Check up on your chosen moving company
Confirm whether or not your moving company provides any insurance on your belongings during your move. Also, check if they are in possession of a DOT license and whether you need to go to the Department of Transportation. Usually a moving company will indicate or say if they have a DOT license. If they don’t, you should not use this company. You may also see if they are listed with the BBB (Better Business Bureau).

Lay out your plans
Timing is an important component of the moving process. Ask your moving company about reserving a date for your relocation. Make up lists for notifications to schools, employees, utilities, health care providers, banks, etc., of your new address and other details. Do this for both your new and present locations. Put together another list of all loans and other monthly payments that you will need to make.

Packing
Collect all of your moving materials ahead of time. Some packing materials you would want to have are: newspapers, bubble wrap, plastic bags, packing peanuts, strong packing tape and durable boxes. You can either buy these items from a store or from your moving company if they sell them. Make sure to clean closets and storage rooms early and decide what you want to keep, donate, or discard, or sell before moving day. Doing this will make your move less stressful and more simple and ultimately save you money.
List all of your boxes in addition to labeling each one with its contents. Pack the hefty items on the bottom and the lighter ones on top. Do not over-pack a box so that it’s a real struggle to lift. If you’re going to be using wardrobe boxes, be sure to pack them tightly to keep your clothing on the hangers from shifting around so they can be hung swiftly when you’re ready to unpack.

Items not permitted
Federal law prohibits moving companies from transporting several classes of objects. Most moving companies are unwilling to move your plants. It is illegal to move them across state lines; often times the plants will die due to hot or cold temperatures during a move. They also cannot be packed efficiently. Other items that can’t be moved include: flammables, explosives and corrosives, liquids including laundry additives (bleach and ammonia), fuels, acids, pesticides, poison, weapons, ammunition, fireworks, fertilizers, and household and car batteries.

Your most valuable items
When planning to pack, set aside an area for the most important of your belongings. The more sizable items need to be packed extra carefully with the help of your mover. Purchase extra insurance if it’s available from the moving company you choose. Any smaller items you have that are heirlooms or other valuable keepsakes should be packed and transported by you. Other items you should keep with you are: small expensive electronics, deeds, titles, financial documents, school and medical records, a list of important emergency information about each person or pet in the family, prescription drugs, jewelry, photo albums or media with cherished family memories. It is suggested that your pets and children should not be on the premises on moving day. Ask your friends or daycare providers to take care of them.