2. Lighten your Load
Now comes the part where everyone has a continually struggle. It is time to lighten your load. I am not saying get rid of everything, but it is definitely helpful to get rid of the things you do not need, want or use. On one of my moves there was an entire box of junk mail. I mean really, who wants to deal with that. When you move, you are charged by the amount of weight moved over the distance, the last thing you want is excess weight moved for no reason. If you have things you know are not going to be used again, then lets get on it and get those things out the door (this will also make the unpack a lot easier and stress free as you do not have to find new homes for these items).
Clothes, toys, duplicate kitchen items, DVDs, books, old school textbooks, old school work, VHS tapes, electronics and appliances which do not work or you do not use, additional furniture., junk mail, magazines, pillows, CDs, blankets, toiletries, bedding, anything hiding in the back of the closet, shoes, ALL OF IT.
As you go through each room, make an honest assessment: Do you use this now? Will I use this in the next year (seasonal items)? Does this item hold extreme meaning (family heirloom, not baby's first pacifier, we are talking great grandmother's hope chest)? Will there be room for this in my new house?
Finally, STOP buying things. I know when things are on sale, the saver in you is screaming to snag up the shampoo and conditioner, but you still have three bottles in the closet that you have to use, move or give away (that is money).
3. Research your Route
With destination in mind, pull out your handy-dandy map. Figure out the distance from start to end, and take a good look in your heart and think about how far you can get in a day. Also, who and what will be with you? Kids, pets, trailer, RV? all of these will take a toll on your timeline and require more frequent stops. Will you have to stop for food at real restaurants or can you get by with a cooler and gas station food? Will you entire trip be on land or is there air or boat involved?
The average mileage per day is around 350, so if you are unsure what you can handle, this is a good place to start. Look for hotels along your route if you need to stay overnight and require nice accommodations. Are they pet friendly? Is there a pool for the kids? Continental breakfast? Internet? Proximity to the highway for a quick get-away? Or you can sleep in the car at the rest stop like a trucker.
The big key here is to know how long you will be on the road, have an idea of what route you will be taking, look at the construction, and where you will be stopping.