Arizona Via - Summer 2019 - 32

Smart Guide

A FEW DAYS

BEFORE THE MOVE
Prep appliances. Bringing your
fridge? Empty, clean, and defrost
it at least a day before the move.
Unplug any other appliances that
are coming along, so that they're
cool enough to transport. For
some appliances you may need to
make an appointment with a pro
to disconnect gas lines.
Pick up your rental truck. Moving
day will be incredibly hectic, so if
this is a DIY relocation, get a step
ahead by picking up your rental
truck the day before, practice

MOVING
DAY

driving it, and back it into your
driveway ready to load.
Finish packing. Do a final sweep
to get everything into boxes or
otherwise ready to transport. Make
sure those boxes are labeled, using
color-coded room stickers and
FRAGILE markings as needed. Are
all sheets off the beds? Has every
cabinet and closet been checked?
Is the garage empty? Responsibly
discard hazardous materials,
including flammables, bleach,
and weed killer.

Assemble a moving-day kit. Think about what you'll
need on moving day: tape, marking pens, pocketknife,
trash bags, cleaning rags and all-purpose spray,
snacks, tip money for the movers, medications, pet
essentials, and keys to both houses. Keep this kit
handy, and don't load it onto the truck.

41-45caMJ19_SMARTGUIDE.indd 44

Take a final look around. Time
for all those last-minute checks:
Go through the house room by
room, shutting off the lights and
air conditioner or heater. Close
and lock all windows and doors.
Say good-bye.

LEFT: JAMES BUETI; RIGHT: MANLEY099 / ISTOCK

Make your move. When the movers arrive, confirm that they're
from the right company and that
their truck's USDOT number
matches the one on your estimate.
Offer them food, water, and coffee, and stay on-site to supervise.
Triple check to make sure everything gets loaded. Sign the inventory sheet and keep a copy. Tip
your movers 10 to 15 percent,
depending on how they did. Moving
your own stuff ? Remember that
AAA Emergency Road Service is
there to help if you run into trouble on the way.

3/28/19 4:13 PM

Arizona Via - Summer 2019

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