These moves are harder to plan for, and require much more stringent assessment of belongings, so that you can afford the move itself. Long distance moves are harder on families who are used to supporting one another you'll often find that your phone bill increases and that you'll have more problems adjusting if you're moving away from familial support if you're moving TO your family though, you can be sure that things may get easier if a little nutty. If you're moving house and booking a firm to help you, you may also want to consider booking a cleaning company to come in and clean behind you. They can clean your house, after your belongings are packed and have professional methods for removing stains, marks and other tricky marks on walls, doors and carpets. Packing clothes into suitcases or bags means that they are easy to transport, and easy to fit into spare spaces in your transport, but you need to make sure that the bags or cases are sturdy enough to contain your belongings well. Cheap bags are no good if you need to use two of them or they burst when you pick them up. Your appliances should be checked and cleaned with seven days to go you should possibly consider not buying frozen goods at all over the next week, unless you're sure that they won't defrost during the move. Wastage is easily avoided and you can use up all of the items in your freezer without needing to buy more. Careful packing does minimize the risk of things being broken, but one of the only ways to actually ensure that you have no breakages whilst moving is to take them with you, or, if hiring a firm, allowing them to pack. Newspaper is a great buffer item, but remember, the ink may rub off when you're in transit, giving you another chore at the other end. Your packing schedule should take into account any redecorating or repairs you want to undertake - and should also allow for anything you need to use. These essentials should be packed over the last day, so don't leave out too much - or you'll find it very difficult to finish packing in time. Wardrobes, your garage, and shed can be packed as one of your first tasks - if you don't use your garage and its secure, you could then store any boxes there, or in cupboards.