Same great state. Brand-new ZIP code.
Moving from Dallas to Austin? Houston to San Antonio? Or just around the corner? Here's your guide to changing addresses, getting settled and making your next Texas move a little easier.
New keys.
Same Lone Star State.
You already know Texas. But moving from one address to another still comes with a surprising amount of paperwork.
Whether you're upgrading your home, moving closer to family or exploring a new Texas city, here's how to get settled without forgetting the important stuff.
First things first. Tell everyone you've moved.
Your new address needs to make its way onto more than your housewarming invitations.
Texas requires you to update your driver's license or state ID address within 30 days of moving. Eligible residents can do this online. Change your address ↗
Tell the Texas DMV your new address so registration notices reach you. To change your owner address, use Form VTR-146. Updating only the online renewal mailing address doesn't update your owner record. DMV address changes ↗
Set up USPS mail forwarding and separately update important accounts with your new address. USPS change of address ↗
Notify your bank, credit card companies, employer, healthcare providers and insurance companies of your move.
Moving to a different county?
Check whether your vehicle's registration and emissions-testing requirements change. Certain Texas counties require emissions tests before registration renewal.
Keep the lights on. Literally.
Don't wait until moving day to discover your new place doesn't have electricity or internet.
Set up your power.
Depending on your new address, you may be able to choose your electricity provider. Compare rates, fees and contract terms.
COMPARE ELECTRICITY PLANS ↗Check local services.
Water, sewer, recycling and trash collection may be handled by your city, utility district or another local provider.
Get connected early.
Check service availability at your exact address and schedule installation before moving day if possible.
Don't pay for two homes.
Schedule service transfers or cancellations, return rented equipment and confirm final billing dates.
One thing people forget.
Take photos of utility meter readings where applicable, save confirmation emails and make sure the service start date matches your move-in date.
New house.
New property tax details.
Moving from one Texas home to another can affect your property taxes, exemptions and insurance costs.
Apply for your new homestead exemption.
If your new property is your principal residence and you qualify, submit a new homestead exemption application to the county appraisal district where the new property is located.
HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION INFORMATION ↗Check whether a tax ceiling can transfer.
Homeowners who qualify for certain age-related or disability tax limitations may be eligible to transfer a proportionate school district tax ceiling to a new qualifying residence. Ask your appraisal district about the requirements.
Budget for your new location.
Property tax rates and insurance costs can differ between counties, cities and even nearby neighborhoods. Review your total housing costs before moving.
Boxes, trucks and approximately 400 little tasks.
Whether you're moving ten minutes or ten hours, a little organization can make moving day considerably less chaotic.
Decide between professional movers, a rental truck or a DIY move. Get written estimates and understand what's included.
Verify that a company offering moves within Texas has the required authority and review its complaint history and coverage options. Texas moving resources ↗
Keep identification, medications, financial documents and irreplaceable valuables with you rather than in the moving truck.
Document the condition of furniture and electronics before the move, and review the mover's liability options.
Bring chargers, toiletries, medications, bedding, snacks and anything you'll want before unpacking all those boxes.
Make your new neighborhood feel like home.
The paperwork is important. But settling in is about more than changing your address.
Check schools and childcare.
Contact your new school district about enrollment, required documents and transportation. Explore childcare options early.
Find your local providers.
Update your healthcare address, check your insurance network and transfer prescriptions if necessary.
Don't forget your furry roommates.
Update microchip information, find a veterinarian and check local pet licensing rules.
Explore a little.
Discover local parks, libraries, community events and your new favorite neighborhood coffee shop.
Same state. Different weather.
A move within Texas can change the weather risks your home and vehicle face.
Hurricanes & flooding.
Coastal locations may face hurricane winds, storm surge and flooding. Review windstorm and flood coverage needs.
Hail & severe storms.
Hail, tornadoes and powerful thunderstorms can affect homes and vehicles. Review deductibles and coverage.
Heat & flash flooding.
Extreme heat and heavy rainfall can create challenges. Check local flood risk even if you're far from the coast.
Heat, wind & distance.
Prepare for extreme temperatures, strong winds and potentially long drives between services.
Check your new property's flood risk.
Standard homeowners insurance generally doesn't cover rising floodwater. Review flood maps and available coverage before your move.
FEMA FLOOD MAP SERVICE CENTER ↗Oh yeah.
Insurance.
Your old insurance might have worked perfectly for your old address. But a new ZIP code can change your coverage needs and premiums.
Update your auto insurance.
Tell your insurer where your vehicle is now primarily kept. Your premium may change based on your new location and driving circumstances.
Review your homeowners or renters policy.
A new property may need different coverage limits, deductibles or additional protection. Coordinate effective dates so you don't accidentally create a coverage gap.
Check your flood and windstorm coverage.
Moving closer to the coast or into a flood-prone neighborhood? Ask about separate policies and applicable waiting periods.
What about your belongings in transit?
Check whether your existing policy covers property during a move, what limits apply and whether the moving company offers additional protection.
Hey Charley is independent, so we can help you compare available coverage options and get your insurance ready for your new address.
New ZIP code.
Let's check your coverage.
Moving across town or across Texas? Buying a new home? Changing your commute? Let Charley help you review your insurance before the moving truck arrives.
LET CHARLEY TAKE A LOOK →