So you're ready to start life in your new home. Now all you have to do is get yourself, your family, and your belongings there intact. You can save time and energy by hiring a moving company, or save money by doing it yourself - it all depends on how much stuff you have, how far you're moving, and how much you can afford to spend. Preparations should start well before moving day. Keep these tips in mind:

• Obtain the right moving supplies, and plenty of them. High-quality boxes, padding and other packing materials are a good investment.
• Take a room-by-room inventory of everything you will take with you and get rid of the rest either in a garage sale or by donating it to charity.
• Label each box you pack and keep a list of its contents to make unpacking easier.
• Set aside a box of items you'll need immediately after you arrive, such as cleaning supplies, kitchen utensils, dinnerware, bath items, tools and a telephone.
• Have kids pack a box of their favorite things to unload right away at the new house.

If you choose to hire a moving company to move your belongings into your new home, make sure to find a company you can have confidence in, look for one that:

• Has been in the business for a number of years;
• Has a clean record with the Better Business Bureau®;
• Can provide several references to satisfied customers; and
• Meets the standards of your state's professional association for moving companies, if there is one.