Arizona Moving Tips - Moving Services, House Checklist Guide for Relocating to Arizona Home

Moving across country or even across a state or province can be stressful. Here are some tips we have found to be useful.

Table of Contents

One Month Before Moving

• Fill out change of address form for post office. Order preprinted address labels with your new address.
• Fill out an IRS change of address form.
• Reserve a rental truck or make arrangements with moving company.
• Take inventory of your belongings before they're packed, in the event you need to file an insurance claim later. If possible, take pictures or video tape your belongings. Record serial numbers of electronic equipment.
• Make travel arrangements, if necessary, with airlines, buses, car rental agencies and hotels.
• Make arrangements for transporting pets.
• Transfer memberships in churches, clubs and civic organizations.
• Ask doctor and dentist for referrals and transfer prescriptions. Obtain medical and dental records, x-rays and prescription histories.
• Set up a checking account in your new city.
• Check into the laws and requirements of your new city regarding home-based businesses, business licenses, professional tests and any laws that might be applicable to you.
• Start using up food items, so that there is less left to pack.

One To Two Weeks Before Moving

• Switch utility services to new address. Inform electric, water, disposal, newspaper, magazine subscription, telephone and cable companies of your move. Keep a utility log to check service-transfer dates. If you're moving locally, leave the power and water on at your old address a few extra days so you can go back and clean up after your move.
• Arrange for help on moving day.
• Confirm travel reservations.
• Reserve elevator if moving from an apartment.
• Have appliances serviced for moving.
• Clean clothing and rugs and have them wrapped for moving.
• Plan ahead for special needs of infants and children.
• Close bank accounts and have your funds wired to your new bank. Before closing, be sure there are no outstanding checks or automatic payments that haven't been processed.
• Collect valuables from safe-deposit box. Make copies of any important documents before mailing or hand carry them to your new address.
• Check with your insurance agent to ensure you'll be covered through your homeowner's or renter's policy during the move.
• Defrost freezer and refrigerator. Place deodorizer inside to control odors.
• Give a close friend or relative your travel route and schedule so you may be reached if needed.

• Carry travelers checks for quick, available funds.
• Carry important documents, currency and jewelry yourself, or use registered mail.
• Double check closets, drawers, shelves, attic and garage to be sure they are empty.

After Arriving At New Home

• Renew your driver's license, auto registration and tags.
• Shop around for new insurance policies, especially auto coverage.
• Locate the hospitals, police stations, veterinarian and fire stations near your home.
• Revise your will and other legal.
• Make sure all your family, friends, and business associates have your new address. Note the phone numbers of your new utility companies, insurance agents and other organizations in your new location.

• Choose a "packing room" ahead of time and box up a few things each day.
• Keep the following supplies handy for packing: Boxes, marking pen, bubble wrap, newspaper and tissue. Tape measure, packing tape, electrical tape in several colors, and scissors. Mark each box with its contents and destination room. Color code boxes - yellow for kitchen, blue for bathroom, etc. Place colored tape on the boxes to denote which room the box should be delivered to.
• Use strong boxes and containers that can be secured tightly. Buy special boxes for dishes, wardrobe and other specialty items. Office storage boxes can be purchased at Office Max or Staples - they’re not too big and are easy to stack.
• Pack audio-video equipment in their original boxes. Label cables and tighten screws. If removing screws, securely tape them to the objects they are removed from.
• Avoid loading more than 50 pounds into one box.
• Label each box and indicate the following: (a) which room it should go in (b) whether it is fragile (c) if it should be loaded last so it will be unloaded first.
• Cushion contents with packing material such as bubble wrap, newspaper, plastic bags, or tissue. Packing paper can be purchased inexpensively at truck rental companies. Save room by using towels and blankets to wrap fragile items.
• Pack books tightly on end in small boxes so they’re not too heavy.
• Pack medicines in a leak-proof container. Ziplock storage bags work well.
• Carry all valuables with you.
• Check with your local U.S. Department of Agriculture for regulations regarding moving plants from one state to another. Some states have restrictions on certain plants and bringing in fruit to prevent importing bugs or pests that can destroy valuable cash crops.

On The Day Of Your Move

• Mark the boxes "DO NOT LOAD" and set aside so they won't be taken on the moving van. Close the boxes and punch air holes in the top before loading into your car.
When Moving
• Park your car in a sunny spot in the winter and a shaded area in the summer.
Upon Arrival
• Unpack the plants as soon as possible after arrival. To avoid breaking the stems remove plants through the bottom of the box. Let them get gradually accustomed to more light - don’t expose the plants to much sunlight at first.

If moving locally, you may want to leave your pets with a friend during moving day. Animals can become confused and frightened during a move. Cats and dogs can be taken in your car. If so, remember to take along the following items:

• Water
• Food
• A leash for letting your pet out of the car
• Newspaper or sheets to keep your car clean

Cats often travel better in a crate or carrier. Animals can get car-sick and require frequent stops along the way. Also, check ahead to see if the hotel where you are staying allows pets. Depending on the animal's temperament and size, it might be better to have it shipped by air. Be sure to check if your destination has any local requirements or restrictions on animals.

If you have your pet shipped by air, make sure someone can meet your pet at the airport and take care of it until you arrive. A kennel can do this for you and keep your pet until you have completed your move, if necessary.

Your cat or dog can ride in the baggage compartment if you are flying to your new destination. You may need the following items:

• Health certificate. Obtain this from your veterinarian.
• Pet container. The airline might have a special container available or you can use your own as long as it complies with airline regulations.
• Tranquilizers. Your vet can provide tranquilizers to be given to your pet immediately before going to the airport.
• Your scent. Your pet can be comforted by having a piece of cloth with your scent on it.

Birds, hamsters, and other small animals can easily be transported in your car. Cover cages with a cloth to help keep the animals calm and quiet. Make sure they have food and water available.

It can be very impractical and risky to move fish. Check with your local pet store for recommendations on moving your specific type of fish.

About Moving Companies

Consumer complaints against moving companies have been rising. Following are some tips that can help your move go smoothly.

• Get a binding estimate from the moving company. Make sure the amount is written in the contract.
• Inquire about their on-time record and other complaints with the local Better Business Bureau or consumer complaints department.
• Movers are limited by law regarding what they can give you for lost or damaged goods. To cover potential damage, check existing homeowner's or renter's policy.
• Ask about expected gratuities and write into contract.
• Have the contract include a guarantee of how many hours the job will take, allowing an overrun of no more than 10%.
• Be sure all charges are listed on contract.
• Inform the moving company of how many stairs are at your new home.
• Watch loading and unloading and examine all items carefully before signing a receipt.
• Document an inventory of your belongings before you pack.

Personal Experience: I have had the worst luck with Starving Students and Two Men and a Truck, including theft, breakage, rudeness, late arrival by up to 6 hours, and failure to complete the move! Metro Movers, on the other hand, was terrific - they were professional, on time, and completed the move super fast.