by room and organize items in each into three categories: Items you plan to keep, items you plan to donate, and stuff that goes into the garbage. Organizing before a move makes it much more manageable, as you only take the items you need.

How should I pack a moving truck?

You’ll want to pack the heaviest items such as furniture and appliances into the truck first. Secure them with fasteners so they don’t slide around. Next, add in the bulkiest remaining items before filling the truck with boxes. And for luxury/fragile items or electronics, it’s ideal to pack them into your vehicle where they remain more secure.

Contributor: MyMove.com

Plumbing Checks To Do Before Moving Into A New Home

So, you've found a house that you really like? Congratulations! However, just because it looks good, it doesn't mean that all the internals of it are in great shape. And this can't be more true when it comes to plumbing, since the old pipes and faulty installations are the easiest things to hide with a new facade. Therefore, even if you're already in love with your potential place, there are some plumbing checks to do before moving into a new home.

Why Plumbing Checks Are Necessary?

You likely don't know when was the last time that the previous owner had the plumbing system checked. For all you know, it could have happened years or even decades ago. And as we all know, if they're not maintained properly, pipes can easily get damaged. Then you'll end up with leaks, which bring more damage to your home.

Since that's something we want to avoid at all costs, it's important to have regular boiler checks. Therefore, if you just bought a new home, or preparing to buy one and aren't sure about your plumbing system, be sure to keep reading. We've prepared a list of things for you to consider and pay attention to. You'll learn what are the most commonly occurring problems and how to overcome them.

Plumbing checks to do before moving into a new home are an important thing to do to avoid any bigger expenses later on. 

Leaky Toilets And Taps

The first is probably not only one of the most common plumbing problems, but also the most annoying one. Especially when you're trying to sleep at night and the water keeps dripping and making the loudest sound possible. It may seem like a minor thing, but remember that a dripping tap can actually raise your water bill if left unchecked. So, that's why this is one of the plumbing checks to do before moving into a new home. With time, it worsens and the costs rise, so be sure to address it on time.

The story is pretty much the same when it comes to running toilets. This happens when the float is set too high. If this is happening, water spills into the overflow tube after the toilet is flushed, so it won't allow the fill valve to shut down. 

And since the toilets are the main sources of water usage in homes, leaving it running continuously will make your water bill skyrocket. Luckily, this is a common problem so it's easily fixed by a professional plumber.

Are There Any Lead Pipes In Your New Home?

Today, many people are leaving the city and settling down in a quiet small town in search of peace and escape from the city bustle. However, houses in these smaller towns are usually very old, which brings the possibility that lead pipes were used for its plumbing. At the time, it was a cost-effective solution and it seemed that they're extremely sturdy. Unfortunately, as time progressed, people have discovered how toxic lead is to humans, and how easily the drinking water can be contaminated if it runs through such pipes.

Lead in a high enough quantity can be a cause of death. So, if you're thinking about buying a house that predates the 1970s, be sure to call a plumber and have everything checked right away.

Make sure that you don't have any lead pipes in the house you're planning to buy. 

Make Sure That All The Pipes Are Insulated

If you live in a cold place, your pipes can easily freeze up during the winter months. Therefore, it's extremely important to check if the pipes have been properly lagged and protected from natural elements. Additionally, check if the boiler or the hot water tank is properly insulated as well.

If you find yourself in a situation where your pipes have frozen, you should try to defrost them. Most people call a professional at this point as they simply don't know what to do. However, you can achieve a lot with the things you have laying around the house. Using a hairdryer for the task is probably one of the best home maintenance tips there is. It will take some time, but it works and that's all you need.

Check For Water Damage

Next on our list of the plumbing checks to do before moving into a new home is looking for water damage and damp walls. Damp areas are a serious problem if you find them in your home, so many owners try to hide them in any way they can. So, be sure to take a good look at every corner when performing a home inspection.

The most probable locations for finding mold and damp walls are home extensions. These usually occur when they're done by builders that aren't professionals or when something is improperly fitted.

We don't have to explain to you that mold and mildew can be serious health hazards. Especially if someone in your family suffers from respiratory issues. Therefore, check hidden places such as behind the wall cavities, lofts, basements, and garages. While you're there, check for problems caused by leaky roofs or if there is any kind of water damage to the property.

It's worth mentioning that leaky pipes also can be the cause of water damage. So, not everything is a red flag, but you should be as careful as possible.

Mold and water damage aren't always alarming things, but they should be checked out. 

Find the internal stop tap

The final thing you need to know is where exactly your internal stop tap is. This is the only thing that can completely stop the water flow in your home, so it's very important in case of a problem. During a leak or flooding, this may be the only way to save most of your home. Therefore, it has to be operational and hopefully easily accessible at all times.

