There is much more to the moving experience than packing boxes. Completing key tasks ahead of your move date will help smooth the entire process.

One month before your move, research your change of address options. You can either obtain forms from the post office, or use a form online. Find out which moving companies offer services that best match your needs, and contact them to receive cost estimates.

This is also a good time to begin making travel arrangements for you and your family. Don't forget that this also includes pets. Be sure you have all medical records, prescriptions, and other materials in case of an emergency. If necessary, set up a bank account in your new area.

After you have sorted through your household items and determined what will be coming with you to your new home, begin an inventory. Pay special attention to breakables and valuables. Taking pictures of them is a very good idea.

Creating a comprehensive written and photographed inventory will not only benefit you if an item is lost or damaged during the moving process, it may also be useful for insurance purposes. Once completed, keep your inventory in a safe, secure place.

Moving is stressful, and many projects within the process require attention and supervision. While it may seem like it is taking away from time that could be spent completing tasks, making lists and organizing is actually a longer term investment against unpleasant surprises later. It also can cut down on the overall stress of a move quite dramatically.

Creating a master list may seem tedious, but it can be useful in a number of ways. Not only will it allow you to anticipate tasks in advance of tasks becoming critical, a master list will also be helpful when you arrive at your new location. It will ensure that everything is completed at the right time, thereby leaving you more time to perform other tasks related to getting settled in your new home.

Some tasks that should be on your list are important, but may not make themselves obvious right away. Prior to calling moving companies for estimates, you should determine which services you will need, and know what goods will be moved from your old home to your new home. If moving companies will need to transport highly valuable or breakable items, you should make them aware of that as well.

Considering those details in advance should allow you to also anticipate disposal of items that won't be moved to the destination. Household goods such as gasoline, paint and computer monitors often require particular attention. Cities and towns may have specific provisions for the disposal of potentially hazardous items.

Because household moving tasks can be linked in this manner, it is best to leave extra spaces when creating your master moving list. Doing so will allow you to add in tasks later as you remember them, and as they emerge during the entire process.