Most Popular
Summer Activities
Back to School
Top 10 Summer Movies
Kids' Entertainment
Birthday Party Ideas
Message Boards
Site Favorites
Back to School
Halloween 2009
Free Craft Emails
Play Online Games
Take a Quiz!
Contests and Sweepstakes


Turkey Note Holder
Pumpkin Turkey Craft
Craft Stick Turkey Greeter
Pinecone Turkey Figure
Clip-On Turkey Craft
More Thanksgiving Crafts »
Thanksgiving Family Fun!

Thanksgiving Coloring Pages
Personalize your Thanksgiving with color! These More...
Thanksgiving Books
Learn more about Thanksgiving this year by sharing More...
Thanksgiving Most Popular

Thanksgiving Clip Art

Stuffed Thanksgiving Turkey Craft

Thanksgiving Word Puzzles

Pumpkin Cake

Thanksgiving Games

Thanksgiving Mazes

HGTV
100 Features in Organization
1.
Quick Tips for Room Organization
Try these quick tips for organizing and maintaining a clutter-free home from basement to attic.... Read Feature
2.
Quick Tips for Everyday Organization
Only have 15-30 minutes to spare each day? Try one of our 14 simple fixes to get a more organized home, fast!... Read Feature
3.
Quick Tips for Home Office Organization
Do you need to combine a workspace in your family or living room? Professional organizer Vicki Norris shares her tips to... Read Feature
4.
Operation Kitchen Organization
A pro organizer helps a busy family get their kitchen in order, once and for all.... Read Feature
5.
Your Guide to Lifelong Organization
Stay organized -- one day at a time -- with our easy-to-follow checklist.... Read Feature
6.
Garage Organization Made Simple
Get your garage together with a few simple steps... Read Feature
7.
Garage Organization for Families
Make the garage a functioning addition to your home -- for the whole family.... Read Feature
8.
Get Planning and Organizing Solutions from Mission: Organization TV Show and HGTV
Read Feature
9.
Before and After: Kitchen Cleanup and Organization
A pro organizer is charged with getting a kitchen back in proper working order.... Read Feature
10.
Three Organization Projects: Kitchen, Closet and Bedroom
Three organization projects to provide added space in the kitchen, closet and under the bed.... Read Feature
11.
Garage Organization (04:29)
Mission Organization shows how to organize a functioning garage. Watch Video
12.
Kitchen Organization (04:48)
This kitchen goes from very cramped to well-organized. Watch Video
13.
Kitchen Organization (05:02)
An organizing expert shows how to get kitchen clutter in order. Watch Video
14.
Simple Bathroom Organization (04:06)
Find out how to simplify and store all your bath essentials. Watch Video
15.
Clever Countertop Organization (01:50)
An attractive way to keep your bread, fruit, and kitchen knives in order. Watch Video

Organized Home
Get Ready for Christmas with the Houseworks Holiday Plan
Posted August 21, 2009 by Cynthia Ewer
Labor Day weekend ahead! School bells are ringing, football fills the airwaves and September looms. Will the holidays be far behind?
Sure, you're dreaming of the perfect Christmas--then you open your eyes to reality. Looking around the house, it's hard to imagine how to cut the clutter, manage fall cleaning and prepare for Christmas all at once.
How will you bring the current state of domestic chaos into holiday readiness: clean, organized, prepared? You need a plan!
It's time to kick off the Houseworks Holiday Plan at sister site Organized Christmas!
Working week by week, we'll deep-clean, declutter, and prepare for the holiday season in small, sustainable bites.
Along the way, we'll create a personalized Christmas planner to simplify the holidays--and online HHP communities provide motivation, inspiration and fun.
The fun starts Sunday, August 30! Will you be ready?
Get The Houseworks Holiday Plan
Simplify Your Holidays With A Christmas Planner
Print Free Christmas Calendars, Checklists and Planner Pages
Get Inspired For Organized Holidays With ChristmasPlanner.com

Get Organized!

