Ahh ... Moving .... This is something I know a thing or two (or three or ... ) about. My last move was last year (sold my house and moved in to a rental with a pretty typical 4 weeks between mutual acceptance and closing), and I'm moving again this year (half way across the country). Here are a few bits of advice:
1. If you don't already have a good comprehensive how-to manual, consider investing in the book "29 Days to a Smooth Move." It is absolutely the best, loaded with tips that will help you save money and time, and keep you on track. It's currently available for sale used at Amazon.com for $9 including shipping, and it's absolutely worth every penny of that. Much cheaper and better for you than Valium.
2. Moving Companies: For my last move, due to the short amount of time, I hired movers. I used "Checkbook.org" (a non-profit consumer rating business, not available in all areas) to choose a couple movers to interview and get quotes from. I ended up with a dream team; they did an absolutely perfect job. I did all of the packing myself and let them do all of the heavy lifting. They provided boxes. If Checkbook.org isn't available in your area, ask around for referrals. Do NOT choose the company that advertises the most --- The best moving companies don't need to advertise because they get their business by word of mouth. Check out any companies you are considering with the BBB.
3. Moving Trucks: This time around, I'm moving myself. I looked at many moving truck companies and went with Penske. They offer a 10% discount for booking on-line, and an additional 12% discount for AAA members for a total savings of 22% off of prices that are pretty competitive even at full price. A couple others members of this forum have also used Penske recently.
3. Moving Company vs. Moving Truck: When you interview moving companies, get quotes for not only moving your furniture, but for moving everything (including boxes) as well. You may find that it's cheaper to either use the moving company for the entire move, or do the entire move youself, rather than trying to do a hybrid of the two.
4. DIY Move: If you decide to do the entire move yourself, check out these things they sell called "Forearm Forklifts" that you strap around your arms and use to move furniture, mattresses, etc. I have not used them and won't be using them this time (I have sold off most of my furniture), but they look awfully slick and I would definitely consider buying them if I had heavy stuff to move.
5. PODS: I priced this prior to my last move and found the cost to be staggering, so I didn't do it.
6. Packing Materials: If you use a moving company you may not have to worry about this. But if you DIY, definitely look for free boxes and other materials from Freecycle or Craigslist.
Good Luck to you!