To ease the emotional strain and burden of moving, be sure you make a checklist of things to do before you move. This list should contain the following:

• Get written estimates from at least two moving companies.
• Figure out if you want to do the packing if you want to hire experienced packers.
• Contact all of your insurers and other companies who bill you regularly to notify them of your move.
• Make sure that cash, jewelry, important documents, your checkbook and other valuable items are secure and placed with the suitcases and other items you are hand-carrying yourself.
• Look through every room of your house and decide what you want to keep and what you should get rid of.
• Get copies of all your medical and dental records.