Before You Leave Your Current Home
Make a moving checklist
Whether your new home is just down the street or across the state of Texas, moving will be a lot easier if you stay organized. Before you pack even one box, create a simple record keeping system. Place a number on every box you pack and write down the contents on your list.
Have plenty of supplies
Get more boxes than you think you'll need. If you buy your boxes from a moving company, you can usually return unused boxes for a refund. Don't forget scissors, box cutter, box tape, tape dispenser, permanent markers and packing tissue.
Keep things together
Keep bookends with books, light bulbs with lamps and extension cords with appliances.
Color coordinate
Designate a color for each room in the new home. Apply colored stickers on each box and a matching sticker on the door to each room so you or the movers will know where to put everything when they arrive at the new home.
Get a babysitter and/or pet sitter
If you have small children or pets, make arrangements for babysitters and/or pet sitters for the move day. You will have enough to think about that day.
Have a "parts" box
Keep this box open on the kitchen counter and fill it with cables, cords, parts, pieces, brackets or nails that are removed from any items. Mark it well so it can be easily located on move-in day.
Fill prescriptions
Before you get swamped with packing and moving your things, get your prescriptions filled. You'll want to have enough to get you through your entire move.
Close safe-deposit box
If you are moving to a new neighborhood, don't forget to close out your safe-deposit box. You don't want to leave those important possessions behind.
Pick up dry cleaning
Don't forget to pick up your dry cleaning before you start packing. Who wants to remember that their favorite shirt is sitting at the dry cleaners in their old neighborhood?
Return borrowed items
If you have borrowed anything from friends or neighbors, make sure to give those items back before you start packing. It will be one less item to move and you would hate to lose it during this hectic time. Also, don't forget to get back any items you've loaned out.
Return library books
No need to pack those up and hang onto them, especially if you're moving to a new neighborhood.
Leave appliance manuals
Before you move out, find the manuals for major appliances you are leaving behind and set them aside for the new homeowners. This little effort will make a huge difference for the new homeowners. You won't need those manuals anyway!
Before You Move Into Your New Home
Obtain medical records
Don't forget to get official copies of your medical records including your dentist, veterinarian and vaccine/immunization information. In some cases, a notarized letter is required to receive the official documentation.
Obtain school records
School records are usually required when registering your child at a new school. Often, copies will not be sufficient and records with a raised seal will be necessary.
Transfer utilities
When you turn on your utilities (electricity, gas, phone, water, etc.) at your new home, don't forget to turn them off at your old home.
Forward mail
Don't forget to forward your mail a few days before your Texas move by completing a US Postal Service Change of Address form.
Update driver's license
Update your driver's license with your new address quickly so that you have identification that lists your new home. If it is time to renew your license, Texas Department of Public Safety allows you to update your address online.
Make replacement list
When you start packing up in your old house, keep a list of items you want to replace when you move to your new residence, such as shelf paper or shower curtains.
Transfer newspaper
Make sure you transfer your newspaper subscriptions to your new address so you don't miss a day's news. If you are moving to a new city, cancel your old subscription and sign up with the new local paper to help get yourself acclimated to the new area.
Create a floor plan
Think about where you'll want to place furniture, art work, appliances, etc. Another important moving tip: Don't forget to consider furniture dimensions as well as the location of electrical sockets and phone jacks.
Getting Settled at Your New Home
Note any damage
Keep an eye on your possessions as well as your walls and doorways as items are moved into your new home.
Paying your mover
Expect to pay with cash, a certified check or a traveler's check, unless you have previously negotiated another arrangement.
Update insurance
You may have changed your homeowners/renters insurance to your new address but don't forget to change your auto, health and life insurance policies to your new address.
Update car registration
Don't forget to register your car with the Department of Transportation if you are new to Texas. And, if you are just moving within Texas, complete a Change of Address form with the County Tax Assessor so the annual renewal will reach you in your new home.
