Keep careful records and receipts of all moving expenses. You may be able to reduce your adjusted gross income (on your income tax return) by certain expenses if your move is related to the start of work at a new location. Certain conditions must be met in order to take the deduction. Contact the IRS or your accountant for details.

Use up as much food as possible in the weeks before you leave. Give what you don’t use to a food bank or friends. Consider giving plants to friends or neighbors—they don’t transport well.
On moving day, carry the following items with you:

• The telephone number of the moving company
• Cash or traveler’s checks
• Papers related to the sale of your home
• Your insurance policies and agent’s phone number
• Your current phone book
• Medications
• Enough clothing to get by if the movers are late
• Jewelry
• Important personal records and documents
• A box of any items of great personal value to you that are virtually irreplaceable (e.g., a photo album)
• Back-up copies of computer files
• Sheets and towels for the first night in your new home
• Personal hygiene items (e.g., toothpaste, soap, razor)