NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Can't bear to part with your cell phone number? Well, you won't have to after Nov. 24.

That's when new rules will let customers, in the nation's 100 largest markets, take their local

cell phone numbers with them if they switch to a new wireless carrier. The rules will also let consumers switch their home or office numbers to their cell phones.

Here are five tips in preparation for the big day.

1. Pick your carrier

Customers should pick the carrier first. Take advantage of trial periods -- they could last 14 to 30 days -- which some carriers offer. See if the service works well where you live or work. Do you like the phone?

It's important that customers not cancel their old service until they sign up with the new carrier and complete the switch or porting process. If you cancel service first, you may lose the ability to transfer the number.

CNNfn's Gerri Willis shares tips on what to consider before switching cell phone carriers. Play video (Real or Windows Media)

When you contact the carrier to which you want to switch, have a recent phone bill available with all your necessary information in front of you. The carrier will need all your old account information to transfer numbers.

If any information is incorrect on the application, such as writing your name as "William Smith" when it is listed as "Bill Smith," the transfer could be delayed.

Once a porting request has been made, the old carrier cannot refuse to port a number. Customers who find companies unwilling to transfer their phone numbers should complan to the FCC. You can call 1-888-CALL-FCC.

2. Price of porting

Some cell carriers are tacking a fee onto monthly bills in advance of Monday's deadline. These range from a few cents to a little over a dollar depending on the carrier.

The FCC says carriers are allowed to charge consumers for number porting, though the new carrier could agree to pay the transfer fee as a way to entice customers. Ask the new carrier if it has such a policy.

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Also be aware that consumers are still obligated to pay any early termination fees (these could range from $150 to $240.) You also must pay any outstanding balance owed to the old carrier.

And don't forget you get to keep your phone number, not your phone, so be sure to factor in the cost of buying a new phone.

3. Cover the bases

Verizon Wireless suggests you have an alternate contact number for people to get in touch with you or for emergencies in case the port takes longer than anticipated.

Wireless to wireless should take about 2 1/2 hours while wireline to wireless could take several days.

However, with so many moving pieces involved, there is always the concern whether the providers will get it right the first time. Some say wait until after the Nov. 24 date, and let the system take care of itself before you make the switch.

4. Wait for deals

Carriers are expected to cut prices and beef up promotions to attract new customers.

Consumers are going to want to shop around. Also don't sign any long-term contracts you will not be able to get out of if you find a better deal.

5. Ditch your wireline?

Among the reasons to hang onto your landline phone is that when you call 9-1-1 from your wireline, the emergency service knows where you are calling from. With cell service, emergency services providers are not be able to pinpoint your location.

The FCC also says using cell service for all your calls could add over $144 a year to your phone bill. And if you're wondering about the Do Not Call database, the FCC says if you registered for do not call on your wireline number and move it to wireless, you will still be on the Do Not Call list. It is the phone number that is registered.

On that date, new rules set by the FCC will let customers in the nation's 100 largest markets take their local cell phone numbers with them if they switch to a new wireless carrier.

Industry studies predict that about half of the more 150 million cell phone accounts in use will switch to new carriers within the next year.

Portability may sound good for consumers as companies flood the market with attractive offers. But there may be some reasons why you should consider waiting.  

Gerri Willis is the personal finance editor for CNN Business News. Willis also is co-host of CNNfn's The FlipSide, weekdays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (ET). E-mail comments to 5tips@cnnfn.com.