Yard Sale

• Before you do anything, go through everything that you no longer want or need and put it into boxes or a large pile. If possible, do this a couple of weeks before you move. Getting rid of unwanted items can cut down on the amount you'll have to move. If you have a yard sale, the money you make can help pay for the moving company if you opt for one; or you can donate your unwanted items to charity. Either way, the less you have to move, the better.
  
  

Moving Company

• If you plan on using a moving company, research a few in the area to get pricing and information on what will best suit your needs. Some companies will pack everything for you and others will help with just the move. Give yourself plenty of time to find the right mover and make sure the company has availability. Depending on the size of your move, start looking up to eight weeks in advance.
  
  

Organize and Label

• Start the packing process by organizing everything from each room in the boxes. For example, when packing the kitchen items, gather enough boxes for everything in it and clearly label the boxes according to what's in them. For example, "Kitchen - glasses." Make sure to wrap anything fragile in bubble wrap or newspapers to keep them from breaking. Try to balance the boxes so that all the heavy things aren't together, so they will be easier to carry.
  
  

Change of Address

• It can take a couple of weeks for a change of address to go into effect with the post office, but it's an important thing to remember. Be sure to notify any companies you have financial transactions with that you're moving so that you receive your bills on time. Call the electric and gas companies to make sure you will have those services in your new house or apartment.
  
  

Valuables and Necessities

• Because it can take a while to unpack, put any valuables such as jewelry or important documents in a purse or labeled box and keep it with you. It will also make things easier if you pack some necessities in a bag such as a few changes of clothes, toiletries, sheets and towels. Also keep some kitchen necessities handy so you don't have to look for utensils when it's time to eat.