Whether you have moved once or a dozen times, it probably never seems to get any easier. The culmination of all the emotion associated with looking for a home, negotiating for one, applying for a mortgage, and closing is another huge emotional challenge: Moving! Here are some hints that we hope you will find helpful as you prepare for moving day.

Moving Checklist

To avoid surprises, get coordinated in advance: Use this checklist to monitor your progress.

1. Make agreements with sellers: Ideally at the time of the contract, but definitely long before the closing date, regarding possession of the home and moving date. Having sellers and buyers meet on the front walk--each with a house full of furniture--is not a happy situation. Get these agreements in writing to avoid unnecessary hassles on moving day!

2. Start planning early: Once you are reasonably confident that you will be proceeding with the purchase, start weeding out your current possessions. Toss (or give away, or sell at a yard sale) things that you don't want to move. This goes a long way toward uncluttering your life, too!

3. Compare moving plans: Are you going to want to do the entire move yourself? Will you want a professional mover to handle the entire process? Don't wait until the last minute--or you may be doing the whole move on your own. Compare rates and services as well as availability. You can get free, multiple estimates from licensed and insured movers in your area at MoveDirect. MoveDirect deals with some of the best-known movers in the U.S. Click here for more information.

4. Prepare a list of all those who will need to be contacted at your new home: Utilities, schools, etc. You can print out a contact form here.

5. Make a list of any important items you will need to buy for the new house: Examples: draperies, blinds, shower curtains, etc. Having these things with you on the day you move in prevents unnecessary surprises.

6. Start packing early: Anything that you are sure you will not be using before moving day should get boxed.

7. Determine a "staging area" where any items that are ready to be moved are placed: This saves a lot of the aggravation associated with having boxes scattered throughout your present living quarters and gives you a place to look should you need an item that is already packed.

8. Mark every box and carton: Again, it makes it much easier if you need an item before you move, and makes it much simpler after you move. Unpacking will probably be somewhat of a gradual process--this way you know where the most necessary items are located.