• Think about hiring a moving company to help you with your move.blank white delivery cargo truck 2 image by alma_sacra from Fotolia.com
  
  Whether you're moving across the street or all the way across town, using a moving checklist during your move can help keep you on track and keep frustration to a minimum. Moving checklists cover everything from the basics to the things you typically forget during a move. If you have special moving considerations, add them to your own moving checklist.
  
  

Get Organized

• Before you begin packing a single box, get organized. Buy a single notebook, and create your own checklist and timeline to keep yourself organized. Then, write down and document anything related to the move, from phone calls to where a valuable item is packed, in the notebook.
  
  Purchase colored, printable, adhesive labels to use as you pack. Pick a specific color for each room, including each bedroom, the kitchen and the living room, to make it easier for you or your moving company to move your things into the correct room of your new home. Place a small colored sticker, the same color as the room labels, on any furniture that's meant to go in the room. Be sure to affix your sticker to a spot that won't be seen later, just in case any adhesive stays on the piece.
  
  

Pack

• Start packing non-essential items, like decorative items, books and DVDs first. Remember to wrap all fragile items and to pack them snugly in the box. Place an "X" of tape across mirrors or glass doors to help keep them from getting broken during the move, and wrap any furniture in a couple layers of plastic wrap to prevent any damage. If you're moving yourself, be sure to pick up bungee cords or rope to secure any boxes or larger furniture during the move.
  
  

Switch Utilities

• Even in a local move, it's important to switch utilities and other items. Call your phone company, electric company and cable company to arrange for them to switch your utilities to your new address. If you don't set up a date to turn off the utilities in your old place, be sure to call as soon as you move to keep from acquiring additional charges. If you do set up a date for utilities to be disconnected in your old home, check a day or two after the turn-off date to make sure everything has been disconnected.
  
  Make sure you notify the post office and any subscription services, such as magazine providers, at-home DVD mailings and book clubs of your change of address at least a month in advance.
  
  

Clean

• Once everything is packed, do a thorough cleaning of your old home from top to bottom. Clean under the refrigerator and behind any other appliances, and sweep the entire house. If you're moving out of a rental property, be sure to go over your move-out checklist, if one is provided.
  
  Before you leave, lock up your old home and provide a forwarding address to the landlord or new resident in case any important mail slips through the cracks.