• 3 Recycle Bags

• Slim Slide Out Pantry

• Bordex Wine Rack

• Three Tier Can Rack

• Slap Chop

• Smart Mop

• Oak Jewelry Organizer

• Shoes Under

• Wonder Hangers

• Remote Control Organizers

• Closet Organizers

• Kitchen Organizers

• Strap Perfect

• Inflatable Salad Bar

• Shark Steam Mop

• As Seen on TV

• Shoe Organizers

• H2O Mop

• Shower Organizers

• Jewelry Organizers

• Laptop Desk

Clutter Control
1 How to Find the Energy To Declutter
2. Secrets to cut down Junk Snail Mail
3. How to Overcome Project Paralysis
4. Preventing Clutter
5. Organize Home Theater Cables

My Checklists
1 Moving checklist
2. House Cleaning Supplies Checklist
3. Homeschool to College - February Checklist
4. Picnic Planning Checklist
5. Babysitter Checklist

Most Popular
The Organized Bathroom
Most Popular
1 10 Ways to Declutter Your Home
2. Records Retention
3. Organize Your Desk in 8 Steps
4. Records Retention, IRS, PA's & your filing cabinet
5. Get Rid of Clutter in an Hour or Less

8 Ways to Get Organized in 5 Minutes
It seems to me that people are busier than ever these days. We’re constantly running from one activity to the next and seem to leave a trail of debris in our wake wherever we go. There’s so much to do, I can’t possibly be bothered with things like “doing laundry so I’m not dirty and disgusting.” Whatever that means.Here’s the problem, though: not being organized actually makes us slower, which is something we certainly don’t have time for. If we don’t know what we’ve got, where it is, and how to find it, we run into serious problems, lowered productivity and raised stress levels.I’ve frequently found that taking just a few minutes to get organized will actually save a ton of time; and these things really only take a few minutes. Here are eight ways to get organized in only five minutes. Some are only for your computer, others can be applied anywhere in your life.
DigitizeWe’ve all got lots of notes lying around – notes to yourself, things to remember, reasons why we’re fantastic (that one might just be me, come to think of it). Take a few minutes, and type them up. Phone numbers, addresses, tasks, personal notes and the like are all easier to find, edit and use when they’re digital.Try an application like Evernote, which is great for pulling together all the disparate and random notes and thoughts that come to your attention on any given day.
ConsolidateMaybe you’re not a computer person (they are evil, after all). Take all those disparate, loose notes, and consolidate them. Take a single, large piece of paper, and copy over everything you still want or need onto that one sheet. Having everything in one place makes it easier to find, and gets rid of some of the clutter that has inevitably entered your space. Even if you do use a computer, the same idea applies – pull all your loose text files, or sticky notes, into one easily accessible place.
Pick a SpaceThis is one of my favorites and definitely one of the most satisfying ways to spend a few minutes organizing. Pick a small space, like the top of the refrigerator, or underneath your bed; clean that like crazy - I mean it needs to be immaculate. When done, move on to another small spot and declutter that. Breaking this down into small manageable projects will make getting organized a ton less intimidating.
Mind DumpThis is one of the best things you can do, both for your sanity and your productivity. Periodically sit down with a pen and paper (or computer, or a napkin), and write down everything in your head. Things you need to do, things that are bothering you, things you want to know; whatever it is, get it all out of your head. It’ll free your brain to think about other things and give you an idea of what, exactly, is on your mind. You can mind dump anywhere, and you’ll always feel better having done it.
Mass-TrashGo through your stuff, ignore everything you want to keep, and simply have a throwing-away party. I do this with digital files all the time, but it works equally well in your home or office; just get rid of stuff. Usually, what takes the longest is figuring out what to do with the stuff we still want. So don’t do that. Just get rid of everything else, and marvel in how much less junk you’ve got to deal with now.
SystemizeFiling is the not-so-fun, but logical, next step from the mass-trash bonanza. It can be made a lot more fun, and simple, by having a system in place. So, before you start filing things willy-nilly, create a simple system for it. Think about the ten things you have the most of: where does each one go? What do you want to do with them? Once you’ve got an obvious, no-brainer system in place, knowing where everything goes and putting it there just becomes muscle-memory. And that’s much better than filing otherwise.
One Thing, One PlaceThis is all about avoiding the overwhelm that can come from trying to get organized. Instead of dealing with everything at once, just pick one thing – say, movies. If you’ve got 300 movies lying all around your house, and nowhere to put them, just work with those. Find a home for them, get them all in their right place, and organize them to your heart’s content. There’s no wondering where each new thing goes, because they all go in the same place. Just put everything in the same place, and leave the rest of your stuff for later. If nothing else, at least one thing’s easier to find now.
Make it SearchableThis one’s obviously only for your digital life (if you’ve got a way to search through all your real-world stuff, let me know! Blank check is yours). One of the great advantages of the speed and power of our computers, as well as the Internet, is how powerful the search functionality is – you can find almost anything with just a few clicks. Google does it for the Web, and there are a bunch of solutions for searching your computer stuff. If you’ve got a PC, Google Desktop is a great one, as is Copernic Desktop. Mac users: Spotlight is your best friend. Searching is faster than filing, not to mention more complete. Pick a folder on your computer, dump everything into it, and search away! Getting organized is a daunting task, but is made much easier by doing it in bursts – a few minutes, or one particular thing, at a time. Before you know it, you’ll have a perfect system, a clean space, and a huge boost in both your sanity and your productivity.

