Moving from one city to another can be a big change, similar to switching schools, but on a larger scale. It’s not easy to say goodbye to friends, familiar places, and start a new chapter in life. However, one city many people are leaving these days is Phoenix, Arizona. Phoenix has its good aspects, like beautiful desert scenery and warm weather, but it also has some challenges. One major problem is air quality. In 2020, it was one of the most polluted cities in the U.S. according to the American Lung Association. Breathing in poor-quality air can harm your health, so some people are choosing to move to better cities.
Amid these transitions, creating a comfortable and secure environment in your new home is essential. This article offers guidance not only on the practical aspects of moving but also on how to make your new place welcoming.
Whether you’re relocating due to environmental concerns, job opportunities, or simply a desire for a fresh start, these tips will help you confidently navigate the process. Let’s explore these ideas and learn how to transform your new house into a warm and inviting home, regardless of where your journey begins.
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Arrange Temporary Storage for a Long-Distance Move
Moving hundreds of miles away from Phoenix can be overwhelming, especially without a clear plan for your household. Uncertainty surrounds the readiness of your new home and when your belongings can be accommodated. To avoid such situations, it’s wise to arrange temporary storage for your household to ensure no delays in transportation or home renovation.
The good news is that you won’t need to search for storage units in your new city. Reputable long-distance movers offer convenient storage facilities not only in Phoenix but also in other key U.S. cities. You can take advantage of their full-service moving option, which includes access to climate-controlled storage facilities for professional packing and secure item storage.
The cost of hiring a moving company in Phoenix varies, ranging from $1,455 to $4,104, depending on the distance. Long-distance moves naturally come with higher costs, so be sure to choose the best people for the job. Simply perform a Google search for Phoenix long distance movers to help you compare services, read reviews, and make an informed choice for your upcoming move.
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Pack Efficiently to Make Unpacking Easier
The transition to your new home begins when you start packing, but certain common packing mistakes can disrupt your move. Picture yourself searching through boxes for your shaving kit on your first morning in your new home or going through bags to find your pajamas for your first night.
To avoid this hide-and-seek game with your belongings at your new home, pack your items efficiently and sensibly. Pack one room at a time and label each box with the room it belongs to and its contents. This will help you easily sort and place your items in the right rooms instead of piling them in one place.
Since a long-distance move can take days or even weeks before you reach your new home, create a separate moving kit with essential items for at least a week. Think about what you’ll need while living away from home and make a list, so you don’t forget anything on moving day. This may include:
- Clothing and wearables
- Toiletries
- Self-care items
- Accessories
- Gadgets
- Chargers
- Medications
- Dry snacks
- Important documents like lease papers, driver’s licenses, social security cards, mover contracts, insurance papers, health records, and travel documents (tickets, passports, etc.)
If you have young children or infants with you, don’t forget to pack their age-appropriate essentials and emergency medications for allergies and fevers.
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Create a Separate, Safe Zone for Children and Pets
Moving into your new home can be quite chaotic, especially when you’ve yet to unpack and organize your belongings. With your things scattered around, it’s essential to ensure the safety of your little ones and furry friends. Since you can’t watch them around the clock, your first step should be to establish a secure area for your children and pets away from the chaos.
To do this, begin by unpacking your kids’ and pets’ essentials and create a dedicated space where they can engage in their favorite activities. Provide them with their beloved toys and games to keep them occupied and make sure you have healthy snacks on hand to satisfy their hunger. Additionally, take the time to childproof or pet-proof your entire house by securing hazardous areas and covering switches and cords. Most importantly, keep a close watch on them even as you’re busy with unpacking and decorating your new home.
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Check Utilities
Just as you arrange for utility shutdown in your previous home before moving out, it’s important to make sure that essential services like electricity, water, gas, internet, phone, and HVAC are active and ready in your new home before your move-in date.
If you’re still in the middle of packing, remember to request the transfer of utilities to your new address before you leave. Research the availability of internet and phone services in your new area and assess their offerings, such as internet speed, cable TV, and IP TV options. Also, get in touch with your local waste management facility to ensure that your new home is set up for garbage collection.
On the day of your move, double-check that all your utilities are functioning correctly. If you encounter any issues, contact your utility providers without delay.
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Deep Clean Your New Home
After traveling long distances and completing the renovation work, you might be eager to move into your new home as soon as possible. However, before you start unpacking, there’s one extremely important step to take – deep cleaning your new home. Cleaning your home thoroughly ensures that you can settle into a fresh, hygienic, and comfortable living space.
Since your new home is still empty, it’s the perfect time to deep clean every corner and disinfect hard-to-reach areas that will be less accessible once your belongings are in place. Empty all drawers and disinfect wardrobes. Give special attention to frequently touched surfaces like countertops, doorknobs, switches, ovens, and kitchen and bathroom fixtures.
Consider hiring professional cleaners to pressure wash the interior and exterior of your home. If your home has a chimney, schedule a chimney sweep to inspect it thoroughly and remove any creosote buildup. Also, have all your appliances serviced to ensure they work optimally when you move in.
Wrapping Up
You’re now in your new home, ready to organize and decorate. If this is your first move, the tips above will help make it a stress-free and smooth experience. Although settling into a new home can be tiring, remember to spend quality time with your loved ones, especially your kids and pets. Moving can be a strange and unsettling experience for them, but with your love and support, they can adjust to this new environment smoothly. Best of luck!
