You can make it easier on yourself by hiring professional movers. But you'll still have some details to work out, including what level of moving services you want. To some extent, that will be determined by how much you want to pay.

When you hire professional movers, the base price usually includes just loading, transportation and unloading. You'll have to pay extra to have the movers pack your possessions. The charge for the full packing and unpacking service generally is based on the weight of the load, according to the industry's professional organization, the American Moving and Storage Association, and includes the cost of all but specialty cartons for things like mirrors and marble tabletops.

You can get custom packing services from professional movers if you pack some of the items yourself and unpack yourself, according to the industry group. In that case, the charge is based on the number of boxes or cartons used.

Even if you pack yourself, you'll have to pay for boxes if you aren't able to scrounge enough from the office and the grocery store. Consider at least buying wardrobe boxes - mini-closets with a metal bar where you can hang clothes on hangers - and dishpacks for breakable kitchen items like plates and glasses.

You'll also need to decide whether to buy additional protection in the event your goods are damaged by the professional movers. Under the basic protection included in the cost of your move, the movers are liable for only 60 cents per pound if something is damaged. In other words, you could end up with only $60 for your broken, 100-pound couch. Full replacement-value coverage costs more, but could be a good investment.

One advantage to hiring professional movers is they can store your goods if you need to move out of one house without moving immediately into another. The charge for storage is based on the weight of the load and how long your goods are in storage.

Another option to consider is something called self-service moving. You pack all your goods, load and unload the truck, but a professional driver transports it. The price is based on the number of miles traveled and how much space your load takes up on the truck. (Long-distance full-service moves are based on weight.) As you might guess, the price is less than for a full-service move.

You can hire professional movers for long-distance or local moves, but remember that pricing is different for short-haul local moves. In that case, you might be charged by the hour rather than by weight.

Either way, hiring professional movers can at least make you feel like you're arriving at the fancy Hollywood premier in a limo instead of an old sedan.

Calculate the costs of moving
The chief advantage of moving is that you'll be able to see your fully finished new home, rather than only drawings, before you make a commitment. Yet moving can be disruptive and it's not without a myriad of costs.

In addition to the purchase price of your new home, transaction costs involved with moving could include real estate agent commissions, mortgage origination fees and home inspections. In addition, your monthly mortgage payments, homeowner's insurance and property taxes could be more expensive after you move.

If you sell your current home first, you may also need to obtain temporary housing until you've purchased your new home. Depending on where you live and how long before you can move into your new home, temporary housing could get expensive. Or, if you buy your new home first, you may have to make two mortgage payments each month until your current home is sold. You might also need to hire contractors to make necessary repairs to ready your current home for sale or your new home for occupancy.

Other costs include hiring a moving company or renting a moving van, and making deposits to set up new accounts with local utility companies.

Consider inconvenience of remodeling
The chief advantage of remodeling, on the other hand, is the opportunity to design your own home and choose the features and amenities you want as your home is being transformed. Yet remodeling can be costly and disruptive in its own way.

In addition to the costs of the remodeling project and the potential cost overruns, you'll also need to pay for architect or design services, building permits, and new fixtures, appliances or furnishings for your remodeled home. You may also be facing a second home loan payment each month and potentially higher property taxes.

If you move out of your home during construction, you may need to pay for temporary housing. Or, if you decide to remain at home, you'll probably incur some additional living expenses such as takeout meals or professional cleaning services.

Personal preferences are important too
Whether to move or remodel depends not only on the costs, but also on how much inconvenience you're willing to tolerate and how you feel about the two options.

If you're enthusiastic about finding, buying and moving into a new home, moving may be the right choice for you. But if you're emotionally attached to your home, you may prefer to remain in place and remodel. Either way, you'll be that much closer to the home of your dreams.

Don't get burned
When a sale agreement is signed, the buyer's agent should check the house and make a careful list of all its fixtures. Sellers should check this list very carefully to make sure they are in agreement with the buyer as to who owns what. In some cases, buyers have included things on this list that didn't actually exist in the house to begin with, like a refrigerator with a built-in icemaker or a workshop tool bench. Since the purchase agreement is a legally binding contract, the seller will then be liable to supply these "missing" items.

Chattels and fixtures are often negotiable, depending on individual seller's wants and needs and can be factored into the selling price of the house at later stages. The bottom line, though, is to always be prepared. A written agreement is the best way to determine who is entitled to what.

What typically stays (unless otherwise specified in writing)

• Wall-to-wall carpeting
• Permanent light fixtures
• Landscaping (patio stones, masonry, in-ground pools)
• Window coverings (shutters, blinds, curtain rods)
• Skylights
• Fireplaces and mantelpieces
• Garden sheds (with concrete foundations)
• In-ground plants and trees
• Mirrors permanently affixed to walls

What typically goes (unless otherwise specified in writing)

• Carpets and area rugs
• Household appliances (refrigerators, stoves, microwaves, dishwashers, washer/dryers, etc.)
• Non-permanent light fixtures
• Potted plants
• Curtains
• Hanging mirrors
• Paintings and wall hangings

For more information and advice, we recommend that you consult an attorney or real estate professional.