In general, it acts as an emergency stop button for your water system. Make sure to inform your family about its location, just as a precaution.

And there you have it - these are all the plumbing checks to do before moving into a new home. Call a professional plumber and let him check everything beforehand. If he tells you it's alright, you'll know that you're good to go.

Guest Contributor: Sophia Perry

Innovative Roofing Material Options for Your Home

Not all roofs are created equal, especially when it comes to sustainability.

A decade or so ago, asphalt shingles were the most popular roofing material, but recent innovations in roofing technology lead to the development of more eco-friendly roofing choices.

If you’re planning to replace your old roof, you’d be surprised at the range of newer options available. The roofing market has plenty of innovative offerings that will make you want to consider lesser-known but more sustainable alternatives to conventional roofing materials.

Aside from being eco-friendlier, most of these innovative roofing materials can outlast asphalt shingles and may even help lower your monthly energy consumption.

Here’s a list of available eco-friendly roofing options to choose from:

Metal Roofing: Where Style Meets Durability

Metal roofs are becoming more popular because they tend to last for a very long time. With proper care and maintenance, you won’t have to change your roof for at least 50 years.

One of the best things about this roofing option is that you can recycle them when it’s time to have them replaced. And then, you can further help the environment by buying a new roof made from recycled metal!

Metal roofs also reflect sunlight instead of absorbing it, which helps cool your home on the hotter months of the year. They are advantageous for homes in snowy areas too, as they help regulate the temperature during the winter season and prevent ice-dam formation because of their slippery surface.

Those who are aiming for a more polished look should go for a standing seam metal roof. 

Solar Shingles is The Future of Sustainable Roofing

Solar shingles serve a dual purpose – that of roofing material and solar panels. Earlier versions of solar shingles used thin solar films, but the latest ones are made from tempered glass or other similarly rigid materials.

The tougher make up of these newer types of solar shingles allow them to perform almost the same as conventional roofing materials. They are also easier to install, often without the need for specialized crew or equipment.

Obviously, the greatest advantage of using solar shingles is that your roof generates electricity during daytime, which helps cut household energy consumption costs. Solar shingles may require a bigger financial investment than other types of roofing materials, but it starts paying for itself as soon as it is installed.

Going Green with Green Roofs

A recent roofing innovation, green roofs, uses a waterproof membrane or layer to absorb water and allow planting of foliage or creating a garden on top of a home or building. Green roofs are not only unique and aesthetically pleasing; they are also very efficient insulators. They keep your place cool in the summer and warm in winter.

Aesthetically, green roofs add a unique appeal to your property and create a tranquil space for relaxation that also benefits the environment.

Roofs Made from Recycled Rubber

You may not have expected to find rubber in this list of eco-friendly roofing, but here it is.

Reinforced rubber shingles are made from recycled rubber – typically steel-belted tires, reducing rubber waste. They are coated with ground slate to improve their texture.

Because rubber is flexible and easy to work with, these shingles come in different styles and colors. They can mimic the look of traditional roofing materials such as wood, slate, and tiles.

Rubber roofs are also very durable. They can stand extreme weather conditions and can last up to 50 years.

White Roof – The Cool Roof

The color of your roof also affects its sustainability. Those who are living in the hotter areas of the country should consider a white-colored roof. White roofs are called cool roofs because they reflect most of the sun's rays, resulting in a cooling effect on the home.

Cool roofs help regulate the temperature, especially during the summer months, so you don't have to use or turn up the air conditioner as much as you used to. This contributes to a significant reduction in energy bills.

Roofing with Eco-friendly Materials

Homeowners who wish to improve their home’s sustainability will find themselves with plenty of options for eco-friendly roofing.

If you think one of these innovative options is right for you, make sure to consult and hire professionals with roofing contractors insurance and experience in installing the roofing material of your choice.

Working with a reliable like Mighty Dog Roofing West Nashville lessens the risk for mistakes and ensures that you get your money’s worth.

Guest Contributor: Rachel Porter

Preventative Maintenance And Why It's Important

Most of us like to enjoy our time at home putting our feet up and relaxing, letting the day or weeks stress melt away as we take some hard-earned time off. What we do not want to have to do is deal with faulty appliances and services that only serve to add more stress to the brief moments of brief calmness in our lives. The best way to avoid unexpected catastrophes at home is to perform preventative maintenance, this can be done yourself if you know what you are doing, or alternatively, you can hire a professional to do it for you for a small fee.

What is preventative maintenance?

