Have you ever relocated for a job or known someone who has?

By the end of July I will be moving to Virginia for a new position within my company. There is still a lot to do and things to figure out. Like, moving expenses, finding a place to live, figuring out how to get all of our cats down there, and more.

So, what I want to know is if any of my fellow jellies have relocated for a job (or know somebody that has) and could give me some tips.

How did you find a place to live? Did you have to get a hotel room or did you secure a home before you even got there? How did you move all your stuff? Did the company give you any expenses? Did you get a U-Haul and do it yourself? How far away was this new position? Did you have any pets at the time? Anything else you could tell me about the experience?