Your Complete Moving Checklist

From 8 weeks out to moving day, every task organized and trackable. Stay on top of utilities, address changes, and packing with our interactive timeline.

Phase 6: Homeownership Resource 6.1B

What You'll Master

You've navigated the entire homebuying journey, and now it's time to make your new house your home. This interactive checklist breaks down everything you need to do, week by week.

Stay organized with a week-by-week task timeline
Never forget an address change with our master list
Decide between hiring movers or DIY
Prepare for moving day with zero stress

Your Moving Progress

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Week 8: Get Organized

Start with the big decisions and planning. 8 weeks gives you breathing room to do this right.

Planning & Decisions

Decide: Professional movers or DIY?
Get at least 3 quotes if hiring movers. See the comparison below to help you decide.
Priority
Create a moving budget
Include movers/truck rental, packing supplies, cleaning deposits, and food during the move.
Book movers OR reserve a rental truck
Weekend dates fill up fast, especially at month-end. Book now to secure your preferred time.
Priority
Start collecting packing supplies
Boxes (free from grocery stores!), tape, bubble wrap, markers, packing paper. You'll need more than you think.
Begin decluttering - room by room
Create piles: Keep, Donate, Sell, Trash. Less stuff = lower moving costs.
Take inventory of valuable items
Photograph jewelry, electronics, and art for insurance purposes before packing.
Optional

Week 7: Notifications Begin

Time to start telling people you're moving. The earlier you notify, the smoother your transition.

Notify & Schedule

Give notice to your landlord (if renting)
Most leases require 30-60 days notice. Check your lease agreement.
Priority
Notify your employer (if applicable)
Update your address for HR records, parking passes, and direct deposit if needed.
Research new schools (if you have children)
Contact new schools about enrollment requirements and transfer records.
Request medical records transfer
Get copies of records from doctors, dentists, and veterinarians.
Continue packing non-essential items
Out-of-season clothes, books, decorations, rarely-used kitchen items.

Week 6: Utilities & Services

Coordinate your utility transfers so nothing gets interrupted on moving day.

Utility Transfers

Schedule electric transfer/setup
In DFW, you'll likely need to choose an electric provider through PowerToChoose.org
Priority
Transfer/setup gas service
Atmos Energy handles most DFW natural gas service. Call or go online.
Priority
Setup water service
Contact your new city's water department. May require a deposit.
Priority
Schedule internet/cable installation
AT&T, Spectrum, and Frontier are common in DFW. Installation may take 1-2 weeks to schedule.
Transfer trash/recycling service
Usually handled by your city. Check what day is pickup in your new neighborhood.

Week 5: Address Changes Begin

Start the official address change process. The earlier, the smoother.

Official Address Changes

Submit USPS mail forwarding
Do this at USPS.com. Costs $1.10 for identity verification. Set start date for your move date.
Priority
Update your driver's license (within 30 days of move)
Texas law requires address update within 30 days. You can do this online at TxDMV.gov.
Priority
Update vehicle registration
Can be done when you renew your driver's license or separately online.
Update voter registration
Register at your new address at VoteTexas.gov. Must be done 30 days before elections.

Week 4: Financial Updates

Update your financial accounts and insurance to your new address.

Financial Accounts

Update bank account addresses
All checking, savings, credit cards. Most can be done online.
Priority
Update auto insurance
Your address affects your premium. Moving to a safer neighborhood? Your rate might go down!
Priority
Confirm homeowner's insurance is active
Your lender required this at closing, but double-check it's in effect for move-in day.
Update investment account addresses
401k, IRA, brokerage accounts - important for tax documents.
Update subscription services
Amazon, streaming services, meal kits, magazines - update all delivery addresses.

Week 3: Heavy Packing

Time to get serious about boxing everything up.

Packing Progress

Pack all non-daily-use items
Guest room, formal dining, seasonal decorations, garage extras.
Label EVERY box clearly
Write destination room AND contents. Future you will thank current you.
Priority
Drain lawn equipment and propane
Movers won't transport fuel. Gas grills, mowers, trimmers - drain them all.
Use up perishables and pantry items
Don't move half-empty spice jars and random condiments. Use them or toss them.
Set aside items for your survival kit
See the list below. Pack these LAST and keep them with you.

Week 2: Final Preparations

You're in the home stretch. Double-check everything.

Final Checks

Confirm moving company details
Reconfirm date, time, addresses. Get the driver's direct number.
Priority
Arrange childcare/pet care for moving day
Moving day is chaos. Kids and pets need to be elsewhere for safety and sanity.
Schedule carpet cleaning at old place
Many leases require this. Even if you're not renting, it's good karma for the next owner.
Pack all but daily essentials
By now, you should be living out of suitcases like you're on vacation.
Get cash for tips
$20-40 per mover is standard. Cash speaks louder than words.

Final Week: Last Push

This is it. Pack the last items and prepare for the big day.

