We moved here two years ago, and I don't blame you for being scared! Things I learned from our move are:

Get more boxes than you think you'll need. Get boxes from liquor stores, they have dividers in them (for the bottles) that your glasses will slip right into.

Get lots of wide tape for the boxes.

Purchase many Sharpie Magnums. You will use them to label the outside of boxes, and if you have more than one you won't have to worry about where you put the last one!

Label and group your boxes by room, kitchen and bathroom are obvious, but bedroom #1, #2, etc. are helpful, and then before you move in label the appropriate bedroom doors, too.

Don't pack anything you haven't used for a year. Chances are you won't use it in the new place either.

Use paper towels as packing material. Regular packing material will just become waste; paper towels you can use again to clean your new place.

Anything important, like medications, Band-Aids, etc. shouldn't be packed in a box but in a tote bag. You'll be able to find it much faster this way.

Give yourself enough time to unpack and enjoy the experience!

On moving day, stash everything you don't want moved in the bathroom and keep the door shut...the tub makes a great place to place odds and ends you don't want to get lost. Pack a small box with valuables like jewelry, coins etc and leave it with a trusted friend or neighbor (if possible) so no one has a chance to see your jewelry (I've known several people who have worked as mover's helpers and I've heard some stories...)

See if you can find used moving boxes...check Craig's list, tell your friends, coworkers, etc. that you are looking for moving boxes. The best thing about moving company boxes is they are uniform sizes so they stack easier and are usually more sturdy than many liquor store boxes. Also, sometimes you can get them with packing paper as well. Most people will give them away for free or maybe $20 to $30 and it is money well spent!

If you're moving locally, consider a small storage unit so you can pack up a few boxes and get them out of your way. For example, holiday decorations, out of season clothes, serving dishes, good china/glassware, books, pictures, decorative objects, extra sheets and towels, extra bedding, extra clothing and shoes can all be packed up a few weeks in advance. Then, when moving day comes, you'll only need to worry about moving the furniture and the belongings you use every week. When you move in, you can then arrange the important items before bringing back the things you want that aren't absolute necessities.

Whether you're hiring movers, doing it yourself or suckering friends or family into helping, treat your movers well! Have cool drinks and snacks available--cookies, candy bars and sodas are cheap! If you're hiring movers, you'll probably tip them at the end but remember by then, they've already been as careful or careless as they will. Ensure the smoothness of the day by making everyone's day as pleasant as possible.

Consider hiring labor to carry, load and unload your belongings, even if you're doing the move yourself. There are techniques to moving and carrying furniture and smart, little guys who know what they're doing can run circles around your favorite football players who have never done much moving work.

Don't pack your broom, vacuum and whatever other supplies you need to clean up your current place after everything is moved out. Also, be sure to have toilet paper and towels at the new house first thing!

Go to Flylady.net. Look at her tips for organizing prior to moving.

Estimate how many boxes you need, then get twice as many. People always recommend liquor stores for boxes, but I think pharmacies are a better source (liquor boxes are more beat up from carrying heavy bottles, diaper boxes etc are in better shape). Ask store people when the best time is to pick up boxes (ie ideally before they dismantle/flatten them so you don’t have to put them back together). Have a several sharpies/rolls of tape/scissors available. Ideally write stuff on multiple sides of the boxes so when they’re stacked up you can still have a clue what’s in them. Pack books in small boxes; they get too heavy otherwise.
Make sure everyone’s bedding is easily accessible and once you’re in the new place make the beds early on. It’s a long day and once you’re exhausted and ready to crash you’ll be so grateful to have your beds ready!