• Keeping a checklist can make your moving experience smoother.Kreuz image by Michael S. Schwarzer from Fotolia.com
  
  Moving from one house to another can be one of the most stressful things you'll ever do if you don't make a checklist of important things to remember beforehand. Creating a plan based on a checklist, and sticking to it, will ensure a smooth and simple move.
  
  

Cost Estimate

• If you are planning on using a moving service, be sure to get an estimate that's binding. The estimate of some moving companies can be little more than an educated guess. Create a list with the movers of every item that is to be packed and moved, and give as accurate an estimation as possible about the total weight. Getting a binding estimate saves you from an unexpectedly large bill at the end of the move.
  
  

Utilities

• Arrangements for the new home should be made well in advance of moving day. Contact the utilities departments to arrange for power to be turned on when you get to your new location. Don't forget to also make arrangements for the utilities to be shut off at your current home. Make sure you have a firm date from the movers, so as not to cut the utilities at your current site too soon.
  
  

Prescriptions

• Go to your pharmacy and get a refill for all the prescriptions that you can if you are moving out of state. Not all states will accept your health insurance, and not all pharmacies in the city you are moving to will accept your insurance. You want to make sure you have an adequate supply of back-up medication until you are sure that you are able to refill your prescriptions in your new town.
  
  

Change of Address

• Fill out change of address cards at the post office. Remember to send in a change of address card for any magazine subscriptions you have. Make sure that credit card companies and any businesses that send you payment through the mail are informed about your new address. Notify the Internal Revenue Service of your change of address. This is especially important if you have decided to move between the time you sent in your tax return with the expectation of a refund and the time the refund arrives.
  
  

Moving Boxes

• Avoid overly large boxes that require two people to lift in order to facilitate more efficient packing and unpacking. You can buy boxes from retail outlets or moving companies, but keep an eye out for free boxes that could be filled with 30 pounds of items at your own work site, liquor stores and grocery stores. Be sure to get more boxes than you think you'll need so that you don't have to look around for them at the last minute.
  
  

Hazardous Materials

• Dispose of hazardous material in your home rather than packing it. Moving companies won't accept these items because of their potential danger of leaking or exploding and neither should you. Find out your city's local laws regarding disposal. Among the items to consider are paint, primer, shellac, propane, windshield washing fluid, kerosene, chemistry sets, aerosol cans and ammonia.