Preventative maintenance is, shockingly, exactly what the name implies. It is the practice of inspecting your home to find anything that could cause potential issues in the future and taking care of them before disaster strikes. This can mean anything from a crack in a wall that would eventually grow, or a dripping pipe that could one day become a leak capable of flooding the surrounding area. A little bit of work every weekend can help to prevent serious problems around your home that can be both damaging to your property and mental health, but also expensive to fix.

Studies have even proven that dealing with minor and easily fixed issues immediately can save you roughly ten percent on your monthly bills. These savings should really be more than enough to justify a short house check or a quick service call from your plumber.

Now, as we mentioned above, you can perform these household checks yourself, but be sure to do your research first or you may be in danger of missing important checks that result in expensive mistakes. Overall, we find that simply calling your plumber and having them take care of it is the easier route as they will not only catch things you may miss, but they may even be able to fix small issues right then and there, not giving them a chance to get worse.

The different services that require maintenance

Now that we have gone over what preventative maintenance is and why it is important, let’s next look at the different services that require it. Some are obvious, for example, the plumbing inside your home, but there are also others that many of us would not readily think about. Below are the most important services that require preventative maintenance, and what kind of work needs to be done on them.

Mechanical Plumbing:

Mechanical plumbing is plumbing that services the mechanical parts of appliances like air conditioning units, heaters, and ventilation systems in general, and in large buildings, mechanical plumbers may also service things like elevators and escalators. Basically, mechanical plumbing covers anything from interpreting plans and blueprints, designing plumbing systems, and installing, repairing, and maintaining a vast array of appliances ranging from space heaters and waste stacks to heating ducts, ventilation systems, and hot and cold water systems. In addition to these general services, mechanical plumbers are also responsible for installing and maintaining essential services like sprinkler systems. In short, they do an awful lot so you may be beginning to see why it may best to hire a professional to check your home rather than doing it yourself.

A final note regarding mechanical plumbers that is worth mentioning is that they will be aware of any local regulations that your town or city has in place, these are things that many homeowners will not know and so are very easy to miss when doing a DIY inspection.

Electrical:

Electrical services cover any of the internal wires in your home as well as electrical components of your other services. A thorough electrical inspection will look out for any potential electrical hazards, any exposed, damaged, or outdated wiring and will also cover the testing of any power points, lighting, and fuse boxes. Electrical inspections will also ensure that things like smoke and CO2 detectors are in working order while also ensuring, similarly to plumbing, that your home complies with the local regulations set by your town, city, or government.

If you plan to perform an electrical inspection yourself it is extremely important that you do your research regarding both what you need to check and how to do so. Failing to notice something like an exposed or damaged wire can lead to the loss of your property, your belongings, and your life. In addition, ensuring that you know exactly what to do is critical because when dealing with electricity a small mistake can be harmful to your health and potentially even fatal.

Electrical inspections are something that we highly recommend getting a professional to do simply due to the amount of damage that can occur if one is done incorrectly.

Heating:

On a less dangerous note next up are heaters, an average water heater should last roughly a decade, depending on a few factors such as how well taken care of it is, how much it is used, and even the quality of water running through it. For example, a house in a cold area will need heating more, meaning it will wear out faster, and poor-quality water in your area can cause internal issues that are important to take care of with regular maintenance. If you are performing your own inspection you need to look at the factors surrounding your water heater. Is it near carpet or hardwood floors or drywall that would be vulnerable to damage if a leak were to occur? Even if your heater is outside of your house, for example in your garage, how close is it to the walls, and could water make it through to damage your house. It is common practice for heaters to be located out of the way since they are often loud and not exactly easy on the eyes, however, this, unfortunately, means that they are in places that could be devastated should an issue occur. If you find that your heater is placed in such an area, it is a good idea to have it replaced or relocated as soon as possible to avoid any potential damage.

Finally, another thing to look out for when checking your heater is its size. If you recently bought your home, you may find that your water heater is significantly undersized for things like your bathtub or even just general use by your family. This can happen due to a few reasons, for example, perhaps the previous owners’ children moved out and they no longer needed such a large heater, in order to save money, they had it replaced with a smaller one. An undersized water heater will simply not fit your needs and you will end up with either a cold house or frequently cold water due to the heater being unable to handle the load that is being asked of it, so you may find it necessary to replace it with a larger one more capable of suiting your needs.

General Appliance Maintenance

Most of the following advice will relate to your main bathrooms and kitchen as they are often the only places with things like sinks, tubs, and toilets, however, even if you have guest bathrooms that are rarely used it is equally important to also check them.

Toilets:

Toilets are full of working parts and unfortunately, all of those parts are prone to wearing down and causing issues. Luckily, toilets are also one of the easiest appliances to fix should you want to give it a try yourself and there are a few easy tests you can do to check if you have problems.

