These should contain everything you’ll need for the first few days. Doing this advance organizing will prevent you from searching high and low every time you need a pair of scissors for unpacking. Other key items to include are bedding, towels, toiletries, extension cords, light bulbs, tools, clock, pens and paper, a few basic dishes, and food and diapers for infants and toddlers.

Be sure to leave time to give proper notice on your rental or sell your house. For a rental, check your rental agreement: Most agreements require that you inform your landlord 30 days before you vacate the premises (or, at least, that you continue to pay rent for 30 days after you give notice, whether or not you live there). If you own a house, it may take several months to sell. Consider the current market in your area and contact a real estate agent for a free appraisal.

If you’re moving for a job, contact your employer about having them pick up the costs. If they aren’t willing to foot the bill for the entire move, negotiate reimbursement for part of it. Meanwhile, look into the tax implications of having your employer finance your move.

Take a look around at your furniture and household items. What will you bring? What will you leave? How will you get rid of what you’re leaving? Some good ideas: Hold a yard sale, donate to charity, or sell your stuff using the online classifieds.

You’ve got several options: Hire a professional moving service, hire some movers for help by the hour, or do it all yourself. With a service, you’ll need to call several to get estimates and compare benefits. Find out whether they pack and what they do and don’t move. Get appraisals on your more valuable items. If you’re doing it yourself, you'll need to rent a truck and ask (or hire) people to help you load it.

Many moving expenses are tax-deductible, so keep your receipts. For information, see IRS Publication 521, Moving Expenses, available at www.irs.gov.