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​1. Start Early​​
You’ve lived in your home for years. Two to three months is not too long to spend packing. Get an early jump on your moving strategy and you’ll save time, money, and heartache.

​2. Lose the Clutter
Moving is the perfect time to clear out the junk in your life–and your attic. If you haven’t used something in more than a year, consider posting it on eBay, selling it at a yard sale, or donating it to charity. Donations of high-value items such as boas or cars can also give you a nice tax break at a time when money will be tight.
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3. Stop Buying
Don’t buy anything that isn’t absolutely necessary in the weeks leading up to your move. You can buy furniture, art, and knick-knacks when you get to your new home. This also applies to food. As you approach moving day, plan to work through as much of the food in your cupboard as you can. There’s no point getting stuck with groceries you can’t use.​

​4. Make an Inventory
Catalog every piece of furniture, every box of clothing, and every one of your valuables before the move. Take pictures whenever possible. This will help you identify any missing belongings after the move, and will also provide vital information for your homeowners insurance.

​5. Hire a Pro
On moving day, you’ll have a full plate just getting where you need to go. If it is at all possible, hire professional movers to handle as much as you can afford. Ask your friends and your neighbors for suggestions and get multiple estimates before you choose.

​6. Make a Map
You don’t want to move furniture twice. Make a map of your new home, and identify the locations where you’d like your movers to place things. Carrying a sofa up a narrow flight of stairs is not the best way to celebrate your new home.​

​7. Measure Everything​
​​Many a recliner has traveled across the country, only to be left on the curb because it couldn’t fit through a door.  Measure each dimension of every piece of furniture and every appliance, then do ​​​the same for all the points of entry to your home and all of your internal doors.​​​

​8. Remember Autos​
If you’re moving a fairly long distance, you might want to consider shipping your cars, or paying someone to drive them for you. Be sure to verify insurance coverage and references in either case.

9. Consider Pets​
Some pets–particularly cats and birds–do not travel well, and the chaos of a long trip can be hard. Speak to your veterinarian about the safest way to transport your pets, and be sure to get copies of your pets’ medical records, as well. You should also look into licensing, medical requirements in your new town. This can save money and make the transition much easier on your pets. For example, Hawaii has fairly steep quarantine requirements for dogs entering the state, but proper planning and advance immunizations can bypass them altogether.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

​10. Keep Your Essentials​​
Plans get delayed. Luggage gets lost. Accidents happen. Keep emergency cash, copies of critical paperwork, and a week’s supply of medicine in readily-accessible luggage at all times during a move. ​You probably won’t need it, but if you wind up in a motel for a few days, you’l be glad it’s there.​​​​​​