Moving To Arizona

When moving for the first time, you may be overwhelmed with where to start. I will break down the steps necessary to make your move as stress free as possible.

Checklist

You will need 2-3 months to plan your move to make it easy and successful. To find the reliable companies to assist you with your move, ask me for referrals.

Two to Three Months Prior to Your Move

• Hire a Mover: Obtain estimates for movers in your area to get the best quote. Ask specific questions if you have special instructions. Make sure the mover factors in stairs when discussing an estimate.
• Reserve a Rental Truck: If you plan on moving your belongings on your own, it is a good time to put down a reservation for your date. Obtain estimates and ask about tools you may need such as a dolly, moving blankets, and pads.
• Plan your layout: Obtain a copy of your new home’s layout, and decide where your current furniture is going to fit into your home.
• Rid of Clutter: Get rid of any extra items that do not fit into your new home’s plan. Now is the time to list them in the classifieds, in online directories, have a garage sell, or give to friends/family. Don’t forget about attics and basements.
• Organize a File: Get a file ready to organize estimates, moving receipts, and all other paperwork. Moving costs are tax deductible, so make sure all costs associated are saved.
• School Transfer Paperwork: If you have any children that need to be placed in a new school, obtain all necessary paperwork and transfer papers.
• Pick your Mover: Finalize your choice of relocation company or moving van rental company at this time.
• Fix it Up!: Fix up your current home for sale. Contact all contractors needed to make your house shine before you move (ie. painters, plumbers, roofers - anyone necessary to make changes)

Six Weeks to Two Months Before Your Move

• Change of Address Form: Pick up a change of address form at the post office. This way all your old mail will be routed to your new home.
• Order the Paper: Subscribe to your new area’s local news paper.
• Contact Storage Company: If you would like to put any items in a storage facility, now is the time to do it.
• Obtain Referrals for Health Plan Providers: Talk to your doctor to find out if he can recommend a health provider in your new area. Also get a copy of your medical records at this time.
• Appraise your Belongings: If you have any artwork, sculptures, paintings, or other valuables that you plan on moving, get them appraised. This way if a mover breaks your belongings, you will be compensated the appropriate amount.
• Eat at Home!: Use the food from your fridge that cannot be moved with you. Wasting is a shame.

Four to Six Weeks Prior to Your Move

• Turn off Services: Contact utility companies, phone companies, and internet providers to have your services shut off on your moving date. If services can be moved to your new home (ie Internet and cable companies often times will move your services), let them know your new address and an availability date. If you have placed down any deposits, obtain a refund at this time.
• Honey Start Packing: Obtain boxes, and other packing materials that you will need to ship your belongings safely.
• Clean your Belongings: If you are keeping your drapes, furniture, and rugs, arrange to have them cleaned.
• Don’t Forget the Pets: Arrange transportation for your pets and plants if necessary. If you are moving a far distance, you may want to consider placing your pets (ie dog) on a plane for an easier move.
• Check Insurance: Check to see if your possessions are covered through your insurance.
• Moving Permits: Check to see if you need any permits to move your belongings.
• Gather You and Your Families Records: Collect and file any family records including medical and dental information. Vet records, school records, and financial documents should not be forgotten.

Three Weeks Prior to Your Move

• Auto Registration Transfer: Prepare for your auto registration to be transfered to your new area.
• Apartment arrangements: If you live in an apartment complex, arrange for use of the elevator on your moving day.

Two Weeks Prior to Your Move

• Dispose of Extras: Anything that did not sell at the garage sell should be gotten rid of at this point.
• Fine Tuning for Your Car: Get your car checked and serviced before your move. It is important to get your antifreeze checked if you are moving from a warm climate to a cold one.
• Cancel newspaper delivery: Call your newspaper company and let them know that you no longer need their services.
• Notify Credit Card Companies of Your Move: Contact your credit card companies and let them know your new contact information.
• Taking Medication? If you are taking any form of medication, make sure to have it transfered over to your new local pharmacy.
• Inform the New Owner: If you have any special details the new home owner should know, leave with them this information. It is important to leave the new owner with your contact information for anyone who may show up.
• Change of Address: Send all friends and family your new contact information.
• Pack your Bags!: Just as you would if you were going on vacation, pack a box with items you will need. Items include everything from aspirin, clothes, games, first aid KIT, cups, towels, paper plates, phone book, flashlight, keys, toiletries, tool KIT, credit cards, and checkbooks.

One Day Before Your Move

• Transfer your Bank Accounts: Transfer your funds including deposit boxes.
• Make last minute payments: Pay pending bills.
• Confirm Arrangements: Confirm with moving company/ van rental company about your reservations.
• Drain water hose: if you plan on keeping taking it with you.
• Drain Oil and Gas items: Before your move, empty any electric items that contain gas or oil. No, this does not include your vehicle.
• Defrost Fridge: Unplug your refrigerator for defrosting. Prop open doors for faster defrosting.
• Pack Boxes: Pack up last minute belongings. Mark boxes according to room and importance.

Moving Day!

• Take Note of Meter Readings: Keep a list of meter readings when you leave the home just in case you may need to dispute them later on.
• Keep Paperwork Safe: Read any paperwork that you sign and request a copy. Keep this paperwork/bills in a safe place for reference later on.

Delivery & Drop-off Day

• Be There or Be Square: If you are having movers bring your belongings, make sure to be at your residence to assist them and let them know where your items belong. Supervise if necessary.
• Check List Checking: Check to see if all your belongings made it to your new residence.
• Pay Your Mover: Pay the moving company if you have not done so already.
• Before You Unpack!: Before you start unpacking boxes, set up your bed. This way at the end of the day even if you are not finished unpacking, you will have a place to sleep.