Arizona movers moving companies Phoenix mover

MAKE IT AN EASY MOVE...
This article is written to help you with a process that usually takes between 90 and
120 days. Start the moving process early and you will find it can be a positive
experience.

Here are several experience tested suggestions that will save you time, money and
frustration.

* Begin with pre-move planning and organizing.
* Appoint one family member who can and will coordinate without procrastinating.
* Get an early start.
* Communicate regularly.
* Pay attention to detail.
* Follow through by every family member is a " must "!

THE IMPORTANT WHAT, WHERE, WHEN DECISIONS

Before you call a moving company, decide: what, where and when... Early in your
planning. What furnishings will you replace withing 2 months?

What's the best way to dispose of items you don't want or need in your new home
rather than paying to move them only to give them away after moving. Keep
receipts if you give to a charity. Identify furnishings that won't fit and things your
family has outgrown or no longer needs.

This is the best time to clean the attic, basement and closets. Do it before you pack
or move and before the discards are figured into the cost estimate of the move.

Obtain a list of things you cannot move ( flammables, paint, gasoline, anti-freeze,
tanks with propane in them ) and find proper disposal facilities well in advance of
the move. If total moving cost is a major factor when you move:

Try to arrange your move during the least busy period of the month. A high
percentage of moves occur during the first and last weeks, and the busiest months
are in the summer.

If you are moving away from a high growth area ( e.g., the Sun Belt ) you may find
movers returning empty to their base and willing to bid aggressively for your move.

THE WHO OF YOUR MOVE
Your most important job is personal: the care, safety, emotional adjustment, mental
and physical health of your family members. Moving professionals recommend you
take the time to make the move a pleasant, positive experience for every family
member including all the adults!

Few home buyers can safely handle a move, and it depends upon:

* you and your available help,
* the size, weight, volume and distance to be moved
* your available time, and more.

Before you decide to move yourself, answer these seven
questions.

1. Do you have adequate physical strength and endurance?

2. Do you have at least two helpers, at least one who is stronger than you are and
knows how to pack a truck?

3. Can you be sure to have adequate time off from work to complete the move on
schedule?

4. Compare costs fairly, apples to apples, total costs verses total costs. Does it
" pay you " to move?

5. Will your home owners policy cover potential loss in case of accident en route or
while moving?

6. Can you carry everything through doorways, up stairs without damage to house
or items moved?

7. Do your homework. Truck rental firms have widely different rates, equipment,
services, and fees for a one-way move. Have you compared all the costs?

HOW ABOUT THE COST?
Movers will give you an estimate and their representative will probably be
knowledgeable. But, the estimate doesn't tell you total actual cost or the total
amount of your certified check!

Some movers will "low-ball" or underestimate cost components to " get " your
move, or won't mention extra costs that are automatically tacked on as actual
conditions warrant. Ask for all of the cost components with the estimate, including
potential extra charges, with the written estimate so you don't receive any
surprises after the move is completed.

Moving cost components include:
* packing ( labor and materials )
* servicing electric appliances
* special handling of antiques, art and other fragile items
* additional insurance while in transit or in storage
* accessory charges including number of stairs, distance from van to house, items of
high or unusual weight or size, ease of entry.
* transportation charges ( weight times total miles between homes )
* client imposed costs requiring the crew to consume extra time or manpower to
complete the move.

When you receive an estimate, be sure to preview all potential added charges,
particularly relating to the mover's ability to position the van close to both houses
before the move.

You don't win by giving your mover surprises when he arrives at your new home.
Your actual cost will be determined by the reality of the move, not by a verbal
description of your new residence. Unless you have received a written, binding
estimate, you will pay the total charges, including extras, on delivery unless you
have received a written, binding estimate, you will pay the total charges, including
extras, on delivery unless your move is an approved, corporate move, in which
case your firm will be billed for the actual cost.

PREPARING YOUR FAMILY
Communicate openly and realistically with all family members as early as possible.

* Tell children what is happening and include them in the process, even in the new
home selection, if possible. If they are happy, feel include in the decision making
process, and "take ownership" of their new home, the transition will be easier for
everyone.

* Share the excitement and responsibilities. If every family member takes responsibility
for an age-appropriate part of the move, your's can be an easy move.
Remember: appoint one adult coordinator, and get every family member, involved in
the move.

PETS, PLANTS AND PERISHABLES
These three are often are forgotten until moving day. Some states don't permit
plants to cross the state line without treatment and some plants don't travel well.
Plan to give away your plants to people you know will care for them and enjoy
having your plants. Moving is especially tough on pets. Get them groomed on
moving day, pick up copies of medical records, and make advance reservations for
their move, especially if by air.

Four weeks before your move begin the process of winnowing down you freezer's
content to avoid trashing or attempting to move large quantities of food, especially
frozen meat.

PACKING FOR YOUR MOVE
Packing is both art and science. Art in combining just the right items in each box to
arrive damage free, science in producing an inventory that enables you to quickly
find anything you need at a moment's notice after arriving in your new home.

Some helpful hints:

Pack to unpack. When possible, combine items that will go together in your new
home. Pack heavy items in smaller, heavy duty cartons. Use vertical and horizontal
dividers for glassware and other fragile times of similar size. Clearly mark room
destination on top and at least one side of every carton. If you plan to unpack over
several weeks or more, make a complete inventory of the contents of each carton,
and number clearly all cartons to be opened sometime later. Pack tools needed for
immediate use in your home, in a single carton and mark all sides, top and bottom
clearly. Good luck on your moving and storage needs.

BASICALLY THE GOAL IS TO KEEP IT SIMPLE AND WELL THOUGHT OUT, DON'T WAIT
TO LONG BEFORE SCHEDULING A TRUCK FOR YOUR MOVING NEEDS.