Good preparation is the key to a successful move, whether it involves a lengthy cross-country move or a simple relocation to another side of town. Handling the following tasks before the movers set foot inside your home can help make your successful move smoother.

Write Up a Detailed Inventory

One of the most common problems with moving is losing track of the things you've packed up for the move. A detailed account can help you keep tabs on all items throughout the moving process, plus you won't run into any unexpected surprises. If you have any missing items, a detailed inventory can help you figure out what you've missed.

As you pack up your belongings, make a detailed list of what's being packed up. It also doesn't hurt to note the date on which those belongings were packed. Once you're done, keep a copy of this list in a safe place and keep the other on your person.

Secure Your Personal Information

If you have any important documents containing your personal and financial information, make sure these papers are put away before the movers arrive. Carry laptops, cameras, and other high-value items containing your personal information on your person or inside a portable safe or lockbox.

Label Your Belongings

Labeling what goes in which box makes it much easier to keep track of your belongings. It also helps your movers know which box contains items meant for particular rooms, making for a faster move. Make sure your labels are highly visible on the box and legible enough for movers to read them at a glance. Use a heavy-duty marker with black or blue ink and write the words on each label in print.

Make Plans to Move Non-Allowable Items

Your movers can move just about anything—except what's on their list of non-allowable items. Nearly every moving company has a list of materials that professional movers can't and won't move. These items usually include perishable foods like meats and frozen foods, hazardous items like car batteries and household paints, and dangerous items like fireworks and ammunition. Items with high sentimental value may also end up on the moving company's non-allowable items list.

Before the movers arrive, explore your options for alternative transport of non-allowable items. Plan on shipping the items in question by mail to your new address, or bring those items to your new place by car. You can also donate items you can't pack with you to a local charity or association of your choice. Any items that are deemed unsafe to ship or safely transport in your vehicle should be disposed of properly.

Safeguard Your Home From Moving Damage

Whether you have a security deposit on your apartment or your home's resale value to preserve, you'll want to keep your home in the best possible condition throughout the move. That means taking every possible precaution to avoid scratches on floors and walls, as well as rips and tears in carpets and wallpaper. Here are a few tips that'll protect your home on moving day:

• Place mats and rugs on the floor to protect carpets, vinyl, and hardwood floors from damage.
• Add foam padding around door frames to prevent nicks and scratches.
• If necessary, carefully remove your doors from their hinges to create more space for furniture and other bulky items.
• Use old towels, blankets, or bubble wrap to protect your banisters from scrapes and nicks.
• Take down any clocks, mirrors or paintings that are still hanging up on your walls.

Moving companies will also have some equipment of their own to minimize damage to your home. For instance, your movers will use furniture pads and dollies to move heavy furniture and appliances without marring the floors or carpet.