Find a Reputable Mover. Check on whether the moving company is a member of the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) and has agreed to independent arbitration of any claims. See if the Better Business Bureau or state consumer protection agency has a record of complaints on this firm. Ask if the company has been in business a long time. Find out what movers the corporate relocation companies rely on. Some states require moving companies to register before doing business, so check with state licensing agencies, too.

Getting Estimates. You will want to get estimates from 3-5 companies. Have a walk-through with the company representative to point out exactly what you want transported and what you want packed. You can get an estimate over the phone but be sure it is backed up in writing as to whether it is a binding estimate or nonbinding. A binding estimate is guaranteed, while a nonbinding estimate may be lower but can drastically increase at the end of the move. The lowest bid may not be the best choice if the mover has intentionally given you a low estimate to get your business but may later hike the final price. Always get the itemized estimate in writing.

Understanding the Costs. Moving charges are a combination of weight, distance, and services. Check to see if your bid includes extra charges for person-hours, packing materials, travel time, or waiting time. Be sure to find out what methods of payment the mover will accept-check, credit card, or money order.

Purchasing Insurance. The mover probably provides minimal insurance at no extra charge, but this may not be enough. This insurance is based on the weight, not the value, of an item. Thus, you might get only $30 for a damaged television console. Other insurance options should be available from the mover as an extra expense that may give you more protection. Before selecting any insurance option, understand whether you will be reimbursed based on the extent of the damage and the item's depreciated value, or on your cost to replace the item. Check your homeowner's insurance for any moving damage coverage.

Ease your move by following the moving checklist.

Six Weeks Before Moving

• Take an objective look at what you own, and decide what must go and what can be left behind. Books you've read and will never read again? Records you haven't listened to since college? The pan with a broken handle or the children's long- neglected games? Extra weight costs more money.
• If you have a lot of things worth selling, you may want to organize a garage sale.
• Start a central file for all of the details on your move. It's a good idea to buy a brightly colored organizer folder with pockets - you'll be less likely to misplace it. Make sure to collect receipts for moving-related expenses. Depending on your reason for moving, you may be entitled to a tax deduction.
• Create a floor plan of your new home, and begin thinking about where you'll want to place furniture. Advance planning eases the stress of making major decisions when your furniture arrives at your new home. Mark and label specific pieces of furniture on your diagram, and put it in your moving folder.

One Month Before Moving

• Fill out Change of Address from Post Office
• Fill out IRS change of Address Form
• Make arrangements with moving company or reserve moving truck
• Make travel arrangements, if necessary, with airlines, buses, car rental agencies and hotels
• Transfer memberships in churches, clubs and civic organizations
• Obtain medical and dental records, e-rays and prescription histories. Ask doctor and dentist for referrals and transfer prescriptions.
• Set up bank account in new city
• Check into the laws and requirements of your new city regarding home-based business, professional tests, business licenses and any special laws that might pertain to you.
• Take inventory of your belongings before they're packed, in the event you need to file an insurance claim later. If possible, take pictures or video tape your belongings. Record serial numbers of electronic equipment.
• Make arrangements for transporting pets
• Start using-up food items, so that there is less to pack and possibly spoil

One to Two Weeks Before Moving

• Switch utility services to new address. Inform electric, disposal, water, newspaper, magazine subscription, telephone and cable companies of your move.
• Arrange for help on moving day
• Confirm travel reservations
• Reserve elevator if moving from condo
• Have appliances serviced for moving
• Clean rugs and clothing and have them wrapped for moving
• Plan ahead for special needs of infants
• Close bank accounts and have your funds wired to your new bank. Before closing be sure there are no outstanding checks or automatic payments that haven't been processed.
• Collect valuables from safe-deposit box. Make copies of any important documents before mailing or hand carry them to your new address.
• Check with your insurance agent to ensure you'll be covered through your homeowner's or renter's policy during the move.
• Defrost freezer and refrigerator. Place deodorizer inside to control odors.
• Give a close friend or relative your travel route and schedule so you may be reached if needed.

On Moving Day

• Double check closets, drawers, shelves, attic and garage to be sure they are empty
• Carry important documents, currency and jewelry yourself, or use registered mail.

Arriving at your New Home

• Renew your driver's license, auto registration and tags
• Shop around for new insurance polices, especially auto coverage.
• Revise your will and other legal papers to avoid longer probate and higher legal fees
• Locate the hospitals, police stations, veterinarian and fire stations near your home

Appliances Wrap small appliances in inkless newsprint or your kitchen towels or linens. Tape the bottom of a medium box securely and put down a layer inkless newsprint for padding. For large appliances, make sure you check your owner's manual for any special instructions before you start to pack. Tape down any parts that could come loose -- the burners on your stove, the electrical cords, etc. Wrap the appliance with furniture pads and tie securely.

Art and Collectibles Put Corrugated Corners on and wrap each piece in bubble wrap. Pad the bottom of a large box with crumpled inkless newsprint. Give the items plenty of space, and make sure you add lots of packing material on the sides, between items and on top. Remember to label the box "fragile."

Books Use only small boxes for books -- they get very heavy, very fast. You can use small paperbacks to fill the sides of the box if there is extra space.

Clothing This is where wardrobe boxes come in handy. You can move clothing on hangers straight from your closet to the wardrobe boxes. Clothing in drawers should be packed in suitcases or boxes.

Electronic Equipment Ideally, you should pack electronic equipment such as stereos, TVs and computers in their original boxes with their original packing material. If this is unavailable, wrap the equipment in plastic bags. Wrap each piece in bubble pack and pack in our heavy duty TV Box (25" x 25" x 25" DW).

Furniture If you can take your furniture apart in any way to make it easier to move, make sure you put all nuts, bolts and screws in a small zip-lock bag and tape the bag to the furniture. Tape drawers shut where necessary. Wrap exposed legs (on tables and chairs) in bubble wrap or inkless newsprint. Wrap in furniture pads and tie securely.

Kitchenware Wrap breakable items in bubble wrap or inkless newsprint. Put layers of bubble wrap between each plate or bowl. Fill the top bowl with crumpled inkless newsprint. Make sure you put the heavier items on the bottom of the box. Wrap nonbreakable items in inkless newsprint before packing in a box. Use cell packs to separate delicate items. Make sure you pack all the items you'll need for your first few days in you new home in one box, and label it prominently. You can only eat take-out for so long.

Mirrors and Framed Art Tape an X of masking tape across mirrors and paintings framed with glass. Wrap each item in bubble wrap. You can use shipping cartons for these pieces. Make sure you label everything fragile.