Planning, tips and lists to make moving less maddening

Moving can be maddening, no matter how eager you may be to start life in a new home. To make your move go smoothly, you'll need to research moving companies, know the best routine for packing boxes, set and stick to a schedule and keep track of moving expenses.

It may help to start with a moving checklist of must-do items. Look for a step-by-step timeline that breaks down by months and weeks before the move exactly what you should be doing at each stage of the process.

It's easy to find moving tools and tips online. You'll also find handy worksheets and moving calculators that can assist you with planning every aspect of your move.

Here are a few helpful worksheets to look for:

* A comprehensive checklist - Think of this moving checklist as your master document that will help you organize all aspects of your transition. It will cover everything from the date to sign a contract with a moving company, to the order of packing last-minute items.

* Contact list - This is a list of everyone who needs to be notified of your moving dates and new address, from your insurance company, accountant and credit card companies to friends, relatives and doctor's offices. It should also include information on services and utilities that you will either need to move (satellite TV and cell phone service), cancel (electric, gas or other utilities) or initiate (utilities, newspaper delivery, etc.) in your new home.

* Household inventory - Anyone who's ever moved with a moving company knows boxes can get lost and items broken. Creating an inventory of every valuable item you own prior to packing can help ensure you'll get fair value for anything that goes missing or gets broken during the move.

* Packing list - You'll use this on the day of the move to keep track of what's packed in each box. It's also a good idea to number the boxes and write a brief description of the contents right on the box. If the moving company is packing for you, they will do this step, but it also pays for you to keep track on your own list as well.

Moving can be a stressful experience, but with planning and organization you can get through the transition - and spend more time enjoying the excitement of starting out in your new home.