* Research tells us that moving is usually one of the most stressful events in a person's life, ranked as high as the death of a loved one or divorce," said Joe Harrison, president of American Moving and Storage Association. "But with the right kind of planning and care, you can make your move a lot less stressful.

One of the best ways to do that is to stay organized and use countdown checklists, such as the one below.

One Month Before the Move

• Review your moving arrangements.

• Start a log of moving expense receipts.

• Inventory all household items to be moved.

• Get estimates from moving companies.

• Arrange for storage facility.

• Arrange transport service for vehicles or pets, if needed.

• Contact your bank to arrange transfer of accounts.

• Submit change-of-address forms to the U.S. Postal Service.

• Give day care provider notice.

• Contact new schools to arrange for transfer of records.

• Contact your doctors. Get referrals for new physicians.

• Change your property, auto, and medical insurance policies

• Organize important documents in a fire-safe box.

• Cancel newspaper subscriptions. Change your address on magazine subscriptions.

• Arrange for temporary housing, if needed.

Two Weeks Before the Move

• Hold a garage sale to get rid of the things you do not want to take.

• Arrange for disconnection and changeover of utilities.

• Take measurements of rooms in your new house. Try to determine where furniture will be placed.

• Begin packing things that are not used on a daily basis.

• Try not to buy anymore perishable food items.

• Make an inventory list of all items going with you personally.

• Confirm arrangements and dates with moving and storage companies.

One to Two Days Before the Move

• Clean and defrost the refrigerator and freezer.

• Close bank accounts, if needed

• Purchase traveler's checks if needed.

• Finish all financial matters relating to the sale of your home.

• Finish packing all your belongings.

Moving Day

• Confirm delivery address, directions, and delivery date with movers.

• Supervise the move. Make sure boxes are clearly marked.

• Thoroughly clean your house before leaving.

• Check thermostat. Make sure doors are closed and locked and appliances are turned off.

• Leave garage door openers and keys with your Incredible Real Estate Agent.

• Make sure your Incredible Real Estate Agent knows how to contract you.

Tax Deductible Moving Expenses

Discuss tax-related moving expenses, liabilities, and deductions with your tax advisor. When you meet the IRS's definition of a qualifying move, the following items may be deductible:

• The cost of trips to the area of a new job to look for a home. Your home shopping expedition does not have to be successful for the cost to be deductible.

• The cost of having your furniture and other household items shipped, including the cost of packing, insurance, and storage for up to 30 days.

• The cost of getting your family to the new home town, including food and lodging expenses on the trip.

• The cost of lodging and 80% of food expenses for up to 30 days in a new home town, if these temporary living expenses are necessary because you have not yet found your ideal home or it is not ready when you arrive.

• Certain costs associated with the sale of your hold home and/or purchase of the new one. These expenses - including real estate commissions, legal fees, state transfer taxes, appraisal fees and title fees - could be used either to reduce the gain on the sale of the previous home or to boost the basis of the new one.