Packing List - Which Packing Supplies Do I Need?
By Diane Schmidt, About.com


When you move or relocate, to ensure your household goods arrive at your new destination without a scratch, start with a good packing list so you purchase the right packing and moving supplies. This is an area where you can cut down on moving costs if necessary, just keep in mind that doing so may increase labor time either when you are packing - having to double wrap items - or unpacking - newspaper results in dirty glassware. Your time is valuable and paying that little bit extra may also buy you peace of mind.
Assuming you have decided which household goods will be moved, identify the items that will require specialized packing, based on fragility, awkward shapes or larger pieces that will be difficult to move. Once these items have been identified, take some measurements and notes, make a list, then go shopping.
Packing supplies can be purchased at a local moving retailer, a mail service store, or an office supply outlet; however, for the best choice and most variety, go online. By taking the time to surf the Internet, you can compare prices and find specialty items that may be difficult to purchase at a local retail shop. Be aware that some packing suppliers deal with large companies, so you will need to make sure you are able to purchase smaller quantities.
To save money, boxes are available from grocery stores or liquor/ wine stores. Give the store manager a few weeks notice so he or she can put aside what you need. Also, find out when the store receives large shipments and ask what time they will finish unloading. Remember that it is more difficult to securely pack items in retail boxes as they tend to be larger and more cumbersome.
Another way to save money and time, and to ensure you have all the basic supplies required to pack up your household, check out complete Moving Kits and Packing Kits. Moving Kits and Packing Kits can be purchased for particular rooms or for entire households. Do a comparison on total cost if items were purchased separately and watch out for any seasonal sales. As an example of what would be included for a 5-6 room home (up to 2800 square feet):
20 Small Moving Box
11 Medium Moving Box
10 Large Moving Box
4 X-Large Moving Box
5 Heavy Duty Box
6 Wardrobe Box
1 Electronics Box
2 Unprinted Newswrap
1 Bubble Wrap - 150 ft. Roll
1 Permanent Box Marker
7 Box Sealing Tape - Clear
Specialty Boxes
For most people the above list will suffice. For specialty items such as large mirrors, framed artwork, computers and printers, you made need to purchase supplies outside of the kit.
Specialty boxes are available for purchase. Artwork and mirror boxes are stronger and shaped to fit, and most come with - or with an option to purchase - frame protectors. Frame protectors can be secured to the corners of the item to prevent damage during the move. Purchasing corrugated cardboard may help protect glass surfaces and keep items separated while in transit.
Lamp boxes, guitar boxes, mattress and crib boxes are some of the specialty packing supplies available online. For most people, these boxes are not necessary. Not so for file boxes. Arriving at a new destination with nothing but empty file folders and papers strewn on the bottom of a box, can take days to sort and organize. File boxes are a simple tool to keep your documents sorted and sealed even after moving houses. File boxes can be purchased at any office supply store.
Accessories
Most of the items listed below are "nice to have". Most people on the move are able to manage with a pair of household scissors instead of a box cutter, markers instead of pre-printed labels and newspaper instead of packing peanuts; however, the more organized you are, the faster and easier the move. If you purchase items for the sole purpose of moving, it is easier to set aside a packing materials' box so all your supplies are within reach. Scissors and markers can quickly disappear when a project is due at school.
One item highly recommended when it comes to packing is a tape dispenser. A tape dispenser will save you time, frustration and your teeth! Purchase one, and after the move, keep it in the kitchen drawer. You will find it indispensable.
Packing Wrap, Cushioning, Protection
Brown Paper or Plain Newsprint: To prevent having to wash items after you've moved, use plain newsprint or brown paper to wrap items. Never use newsprint to wrap items with sensitive surfaces, such as lamps shades.
Foam: provides extra protection
Stretch Wrap: protects surfaces and keeps awkward items, such as ski poles, together
Inflatable bags: inflate to fill empty spaces
Peanuts: foam pieces that fill empty spaces
Labels
Custom printed: printed to suit your needs, i.e., 'Fragile' or 'Kitchen' or 'This End Up'
Pre-printed: already printed to fulfill common requirements
Blank: various sizes prepared on a single sheet that can be printed right from your own computer; cheaper and versatile
Miscellaneous
Box cutter: sharp utility blade to slice open difficult materials
Mattress covers: soft foam covers to protect mattress from punctures and rips
Markers: range in abilities and price, including markers that write on difficult surfaces such as glass and plastic
Elsewhere on the Web
Moving and Packing KitsK-Mart Moving KitsUline Moving Kits

