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• Obtain at least three estimates from moving companies and ask for details of their services.  If you have items that require special handling, ask the movers to come to your home to discuss packing options.
• Ensure that all details of the moving contract are clearly specified in an agreed upon document.  If details are unclear, have the moving company explain them to you.
• Clarify payment requirements before the contract is signed.   Determine whether you will be required to pay in cash, by certified cheque or by money order.  Also find out if you need to pay before or after the service is provided. 
• Determine what amount of coverage the moving company's insurance provides on your belonging during the move.  If they do not cover items, you may want to look into private insurance.
• Sell or give away any belongings that will have no value in your new location.
• Ensure that all cleaning and maintenance in your new home is completed prior to your arrival.  Send any draperies and carpets that you will be using to be cleaned, and have them delivered to your new location.
• To avoid unnecessary waiting or stair climbing if you live in an apartment, reserve the elevator for the length of time it will take you to clear out your possessions.
• Inform all necessary people and organizations of your new address and phone number, including: post office, automobile licensing bureau, insurance companies, financial institutions, service suppliers, magazine publishers and newspapers, doctors and dentists, family and friends.
• If you are relocating to a different city, obtain important documents and records from financial institutions, lawyers, doctors, dentists and schools.
• Ensure that you cancel and pay any bills for services that you will not be transferring to your new location, including: telephone, gas, electricity, and newspaper and magazine subscriptions.
• Pack as many items as you can by yourself to minimize packing charges.  For fragile items, you may want to consult or hire a professional packing company.
• Begin by packing those items that are not frequently used.   Label the boxes clearly with respect to contents and in which room they will be going.
• It is always a good idea to have a responsible person present throughout the moving process to supervise the planning, packing, loading and unloading of items.
• Devise a plan where heavy and permanent items will be placed in your new home.  This will minimize effort and headaches after the move is completed.
• Ensure that all items are unloaded off the moving van.
• Any receipts from the moving process should be collected and kept for income tax purposes.  You may be eligible for deductions if you locate at least 40km closer to your place of work as a result of the move.
• Read the utility meters before you leave your current residence and when you get to your new one, call-in the figures.