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Preparing for a long distance move can be daunting, but it is incredibly important to begin planning 3 to 4 months in advance to budget effectively and avoid costly last-minute mistakes. When my family recently moved from California to New Jersey, we executed several stages of planning to make sure we were comfortable while still spending conservatively.

Stage One: Decide how to accomplish the move, and establish a budget. The first major choice is to decide between a do-it-yourself (DITY) move in a rented moving van, hiring professional movers, or selling everything and buying new stuff upon arrival. The next decision is whether to bring the car(s), or sell them and buy new ones. The third major decision is whether to drive or fly. These three decisions are entangled in terms of the total cost of the move: for example if you drive the cars yourself, you don't need to ship the cars (but you do need gas), and if you rent a moving van you don't need to pay the movers and you can tow the car (but oh yeah, you still need gas). These decisions are the major cost drivers in the move. Don't forget to include details like hotels and meals, and depreciation of the car if you drive it. Also estimate the dollar value of your time spent in a DITY move. Make a grid of all the possible options and estimate the cost of each. In doing so, you will also reach a lower limit on the moving budget. Begin this stage early (as many as 6 months before you move), so as to have an extra couple of months to save up money.

Stage Two: Make arrangements in advance: Buy airline tickets, arrange to transport any pets (via airplane a week or so after you move), make arrangements with the movers to collect your belongings, and make arrangements to ship or sell your cars. Be sure to shop around, the price of one organization can be 3 or 4 times as expensive as another. We hired movers and saved a lot of money by using California-New York express, who allow you to share a moving van with other people who are moving at the same time. This is a great option if you don't have a lot of stuff, they charge around $5.00 per cubic foot. One important detail if you opt to hire movers: have them pack the dishes and anything else breakable, because they will only insure items they pack themselves. Get insurance, there will be damage.

Stage Three: Pack up your stuff. If you've hired movers to pack your things, make a list of things that go and things that stay. If you pack most of your own belongings, keep

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