I think we’ll all agree — the idea of moving from California to Texas sounds exciting but intimidating.
Finding a house, a job, new schools.
And then there’s packing.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with the thought of moving, know that you’re not alone and you’ve come to just the right place for help.
Whether you are moving to a metro area, a suburb, or a small Texas town, Next Moving can help.
Read on to find out the details of moving from California to Texas, what to consider before your move, and what Next Moving can do to make your move easier.
A Checklist for Moving from California to Texas In 8 Simple Steps:
If you’re planning on moving from California to Texas, you are not alone. Texas gained nearly 4 million people in the most recent census.
At Next Moving, we understand that moving comes with its own set of complexities and stressors, and we want moving day to be as easy as possible. That’s why we put together our “Moving from California to Texas Checklist.”
Follow this step-by-step guide, and you’ll be sure to have everything ready to go for the big day.
#1: Research
If you are one of the many California residents moving to Texas, the first thing you want to do is research your new community.
Think about things like:
- The type of neighborhood you prefer
- Housing
- Schools and childcare
- Proximity to jobs; and
- Nearby shopping
Taking time to evaluate the area can help you find the perfect new location for you and your family.
#2: Set the Date of the Move
Next, you will want to decide on your moving date.
Maybe you will need to schedule around:
- School start or end dates
- Childcare availability
- The first day of a new job
- Summer vacation; or
- The holiday season
#3: Find Long-Distance Movers From California to Texas
About two months before moving from California to Texas, you should determine your moving budget and get estimates from moving companies.
It’s best to get two or three estimates so you have something to compare.
Keep in mind that:
- You don’t need moving permits in Texas, but you’ll need to find out about any local parking restrictions before moving
- You can find some of the worst traffic in the United States in the big cities of Texas. If you’re heading to a metro area, determine the traffic patterns, so you can avoid getting stuck in traffic on moving day
If you’re moving from California to Texas, you need an experienced moving company that understands the best way to handle your belongings and get them safely to their new destination.
With many years in the business, Next Moving has a long track record of accident-free moves.
Plus, we are licensed and insured, so you can relax and know that your furniture and household items are in the best possible hands.
Call us today for a free quote.
#4: Start Packing at Least 1 Week in Advance
The easiest way to pack is to let someone else do it for you.
Next Moving is a full-service company. Our trained movers will pack up your entire house — in a fraction of the time it would take to do it on your own. And our team is specially trained to pack fragile or valuable items, such as dishes and artwork.
If you decide to do it yourself, you’ll want to ensure that you order boxes and moving supplies at least six weeks before packing time. There’s nothing more stressful than running all over town searching for moving boxes two days before moving.
If you’re more of a planner, you can go ahead and begin packing items that you don’t frequently use as soon as your packing supplies arrive.
Be sure to clearly label each box, noting the contents as well as its final destination in your new home.
#5: Notify Utility Services
About one month before moving from California to Texas, you will want to notify your utility companies about your upcoming move.
Get in touch with the following departments at your current and future locations so that you can cancel, transfer, or set up new services:
- Cell phone
- Electric
- Water
- Gas
- Trash service
- Sewer
- Cable/satellite
- Internet
- Etc.
#6: Update Your Address
According to the USPS, you’ll want to file a change of address form with the US Postal Service about two weeks before you move.
You’ll also need to update your address with your:
- Friends and family
- Insurance company
- Auto finance company
- Bank and financial institutions
- Credit card companies
- Health club
- Pharmacy
- Newspapers and magazines
- Home care service providers, like lawn care, exterminator, and snow removal
- Monthly memberships like Netflix and Book of the Month
- Department of Motor Vehicles
- State/Federal Tax Bureau (IRS)
- Social Security Administration
- City/County Tax Assessor; and
- Veterans Administration
#7: Final Countdown to Moving Day
You’ve got one week and counting until moving from California to Texas, and it’s time to tie up any loose ends by:
- Giving your bank or credit card company a call to let them know that you are going to be traveling. This way, you’ll avoid any fraud alerts or being declined for suspicious activity
- Preparing your appliances for moving day. Drain oil and gas from grills, lawn equipment
- Emptying and defrosting your refrigerator and freezer 24 hours before moving day
- Refilling your prescriptions
- Packing a travel bag with clothes, toiletries, and any other essentials you may need for the trip
It’s also helpful to pack a box with anything you’ll want to have immediately upon arrival at your new home, such as:
- Paper products and disposable silverware
- Tools
- Light bulbs
- Scissors
- Toilet paper; and
- Trash bags
Either carry this box with you in your car or pack it last in the moving van so you can get to it quickly and easily when you arrive at your new destination.
And don’t forget to do a final walk-through of your home. Peek into every room and closet one last time to be sure nothing was left behind.
#8: Move-In
Welcome to Texas!
Now it’s time to get everything inside and make your new house feel like home.
If you hire professional movers, this will be a breeze.
Full-service movers don’t just pack — they also unpack. All you have to do is direct traffic and let them know exactly where you want everything to go.
You give the guidance — they provide the muscle.
When you arrive at your new home, take a few minutes to do a quick walk-through to be sure everything has been well-cleaned and is working properly.
Also, within the first couple of weeks of moving from California to Texas, you’ll want to:
- Pick up any mail that may have been held at the post office
- Update your driver’s license and car tags; and
- Register to vote