Final Week Tasks

Defrost and clean refrigerator/freezer
Day before move: unplug, empty, clean, and prop doors open.
Do final walkthrough at old place
Take photos/video of empty rooms. Protects you from disputes.
Verify utilities are ON at new home
Call to confirm electric, gas, water, internet are all scheduled for move-in day.
Priority
Pack your survival kit
This bag stays WITH YOU. Not on the truck.
Priority
Get a good night's sleep
Seriously. Tomorrow is going to be exhausting.
Fill prescriptions you'll need during move week
You won't want to hunt for a new pharmacy immediately.

Moving Day: Game Time

You've prepared for this. Stay hydrated, stay positive, and remember it's temporary chaos.

Moving Day Checklist

Do final walkthrough before movers arrive
Check closets, cabinets, garage. You'd be surprised what gets forgotten.
Be present during entire load/unload
Answer questions, check inventory, guide placement. This is not the time to run errands.
Inspect furniture as it's unloaded
Note any damage immediately on the inventory sheet. Can't claim it later.
Set up beds first
You'll be exhausted tonight. Make sure you have somewhere comfortable to sleep.
Celebrate! You're a homeowner!
Order pizza, crack open a bottle, take a photo. You did it!

Professional Movers vs. DIY: Which is Right for You?

The answer depends on your budget, timeline, and how much stuff you have. Here's how they compare:

DIY Moving

$300-$800

Truck rental + supplies + your time

+ Lowest cost option
+ Total control over timing
+ Handle your stuff yourself
- Physically exhausting
- Risk of injury or damage
- Need to recruit help

Best for: Small moves, tight budgets, or if you have lots of help

Professional Movers

$800-$2,500

Local move (DFW area)

+ Fast and efficient
+ Licensed and insured
+ Heavy items handled safely
+ Less physical stress
- Higher upfront cost
- Must book in advance

Best for: Full homes, heavy furniture, or time-crunched moves

Hybrid Approach

$400-$1,200

You pack, they move OR you move, they load

+ Balance of cost & convenience
+ Pros handle the heavy stuff
+ You control packing
- Still requires coordination
- Limited liability on packed items

Best for: Those who want to save but need help with heavy lifting

Moving Day Survival Kit

Pack these in a clearly marked bag that stays with you (not on the truck):

Important documents
Phone chargers
Medications
Snacks & drinks
Basic tools
Toilet paper
Trash bags
Cash for tips

Address Change Master List

Don't forget anyone! Click each item to mark it complete as you go.

Government
USPS Mail Forwarding
Driver's License (DMV)
Vehicle Registration
Voter Registration
Social Security
Financial
Banks & Credit Unions
Credit Card Companies
Investment Accounts
Payroll/HR Department
IRS (Form 8822)
Insurance
Auto Insurance
Health Insurance
Life Insurance
Homeowners Insurance
Medical
Primary Care Doctor
Dentist
Specialists
Pharmacy
Veterinarian
Subscriptions
Amazon
Streaming Services
Magazines/Newspapers
Meal Kits/Food Delivery
Gym/Fitness Memberships
Professional
Employer/HR
Professional Licenses
Alumni Associations
Accountant/CPA
Attorney/Legal

DFW-Specific Moving Tips

Avoid Rush Hour

I-35, 635, and 75 are nightmares from 7-9 AM and 4-7 PM. Schedule your move to start early (before 7 AM) or during off-peak hours.

Best Moving Days

Mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) and mid-month moves are cheaper and less crowded. Avoid first and last week of the month - that's when leases turn over.

Summer Heat Warning

Moving in June-August? Hydrate constantly, take breaks, and have your AC running at the new place before you arrive. Heat exhaustion is real.

HOA Move-In Rules

Many DFW neighborhoods have HOA move-in requirements - reserved elevator times, deposit requirements, or restricted hours. Check before moving day!

💡
The Truth About Moving Day

Moving always takes longer than you think. Plan for the whole day, even if movers say "4-6 hours." Have backup childcare and pet care arranged. Keep your phone charged. And remember - this chaos is temporary. The moment you sit down in YOUR home, in YOUR space, it all becomes worth it.

Key Takeaways

  • Start planning 8 weeks before your move date to secure movers and handle all address changes without stress
  • Professional movers cost $800-$2,500 for DFW local moves, while DIY costs $300-$800 but requires significantly more physical effort
  • Pack a survival kit with essentials like documents, medications, chargers, and snacks that stays with you on moving day
  • Update your Texas driver's license and vehicle registration within 30 days of moving - it's required by law
  • Use the address change master list to ensure you don't forget any financial accounts, subscriptions, or insurance policies
  • Schedule utility transfers 2-3 weeks in advance so electric, gas, water, and internet are active on move-in day

What's Next?

Once you've moved in, check out these essential next steps

First Week as a Homeowner → Home Maintenance Schedule → Closing Day Guide →
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