ARIZONA DISCOUNT MOVERS
Moving Tips	Homes ~ Apartments ~ Offices ~ Small Moves ~ Short Notice

Selecting a moving company:

• Ask if they are licensed, insured, and if they are members of the Better Business Bureau.
• Ask if they use full-time employees or temporaries and day labor. (Those who do not use full-time employees may not have proper insurance.)
• Ask each moving company you consider if they have suggestions to help make your move easier.
• Ask what training your potential movers and drivers have completed before you choose a moving company.
• Find out if the moving company you are about to choose offers a cancellation policy.
• Ask each moving company you consider if they have a minimum charge.
• Ask each moving company you consider if they charge by the piece or by the hour.
• Find out what payment options are offered by the moving company you are about to choose.
• Ask each moving company you consider if they provide packing and unpacking services.

Preparing for moving day:

• Make your reservations for movers two to four weeks before your moving day.
• Schedule utility disconnect times for about a week before your moving day. There is no need to pay for cable, phone, water, and utilities when you are not there to enjoy them.
• Since your belongings will be packed, plan to get snacks to have on hand for moving day.
• Check your large appliance and sensitive equipment warranty information and owner's manuals to see if there are special instructions for preparing for the move. Do this early, in case you need to contact the manufacurer to obtain answers.

Packing for your move:

• Begin packing early any items you will not between now and the time of your move.
• Pack important, personal, and sentimental documents separately so that they may be located quickly. Such items include children and adult health records, pet vet records, passports, family records, photos and albums, and insurance policies and information.
• Pack all electronic equipment (such as stereos and computers) in their original boxes. If this is not possible, use bubble wrap when packing these items.
• Do not interlock the top flaps of boxes; always tape boxes shut.
• Do not use duct tape; use packing tape instead.
• Heavier item should be packed in smaller the boxes.
• Use small boxes for books, which may be heavier than they look.
• Dishes should be stacked facing upwards when they are packed.
• Do not use printed newsprint when you are wrapping fine china.
• Clearly mark boxes which contain fragile items.
• Clearly label all boxes on the top and on the side. Indicate contents and the room where the box should go at your destination.
• Avoid combining items from different rooms into a single box; use separate boxes for each room.
• Do not use boxes without tops! Boxes without tops cannot be stacked properly in the truck.

What your moving company cannot do for you:

• By law, a moving company cannot transport hazardous materials such as gasoline, bottled gases and other flammables, ammunition and explosives. Please make other arrangements for such items.

(Updated 24 Jan 2008)