You'll want to take some items in your own car when you move, and that's true whether you're hiring a mover or doing the job on your own. You'll hand-carry jewelry, medications, house plants, pets and a suitcase for each family member. Keep handy a box containing hammer, screwdriver, cleaning supplies and rags, extension cords, paper plates and cups, plastic utensils, saucepan, coffee maker and supplies, snacks, toothbrushes, soap and towels.

If you're renting a truck, they've met your kind before at truck rental agencies, and they're prepared with all sorts of assistance. They have information to help estimate what size truck or trailer you'll need. They can rent you a handtruck or dolly, furniture pads and straps, and sell you cartons specifically made for packing various types of items.

If you don't want to buy or rent boxes, one good source for small sturdy cartons is your local liquor store.

Your truck rental can be one-way or round-trip. Be sure to ask about drop-off locations. If there isn't one in your new town, there may be one nearby, which could be just as good. You'd need someone with a car to follow you and bring you back no matter where you returned the truck.

In contrast to moving companies, which seldom accept credit cards, car rental companies will take your card. Remember that in addition to daily charges, you'll have costs for gasoline and tolls.

Be sure to check with your insurance company to see whether you need any additional insurance to supplement the rental agency's own policy.

And when it comes to loading the truck, remember --. there's no substitute for good friends, a few six-packs of soda and beer, and a pizza delivery.