Moving Tips

There are so many things to think about when moving. Here's a checklist to help you remember all the details so you can stay on track. Organization is the key to a successful move.

6-8 WEEKS BEFOR MOVING DAY

1. Organize your belongings. Get rid of things you don’t want to move. Consider having a garage sale or donate to your local charity or donation center.
2. Collect moving supplies. If you plan to do your own packing or partial packing, you can purchase moving materials from AZ Discount Movers. Materials purchased through a moving company are specially designed for moving to prevent damage to your belongings. Some moving companies have kits that help you estimate how much packing material you’ll need to move your size home, and may also provide free delivery of packing materials. Ask you local moving agent.
3. Decide where your furniture will fit best in your new home. If you’re replacing large pieces of furniture or major appliances, shopping now will give you time to find the best deals.
4. Make a schedule for packing rooms and start packing. Schedule 2-4 days per room and start early to be sure you have enough time.
5. Become familiar with your new community. Locate schools, churches, shopping areas, community programs, and parks. Contact the local Chamber of Commerce to request information on the community.
6. Gather important documents. Contact schools, doctors, and auto and homeowner’s insurance agents. Get copies of your records and policies, and have insurance policies transferred to your new address.
7. Make a moving folder. Keep and file all moving related moving receipts; many of your moving expenses are tax deductible. Get more information by contacting the IRS at 1-800-829-1040, or search online for “moving deductions” at www.irs.gov.

4-5 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING DAY

1. Contact utility companies. Call the phone, water, cable, Internet, trash and electric companies at the old and new locations so you can make arrangements for disconnection and reconnection of all utilities.
2. Submit your change of address to the post office. Obtain a change of address form at your local Post Office, or go online at moversguide.usps.com to submit a change of address and the effective date of the change.
3. Notify businesses and friends of your new address. Make a list of people you need to contact with your new address: family and friends, banks and investment companies, magazine and newspaper subscriptions, insurance companies, credit card companies, and other service providers.
4. Notify the moving company if you want them to pack you. Now is the time to make the final decision whether you are going to pack yourself or have a moving company pack you.
5. Organize again: Do a final walk-through. If you aren’t going to move it with you, donate or dispose of it now. And start making a list of all the furniture you are taking with you.

2-3 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING DAY

1. Call your movers to finalize all information. Confirm the date and start time of the move, the addresses of your origin and destination locations, and the estimate for all move services. Be sure to add any packing materials needed.
2. Determine if storage arrangements are needed. Confirm that the moving company provides storage; if not, call several local storage facilities to get the best rate.
3. Back up your computer files on discs. In case of data loss, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Keep discs with other personal valuables you are moving yourself.
4. Contact the motor vehicle department. Ask when you should submit your automobile registration and driver’s license address change. Calendar this so you’ll be reminded when it’s time.
5. Return rented and borrowed items. Return movie and game rentals, cable and satellite receiver boxes, library books, school equipment, and things friends have loaned to be sure they don’t get packed.
6. Pick up dry cleaning. Don’t forget to retrieve any items being serviced or repaired, and items loaned to neighbors or friends.
7. Clean out safety deposit boxes. If you’re moving out of the area, you’ll want to put the items in a box near your new home.
8. Plan meals for your family for the next two weeks. Between packing, moving arrangements, and everyday family duties, meal planning can help ease the transition.
9. Confirm travel arrangements for your pets. Decide if it would be easier to board pets to minimize the stress on them and you.
10. Decide what to do with your outdoor plants. Moving causes stress on plants and some will not survive the move. It might be more convenient to give them away and buy new plants after you’re moved in.

1 WEEK BEFORE MOVING DAY

1. Dispose of any poisonous or flammable products. Paint thinner, gasoline, and other household items must be disposed of properly before you move. By law, moving companies cannot transfer these items for insurance and hazardous safety reasons.
2. Empty, defrost, and clean your refrigerator. At least within 24 hours of your move date, disconnect and prepare all appliances for transporting.
3. Finish packing and prepare an essentials box. Be sure you have boxes with things you’ll need immediately in the new home. Label these boxes “load last” so they will be unloaded first at your new location.
4. Make sure boxes are marked for each room. The movers can work more efficiently if they can easily identify which boxes go to which room. Boxes that are fragile or to be loaded last should be clearly marked. This will ensure a smoother moving process, saving you time and money.
5. Make child care arrangements for your little ones and pets for move day. You need to focus on supervising your move, not worrying about the welfare of your precious ones.
6. Fill any prescriptions that are due to be filled. You won’t have to worry about it for the first couple of weeks while you’re getting settled in your new home.
7. Confirm moving information with the moving company. This last check will ensure everything is understood and correct.
8. Collect all keys, garage openers, appliance manuals, and security codes. Put them together to give to the new homeowners or your real estate agent.
9. Check your mailbox and PO box the day before you move. And be sure to check your new mailbox the day after you move in.

We wish you and your family happiness and success in your new home!