Firstly, you can remove the tank lid on your toilet and flush it, if it doesn’t stop running once the flush cycle is finished then you have a problem and are wasting water.

Second, you can remove the tank lid and drop a little food coloring into the water of the tank, leave it alone for about 10 minutes then come back to check on it. If you have any color in your toilet bowl then you have a leak.

Lastly, we have the most obvious test, sit on your toilet and check the floor around it, if your toilet is rocking or if you see water around the base, the seal on your toilet base has potentially worn out and needs to be replaced.

Drains:

Whether they be in your shower, your sink, your bathroom, or your kitchen, drains are prone to get clogged by things like hair and soap. To avoid these clogs becoming a serious blockage, we advise that you occasionally clear out drain traps and clear any debris using a plumbing snake.

Faucets:

These are, again, everywhere and should be checked regularly for leaks, worn washers, and worn cartridges. While it is sometimes obvious that you have a leak, something to look out for is a sudden drop in water pressure. If you feel like your water pressure has gotten worse then you may have a leak somewhere in your house causing damage as well as ruining your showering experience.

Faucets are also frequently the victim of calcium build-up around the aerators, causing erratic spray patterns. To remedy this, you simply need to remove the aerator and clean it by soaking it in vinegar.

Caulk seals:

Caulk is essentially the glue around your appliances that stops water from getting in your walls and under your floors. It’s common for caulk to wear out so be sure to regularly check all of your caulk seals carefully to avoid what can be devastating damage. This is something you can do yourself and it’s a good idea to keep some fresh caulk in the house for when you need it.

Finally, even if your caulk looks fine, it is worth going through your house every few years completely removing any old caulk and re-applying a fresh seal.

Guest Contributor: Phil M. Osborne

7 Essential Tools for Your Garage Workshop

You would never imagine how much DIY home improvement you can do with a well-equipped garage workshop. Before this is possible though, you need to know the most essential tools for a garage workshop and make sure you have them ready.

There are a number of things you can repair and build from scratch when you have the right tools at home. These tools do not necessarily have to be the most expensive in the market. Keeping essential tools such as the ones below will take you a long way already.

1. Table Saw

While you can always just go for the traditional hand saw, since it could also do the cutting efficiently with patience, upgrading to an electrical or a power saw will make building DIY projects more convenient.

A table saw is also a convenient option because it allows precise cutting at a faster speed. There are several good table saw options available for less than you think. 

2. Power Drill

A power drill is also a must-have when you have a garage workshop. While most power drills are corded, many brands now produce battery operated drills.

Power drills have a lot of uses and they vary in size, speed, and power. They can be used in different applications, from simple woodwork to metalwork. They simplify drilling as well as hammering screws into their places. 

3. Hammer

There are different types of hammers such as a brick hammer, block hammer, and brass hammer. However, for a garage workshop, it is recommended that you have the claw hammer around. 

A claw hammer is mainly used for woodwork with one blunt side and fork on the other. It is used to pound and extract nails. A framing hammer may also be considered if you want to speed up the job. It has a bigger head therefore reducing the number of hits when you pound a nail to place.

4. Screwdriver

A screw driver should also be inside any garage. The tool is used to remove screws easily. There are many types of screwdrivers as there are different kinds of screws. Instead of buying one piece at a time, you can go for a set.

You can get a set for just $3, but quality brands like Craftsman or Stanley are worth more investing into.

5. Pliers

Pliers help in all twisting, bending and pulling with strong grip. Some types of pliers have a movable fulcrum allowing the user to adjust the jaws according to application. Others are fixed with flat gripping surfaces ideal for twisting and gripping cables. 

Another type of pliers is the bent nose, which is designed with long bent jaws, used for accessing hard to reach areas. There are also types of hammers ideal for plumbing repairs and basement renovations. 

6. Safety Gears

It is a must that you have safety gears in the garage workshop. It does not matter whether you are doing a small repair or building a cabinet from scratch. You have to be protected with a pair of gloves and safety glasses. 

You would never know when your eyes would catch a flying splinter of wood or whether your hands will handle all the stresses of powerful strikes. It is best to wear safety gears to avoid injuries.

7. Socket Wrench

Like screwdrivers, you can get a socket wrench set so you can take advantage of its different sizes. The most common type is the ratcheting socket wrench, which is more commonly known as a ratchet. socket wrenches are used to uninstall nuts and bolts quickly.

Conclusion

Getting the right essential tools for your workshop garage will take you a long way. You do not necessarily need power tools for simple DIY tasks at home, but still you can make bigger projects when you have basic pliers, a saw, a hammer, and all the other tools listed above.

Guest Contributor: Allen Michael