Moving is one of the most stressful things you can do. Moving to a new city with unique rules—like Austin—adds a whole new layer of work.
You might be asking: When should I call the electric company? How do I handle the toll roads? What is the rule for car registration in Texas?
Don’t panic. We have done this thousands of times. As local movers founded by firefighters, we know how to handle high-pressure situations. We created this 8-week moving to Austin checklist to guide you step-by-step.
Here is exactly what you need to do to make your move smooth.
8 Weeks Out: The “Purge & Plan” Phase
You are two months away. It feels like a long time, but this is the most important week for planning.
- Purge Your Stuff: Texas houses often have different storage space than homes in the Northeast or Midwest. Do you really need those heavy winter coats or the snow shovel? Probably not. Donate them now so you don’t pay to move them.
- Research Neighborhoods: If you haven’t picked a home yet, look at your commute. Austin traffic is real. Check Google Maps during “Rush Hour” (7:30 AM and 5:00 PM) to see the real drive time from your potential neighborhood to your job.
- Book Your Movers: This is crucial. Top-rated movers in Austin book up fast, especially during the spring and summer.
6 Weeks Out: Schools & Logistics
Now is the time to handle the paperwork that takes a while to process.
- School Records: If you have kids, contact your current school to transfer records. If you are moving into Austin ISD, check their website for registration deadlines—spots in popular schools fill up quickly.
- Medical Records: Ask your doctor and dentist for copies of your files. Finding a new provider in a booming city can take a few weeks, and you’ll want your records on hand.
- Check Parking Permits: Are you moving into a condo downtown, or a house on a tight street like in South Congress? Ask your property manager or realtor if you need a “Commercial Vehicle Loading” permit. If the moving truck can’t park legally, it can cause big delays on moving day.
4 Weeks Out: Packing & Supplies
You are one month away. It’s time to see some boxes.
- Start Packing Non-Essentials: Pack the things you won’t use for the next month. Books, seasonal decor, and the “good china” should go in boxes now.
- Get Strong Supplies: The Texas heat can be tough on cheap packing tape (it can melt or peel!). Buy high-quality tape and sturdy boxes.
- Local Tip: If you are already in town, H-E-B (our local grocery store) often has strong apple boxes they give away for free in the produce section.
- Don’t Want to Pack? If looking at your kitchen makes you tired, we can help. Our Packing Services can pack your whole house or just the breakable stuff.
2 Weeks Out: The “Texas Admin” Phase
This week is about making sure the lights turn on when you walk in the door.
- Set Up Utilities:
- Electricity: Most of the city uses Austin Energy. Call them at least one week before your move-in date.
- Internet: Whether it’s Google Fiber, Spectrum, or AT&T, book your installation appointment now. Slots fill up fast, and you don’t want to be without Wi-Fi for your first week.
- Forward Your Mail: Go to https://www.google.com/search?q=USPS.com and set up your official change of address.
- Eat the Fridge: Stop buying big loads of groceries. Try to eat what you have left in the freezer so you don’t have to throw it away.
1 Week Out: The Final Countdown
- Confirm with Movers: Double-check the arrival time and the address with your moving coordinator.
- Pack an “Essentials Box”: This is the box you will open on the very first night. Put in:
- Bed sheets
- Toiletries (toothbrush, soap)
- Phone chargers
- Toilet paper
- A few snacks
- Medications
- Plan for Tolls: Austin has many toll roads (like MoPac Express and SH 130). You will want a TxTag eventually. For your first week, you can just drive through—they will mail a bill to your address. Just keep an eye out for it so you don’t get a late fee.
Moving Day
- Hydrate: This is the #1 rule in Texas. Drink water, and it’s a nice gesture to offer water to your moving crew, too.
- Protect Your Floors: Make sure floor runners are laid down to protect your new home from dust and foot traffic.
- Do a Final Walkthrough: Before the truck leaves your old place, do one last check of the closets, attic, and dishwasher.
Post-Move: The “Welcome to Texas” To-Do List
You’re here! Welcome home. Once the boxes are unloaded, there are three specific things new residents need to do, in this exact order:
- Get a Vehicle Inspection: You cannot register your car in Texas without passing a state inspection first. Any local oil change shop usually does this.
- Vehicle Registration: Take your inspection paper and insurance proof to the County Tax Office (Travis, Williamson, or Hays County) to get your Texas plates. You have 30 days to do this.
- Driver’s License: After you have your vehicle registration, go to the DPS to get your Texas driver’s license. You have 90 days to do this.
Relax, You Made It.
Moving is hard work, but living in Austin is worth it. Go find the nearest taco truck, grab a margarita, and relax.
If you are still in the planning phase and need a quote you can trust, reach out to us. At Firefighting’s Finest Moving & Storage, we treat your belongings with the same care and integrity we brought to the fire service.