How To Get Organized—Finally!
WebMD Feature from "Psychology Today" Magazine
Hara Estroff Marano
Clutter buster Mia Lotringer gives tips on how to organize your closets and your life.

When it comes to getting organized, we're our own worst enemies. We keep things because we persuade ourselves we'll need them—even if we haven't used them in five years and don't quite know where we've put them. There seems to be a security factor in just knowing they're around... somewhere.
But that turns out to be misplaced; it's our inner-hoarder talking. What most of us really need is a personal push to get organized, an experienced personal organizer to separate us emotionally from the possessions we no longer need and that clutter our minds as well as our space.
To get some tips on overcoming our worst string-saving instincts, I turned to a top professional organizer, Mia Lotringer, who runs C'est Fini! in Los Angeles (www.cestfini.com). What follows are her suggestions.
Open your mail every day. Or make a weekly appointment with yourself—and don't break it!—to open all your mail and pay all your bills.
Set up a weekly appointment with yourself to do the food shopping—and create a meal plan for the week with all the necessary groceries—so that you won't need to go to the grocery store all the time.
When you pick up your mail, always throw the junk mail out immediately. That leaves a smaller pile to contend with.
Shred everything with your name, address, and any personal information, especially credit card offers and anything with your social security number.
Once you have looked at a paper, take whatever action is needed right away.
Always put the ball in other people's court. The overall goal is to have no papers on your desk at all. In order to do that, act on all your open files; do your part and you won't have to think about the project, task or question—until the others get back to you. Put the papers you have acted on in a Pending File with a note as to the action taken, when and with whom. Then input a date in your calendar with an alert so that you can follow-up if necessary.
Get virtual: anything that you can keep as a document on your computer, do! Do not print out anything—unless you will need it outside your home or office. Always back up important information from your computer onto discs or a backup drive!
Organize your computer. Try to get files off the desktop—they are visual clutter. Reserve your desktop for the files you access every day. Create folders in your Documents folder to encompass a range of files: Recipes, Events, etcetera. Create categories and subcategories that make sense to you.
The biggest obstacle between you and your organized self is your fear of throwing things out. If you are a business, throw out all tax papers older than 11 years; individuals can safely throw out all financial papers older than seven years. Do keep birth and marriage certificates, social security cards, driver's licenses and passports, along with the deed/title to your home, homeowner's insurance in a safety deposit box or in a fireproof lock box and/or with copies with the family lawyer/financial advisor.
Get over the emotional roadblock to getting organized. You must be willing to throw things out! As a veteran organizer, I can honestly say that there is no one's home where something can't be thrown out—including mine! If there's an item you haven't used in six months, chances are you won't ever use it; it's only taking up space.
Go through your items quickly and make snap judgments—that first inclination is generally a good one. Then repeat the process. Often, you will find more items that you can live without. If you are holding onto something in case you "might" need it in the far off future, get rid of it! You can always buy whatever it is when you actually need it.
If you really can't throw things out, I suggest staging those items out of your life. Put the items in a box with a destroy date written onto it—generally about six months from now. If you find yourself needing to go into it to find something—and you end up actually using that item, not just taking it out of the box—put it with the items to keep. Anything left in the box at the end of the time should be thrown out.
If you are a frequent traveler, have a travel bag all ready to go, with toothbrush and miniature toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, body cream, liquid body soap, sunscreen; razor; brush/comb. Carry on extra socks for use on the plane, an extra layer, extra medication and prescription, hand cleaner, water mist and a bottle of water. Pack anything liquid, creamy or potentially messy in a Glad bag.
Create a To Do or task list, if possible on your PDA. Prioritize items and assign all a due date. If a task needs following up, set a date to take further action.
Get a PDA. If you back it up at least once week and back up your computer at least once a month, you will always have a copy of your address book, your calendar, your task list. It is a brain source—once you put it in there you don't have to think about it until it tells you to!
Do not get overwhelmed. Pick one thing that needs to get organized—the smaller the better—papers, computer files, clothes, linen closet, kitchen, mail, children's room, and work on that one thing until you are content that it is sufficiently organized. Then move onto the next item. Never attack the whole house at one time.

