Moving to Arizona? The incredible climate might have something to do with it, or maybe you think desert canyons, plateaus, and sunsets are too amazing to miss. The Southwest is an awesome spot to call home and StorQuest has four tips to help you make the move.
Purge
With any move, it's important to sort through your belongings before you pack. Cleaning out closets and the garage are obvious, but for a move to Arizona, getting rid of cold-weather gear might be in order. Sure, you'll likely have cool nights and want to adventure to Flagstaff or snowboard Arizona Snowbowl ski resort (both see more than 100 inches of snow a year), but you won't need to keep those extreme-weather items like shovels and heavy boots. With this in mind, look at ways to upcycle your unwanted gear by donating it to your local Goodwill store or gifting it to a friend.
Plan
Even if you don't like those little square boxes on lists waiting to be checked complete, you'll thank yourself later. Checklists are a great place to start when planning your move, and useful for keeping track of things like utilities (turning them off at your current home and turning them on at your new home), registering your car, and updating your address with your bank and your credit cards.
It's also helpful to have a separate to-do list that highlights the rooms and closets in your home. Use this second checklist to keep a schedule of when and where you'll start your packing. For example, plan to pack your extra closets first and bedroom and kitchen last. And, if you have a pet, you'll want to make sure they know they are going with you.
To help reassure them, consider leaving one room in your house mostly intact until the night before your move. This will keep your pet calm in the chaos of your move and everything that is happening outside that safe space.
Pack
You've decluttered and created your lists. Now it is time to execute. Start packing up the least used room in your home or apartment. Resist the urge to move on to the next room until you've packed up that current room completely. It will give you a sense of accomplishment and leave you feeling less overwhelmed about your upcoming move.
Also, think about the items you will need as soon as you land in Arizona, and label those appropriately for fast recovery. This is also the time to consider what household items or personal belongings might be good candidates for long-term or temporary storage, such as your piano or valuable artwork and your boat or RV. Finally, if you're leaving a winter environment, Arizona's dry and hot climate means you'll want your warm-weather gear in your new place.
Prepare
Moving day comes fast but with purging, planning, and packing you've set yourself up for an epic move day. There are other ways to help minimize the stress of moving, including having snacks and cold drinks on hand for the movers or your friends who've offered to help. This will keep everyone hydrated and happy to make your move a successful one.
It's also helpful to disassemble large furniture items. Consider labeling each piece with a numbering system so that you'll be able to reassemble them when you get settled. Another important thing to think about on moving day is holding back those personal items or other belongings you'd like to keep close. Pack them in boxes that will easily fit in your personal vehicle and label them, such as toiletries, clothes for the first week, and pet toys and food.
Lastly, don't forget to take pictures. Even though you're excited about moving to your new home and the epic adventures you'll have in Arizona's arid landscape, you'll want to commemorate where you've been and the inspiring life you've lived so far.
Bottom Line
Packing for a move doesn't have to be stressful and, with StorQuest as your partner, your move will go smoothly. Reach out to our friendly team to learn how our storage options can help you make room for more awesome in your life.