Make a note of your shipment registration number found in the upper right-hand corner of your bill of lading and keep it with you in case you need to call your mover with questions.
 

Designate one dresser drawer for sheets and towels so you won't have to rummage through boxes for these essentials the first night in your new home.

If you need to store some of your goods, it is a good idea to tour the warehouse of the mover you're planning to use. Look for cleanliness, organization, security, etc.

After you have cleaned and dried your refrigerator, put a handful of fresh coffee or baking soda in a sock and place it inside to keep the interior smelling fresh.

Take your current phone book with you. You may need to make calls to residents or businesses back in your former hometown.

Prepare an "Unload Me First" carton with essentials that you'll need immediately at your new home. Include a baggy filled with hardware from disassembled items, such as beds.
Before the van foreman leaves for your destination residence, give him (and your move coordinator) a phone number where you can be reached. Get the van foreman's cell number too.

At destination, you might want to consider having the TV and VCR hooked up first to occupy the kids while the rest of the van is being unloaded.

Keep your children and pets calm and away from all the activity on moving day by arranging for a friend to watch them at their house. Keep your pet's food and leash handy too.

When moving plants to your new residence in your car, try not to let foliage rest against the windows, as the leaves will scorch.

Upon arrival at your new home, let your personal computer acclimate itself to room temperature before plugging it in.

Schedule cleaning and other home services for the day after loading, as things will be hectic on move day and the different service providers will stay out of each other's way.

Have your utilities shut off the day after loading to avoid being “left in the dark” while you’re trying to move out of your house! Here’s a start: gas, electric, water, telephone, cable TV, trash collection.

Items that can't be moved with the mover include anything flammable, anything combustible, aerosol cans, hazardous materials, gasoline, plants, paint, ammunition and explosives, jewelry, legal documents (wills, financial papers, insurance documents, etc.).

Begin by looking at your possessions. What can be sold or donated to charity? What hasn't been used within the last year? Give away those items that you will not be moving.
Bring everything that you're moving to one location, if possible (items at a friend's house or at the office).

Make a list of everyone you need to notify about your move: friends, professionals, creditors, subscriptions, etc.

Obtain a mail subscription to the local paper in your new community to familiarize yourself with local government, social news and activities.

Contact schools, doctors, lawyers, the vet, etc. to obtain copies of your personal records; ask for referrals. Collect other important documents (DMV records, stocks, wills, etc.).
Obtain a change-of-address kit from the post office and begin filling out the cards; or, simply click here to go to www.USPS.com and do it online.

Contact insurance companies (auto, homeowners or renter's, medical, and life) to arrange for coverage in your new home.

If you're packing yourself, purchase packing boxes from Allied Van Lines or from your local mover. Pack items that you won't need now.

Arrange to close your accounts in your local bank and open accounts in your new locale.

Have your car checked and serviced for the trip. Also, make sure that your automobile is prepared for the type of weather conditions you'll be traveling in.
Drain the gas and oil from power equipment (lawn mowers, snow blowers, cars that are going with the mover, etc.).