Home Inventory How-To
Or How to Make a Packing List
By Diane Schmidt, About.com
Moving Packing List Moving Inventory Car Moving Quote Travel Packing Packing Plant
My sister recently moved and found that a few items were missing. Of course, she only discovered this a few weeks after the move and after she had already signed-off on the waybill the moving company provided.
Don't let this happen to you. Before you move it's important to know exactly what is going to move with you; It's a kind of packing list. Items can be lost or damaged, but if you know exactly what should arrive at your new home, your insurance company should cover the loss/damage.
How To Conduct a Household Inventory and Packing List
Take copies of all important documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, wills, insurance policies, deeds, etc... Keep the originals and copies separate. Originals should move with you, while copies can move with the rest of your household items.
Next, you need to make a record of your belongings. This can be done quickly and easily using a video camera or digital still camera. If you choose either method, create an audio diary with it or add notes to the still photos to include information on when it was purchased and how much it's worth. It's probably best to record how much you paid for the item and let the insurance agency determine its value.
If using a video camera, have someone help you by holding items, opening doors and drawers to make sure you get a complete record.
If you don't have either a video or still camera, you can still create a written record by using an already existing list - obtained from your insurance company or on a simple notepad or computer program. Again, record when the item was purchased and how much you paid for it at the time.
In addition, record serial numbers or any distinctive features, just in case the item goes missing.
Depending on what you own, photograph or describe most items you own. Even items of clothing, kitchen pieces and garage tools should be recorded, especially if there's a value attached. This will also help the moving company should some of your items go missing. They can retrace their steps, check with other customers to see if your items can be located.
After you've finished your documentation, make copies of the list, video tape and or digital photos. Keep copies with a friend or relative, while you keep the original copy. This will ensure that a copy can be found even if you lose the original.
Finally, use your inventory list for the moving company to get a more accurate estimate of what your move will cost. In addition, this will also help you determine if you need additional moving insurance to what is offered through your movers or home insurance.
This inventory record can also be kept in case of emergencies, such as a fire or other natural disaster. It can also help should your home be broken into. Serial numbers and good descriptions can help recover your items.


Moving - Things You Forget to Pack or Do When You Move - Moving Tips
Moving and Packing - What Not to Pack When You Move

12 Terrific Moving Tips When You're Moving Your Home
Great Moving Tips to Make Moving Your Home Easier
by Coral Nafiefor About.com

