If you’ve never moved before, you probably think it’s all about flexing your muscles and hauling your items from your old house to your new one. While that is PART of the process, perhaps the most important one, there is a long list of pre-and-post move items that must be handled to ensure a smooth transition. Because of this, let the Phoenix movers at Daniel’s Moving & Storage take care of your relocation so you have more time to tend to the following tasks:

What to Do Before

Purge Unwanted Items

Total weight of your items plays a factor in the final cost of your move, so take some time to sort through your belongings and select which ones you won’t be taking with you. Try to sell whatever doesn’t make the cut through a garage sale or online through sites like eBay and Craigslist. If there are items you can’t sell, see if any friends or family members could use them, or donate them to a local charity organization.

Contact Post Office for Change of Address

Unless you want your bills, notices, and clothing catalogues shipped to the new residents of your current house, you’ll want to contact the post office and request a change of address. Simply fill out Form 3575 at your local post office or handle the process online ($1.05 online verification fee). You can also call the U.S. Postal Service and request to have Form 3575 sent to you via mail.

Cancel Utilities and Activate them at New Residence

This should be one of the last things you do before your Phoenix movers arrive on moving day. After your relocation is all said and done, you’re going to want to enjoy a relaxing shower, cook a nice meal, and relax on the couch while watching TV. None of those activities can be done without your water, gas, and electricity turned on, so make sure you’re not spending the first night at your new home hungry, dirty, and uncomfortable.

What to Do After

Organize Moving Receipts

Many people aren’t aware of this, but moves can potentially be written off when you file your taxes. The IRS states that if you moved due to a change in your job or business location, you can deduct your moving expenses as long as your meet their circumstantial, time, and distance requirements. So if you’re working for one of the many Fortune 100 companies with a presence in Phoenix and are being relocated to a new office, make sure your moving receipts are organized so you can potentially write off expenses.

Get Acquainted with New Neighborhood

If you’re moving to a new neighborhood in Phoenix or a surrounding city like Glendale, Scottsdale, or Chandler, you’ll want to spend the first week getting acquainted with your new area. Get to know your neighbors so they can inform you of any restaurants you must try or interesting events. Since we’re blessed with great weather in the state of Arizona, you can also take a stroll across around town and see if anything catches your eye.

Register to Vote

Do your plan on voting during this year’s presidential or congressional elections? In order to do so, you need to ensure all important files and documents are updated with your new address. Get in contact with your local state or voter registration and/or election offices as soon as you move. Once that’s handled, you’ll be able to participate in all national and statewide elections.

Moving soon and are looking for reliable Phoenix moving companies to lend you a hand? Contact Daniel’s Moving & Storage to learn more about our comprehensive services. Give us a call or fill out our online form to receive your free estimate today!