Even if you’re working with a professional moving company, there are a number of items that you should keep in your possession during the move. Prepare a “first day in your new home” suitcase for you and your family. This can contain, at a minimum, a couple of days of clothing, standard toiletries and other items that you’re going to need when you arrive at your new home. Also, have a contingency plan to avoid any uncomfortable situations in case the movers arrive late with your items.

Whether you’re flying or driving to your new home, you’re better off carrying the following items with you, instead of packing them on the moving truck:

• Airline tickets
  
• Address books, personal organizers and PDA’s
  
• Personal videos, DVDs and tapes
  
• Important financial information such as recent bank statements or tax returns
  
• Important photos, albums, and personal mementos
  
• Car keys, and/keys to safe deposit boxes and storage units
  
• Bonds, stocks, and deeds
  
• Tax records
  
• School records
  
• Checkbooks
  
• Jewelry
  
• Coins, letters, stamp collections
  
• Computer software and data storage devices
  
• Prescription medicines
  
• Personal identification, including passports and medical insurance cards
  
  

Unfortunately, your moving company will assume no additional responsibility if irreplaceable or sentimental items are lost or damaged during the move. Transporting these with a moving company only increases the chance for problems if your shipment is delayed or the items are lost or damaged. It’s safer to keep these valuables with yourself during the move.