Who can't use some moving tips when they're packing up their whole life for a new home? If you're among thousands of people who have picked up and moved their family to a new home or a new community, you have fresh memories of some of the ups and downs or thrills or frustrations of moving.
Drawing from personal experience, I know there are lots of ways to help make your household move easier and more smooth. Read here for help to get your life, and your possessions, organized for a peaceful and exciting move.
Make a list.Write everything down! You'll thank yourself later. Before you pack even one box, create a simple record keeping system. Create a computer-printed list of numbers with a space to write the contents. Or have a spiral-bound notebook for the job. You'll place a number on EVERY box you pack and list the contents on your list. Don't put the list down unless it's in a place you'll call Packing Central. This is where you'll find your labels, marking pens, box tape, and other supplies. When describing the box contents, be specific -- "A-D files" is better than "files", and "Tulip dishes" rather than "misc. kitchen".
Have plenty of supplies.Don't make me say this twice-- you'll need LOTS of boxes--probably more boxes than you think, and having enough boxes will make your life easier! (If you buy your boxes from a moving company, you can always return unused boxes for a refund. If you got them free from the grocery, just toss any leftovers.) Have about 10 boxes set aside to use for last minute items on moving day, such as bedding, clothing, and cleaning supplies. You'll need strong plastic packing tape to close up the boxes securely. Use unprinted newsprint (newspaper can stain your items) or packing paper or bubble wrap to wrap and cushion household good. Again, you'll need lots more supplies than you think, so get extra so the packing can go smoothly. Return any unused supplies after the truck is packed.
Utilize wardrobe boxes.These tall boxes are perfect for bulky, lightweight items such as comforters, pillows, and blankets, as well as clothes that need to remain hanging. Call your mover to ask the width of the wardrobe boxes they'll be bringing. Then measure the clothes in your closets (including coat closets) to see how many wardrobe boxes you'll need. You can also use them for closet storage boxes, shoe boxes, and other bulky items such as fabric bolts, large baskets, or gift wrap tubes.
Don't make the boxes too heavy to lift, however. One mover told the story of someone who put a bowling ball in a wardrobe box! When the box was lifted off the truck the bottom gave way, sending the bowling ball on a wild ride down the ramp, across the street to the gutter, then down a hill where it finally came to rest in a roadside ditch. (Is that a strike or a spare?)
Strategize wardrobe box use.Moving companies will be happy to deliver boxes ahead of your moving day. Or if you're doing the move yourself, get things organized as early as possible. A few days before your move, fill some sturdy handled shopping bags with bulky closet items such as shoes, sweaters, belts, and jeans. On moving day, fill the bottom of the wardrobe boxes with some of the shopping bags, then add your hanging clothing. Pack hanging items tightly so things won't move around and fall off of hangers. Finally, cover the shoulders of your clothes (a dry cleaning bag works well), then add a few purses or sweaters on top. You'll have fewer boxes, and closet items remain together. Also, the shopping bags will make it easier to retrieve your belongings from the bottoms of a tall wardrobe box.
Color coordinate.Designate a color for each room in the new home, such as yellow for kitchen, orange for dining room, etc. Apply colored stickers on the box near the box number. In your new home. Put a matching sticker on the door to each room. The movers will know where to put everything when they arrive at the destination. It's also helpful to post a big sign on the wall in the room where you want boxes stacked, ("Boxes here please") to keep them out of furniture and traffic areas.

Keep things together.Insist on keeping things together when you or the movers are packing boxes. Keep bookends with books, light bulbs with lamps, and extension cords with appliances. Small, loose parts can be attached to the item they belong to with tape or placed in small envelopes -- to keep picture hooks with pictures, shelf brackets with a bookcase, a special wrench and bolts with the wall unit. Keep larger corresponding items (such as a cable TV cord) in resealable bags, and tape these to the underside or back of the item. As a backup, have a "Parts Box" open on the kitchen counter and fill it with cables, cords, parts, pieces, brackets, or nails that are removed from any items of furniture. Keep this box with you, or mark it well with a rainbow of colored stickers so it can be easily located on move-in day.
Pack ahead.Anything you can pack ahead will save you time on moving day. If it's summer, get your winter clothes out of the way. You don't really need 5 radios or TV's around your house for the last few days there. Box up your shampoo and extra toothpaste and live out of a travel cosmetic case for the last week or two. Pare down cooking utensils and food supplies to bare essentials. Wastebaskets can also be packed (put things in them!) while you switch to using plastic grocery bags (hang them on a cabinet door or door handle to collect trash.)
Consolidate cleaning supplies.If you must clean your old place after moving out, put together a kit of basic cleaning supplies and rags. Clean anything possible ahead of time (the inside of kitchen cupboards, the oven, windows, etc.), and if possible, vacuum each room as movers empty it.
Use your luggage.Fill luggage and duffle bags with clothing, sheets, towels, and paper goods. Even for local moves you'll be able to quickly spot your navy suitcase holding your favorite sweaters, whereas "Box #189" might remain elusive for days.
Safeguard valued items.It's a good idea to keep valuable possessions, such as silverware, collections, or antiques, with you. If you have a long move and no room in your car, bury the items in a box titled "Misc. from kitchen pantry". Either way, check your homeowner's insurance to see how you are covered during the move, and if you need additional insurance from the mover. Also, find out what paperwork (receipts, appraisals, and photos) you might need to file a claim in case of loss.
Keep important papers with you.Your list of "important" papers might include: birth certificates, school records, mover estimates, new job contacts, utility company numbers, recent bank records, current bills, phone lists, closing papers, realtor info, maps, and more. Don't leave these with the mover. Keep them with you!
Personal boxes.Use brightly colored storage tote boxes, one for each person. Let each family member fill theirs with items they'll want 'right away' in the new home -- a set of sheets, a towel, a couple of extension cords, a phone, nightlights, address book, pens and paper, keys, kleenex, and travel cosmetic case, and so on.
Moving may not be the most fun you've ever had, but planning ahead will go a long way toward making the process bearable.