Before you even start to pack, take a look at your possessions and decide what you can't live without. Everything else should be left behind. This may seem a little extreme, but the truth is that it doesn't really make sense to ship your old mattress across the country when it's cheaper (and nicer) to buy a new one once you arrive. Heavy items that you can easily and cheaply replace should be left behind unless they have a special meaning for you.
The same is true of books, clothes or other household or sport items. If you haven't used fthem in the last year, it doesn't really make sense to bring them along, especially if they're heavy and cumbersome. Be ruthless when going through your possessions and discard everything you can easily replace for little money or don't really have any use for. Books and magazines can be shipped via Media Rate through the USPS. It's probably cheaper than moving it (especially if your company charges by weight) and the box will arrive a couple of weeks later, when you're already settled.
The most obvious choice is to pack everything and send it via a moving truck to your destination while you fly there and wait for the items to arrive. However, if you don't have a lot of stuff to bring along, it may make sense to take it on the flight with you, especially if you're traveling back and forth to your destination and can take a couple of suitcases with you every time.
A full-service moving company is a great option if you don't want to agonize over the preparations. These companies will come to your house, pack everything, load it and transport it. All you have to do is point and let them know where things go. This is an especially good idea if you're shipping expensive equipment or fragile items, since the packers will know better how to pack it for protection.
Another option is to rent a trailer and move everything yourself. If you choose this, keep in mind the added expenses you will incur by staying at hotels and eating on the road, as well as the added wear and tear your car will suffer because of the added weight and miles.
Flights get canceled, trucks have delays because of storms or traffic and things happen that can make a trip more stressful than expected. Prepare by having a clear schedule and itinerary, with a list of hotels on the road and information on how to proceed once you get to your destination. Don't pack things that you will need in the first week of your arrival. If the truck is late, you'll find yourself in great trouble. If there is paperwork, materials or electronics that are essential to your everyday life, you should bring those along with you, rather than pack and ship them.
