This is the same checklist we hand to every Desert Ridge customer at the in-home walkthrough. We've used it for 13 years on 4,300+ Phoenix moves. It's tailored for the Valley — accounts for HOA notification timelines (Sun City and gated-community-specific), summer-heat packing protocols, and Phoenix-specific utilities.
What's in the checklist
8 weeks out
- Inventory rooms and decide what stays / goes / donates / sells
- Get 3 written estimates (look for binding-not-to-exceed quotes; avoid hourly without a cap)
- Notify HOA / property management at origin (Sun City, Sun Lakes, gated communities require 30-60 days notice)
- Start using up perishable food, frozen items, opened condiments
4 weeks out
- Book your mover (lock the date — Phoenix peak season May-Aug fills 3 weeks ahead)
- Reserve elevator if applicable (luxury Phoenix high-rises require 72-hour advance reservation)
- Request COI from mover if your apartment requires it (we issue ours within 4 business hours)
- Order moving supplies or confirm mover provides them
- Begin packing items used least often (out-of-season clothes, holiday decor, garage stuff)
2 weeks out
- Notify utilities of disconnect/connect dates (APS, SRP for electric; Southwest Gas; City of Phoenix water; trash service)
- Forward mail through USPS (online at usps.com/move)
- Update address: bank, insurance, DMV (AZ has 10-day requirement after moving), employer
- Schedule house cleaning at origin and destination
- Arrange childcare and pet care for moving day
1 week out
- Confirm mover arrival window (2-hour windows are standard)
- Pack essentials box (medications, chargers, toiletries, change of clothes, kids' favorites — travels with you, not in truck)
- Defrost freezer 24-48 hours before move day
- Withdraw cash for any tipping ($20-40 per mover is standard for good service; not required)
Move day
- Walk the property with the foreman before they start loading
- Sign the inventory sheet at origin
- Be available by phone all day (the foreman will call with any questions)
- Walk the property with the foreman at destination before they leave
- Sign the delivery sheet noting any damages on the spot
Phoenix-specific notes
Summer (May-September): Move heat-sensitive items (electronics, vinyl records, candles, vitamins, prescription medications, wine, art on canvas) yourself in your AC car. Truck interiors hit 130°F+ even in shade.
Monsoon season (mid-June to late September): Have a tarp on the truck and patio for sudden storms. Reschedule if a major storm is forecast on move day — it happens.
Snowbird flow: If you're moving into Sun City, Anthem, Surprise, or PebbleCreek between October and April, expect heavier traffic at community gates and longer move-in coordinator response times.
