MOVING GUIDE · DALLAS-FORT WORTH

Dallas Moving Checklist

8 weeks out to moving day — everything you need to do, in order, with nothing skipped.

Moving in DFW has a few wrinkles that generic moving checklists miss — Texas utility deregulation, HOA move-day restrictions, elevator reservation requirements for high-rise buildings, and a summer booking crunch that catches most people off guard. This checklist is built for Dallas moves specifically.

8 Weeks Out

Confirm your move-out and move-in dates with landlord or closing attorney
Get moving quotes from 2–3 companies (in-person or virtual estimates)
Book your mover and pay deposit to lock the date
Start decluttering — donate or sell what you're not taking
Research schools and neighborhoods if relocating within DFW
Start collecting boxes from liquor stores, bookstores, or buy new
Notify your employer HR of address change for W-2/tax purposes

4–6 Weeks Out

Notify Texas utilities: electricity (Oncor/AEP/ERCOT providers), gas (Atmos), water (local city)
Forward mail via USPS (minimum 2 weeks notice; do it now to avoid gaps)
Notify banks, credit cards, and investment accounts of new address
Update subscriptions: Amazon, Chewy, meal kits, magazines
Arrange childcare and/or pet care for move day
Begin packing non-essentials: out-of-season clothes, books, décor
Label boxes by room and general contents
Reserve elevators if moving into or out of a high-rise or apartment
Confirm parking permits for trucks if needed (Uptown, Turtle Creek, high-density areas)

2 Weeks Out

Confirm move date and start time with your mover
Pack remaining rooms — leave 1 week's worth of daily essentials unpacked
Disassemble furniture that needs it (beds, large bookshelves, outdoor furniture)
Drain and defrost refrigerator 24–48 hours before move day
Drain washing machine hoses
Back up computers and important files before transit
Arrange key/code handoffs with landlord or new owner
Confirm new address with doctor, dentist, pharmacy, and insurance
Check HOA rules at both origin and destination for move-day restrictions

Move Week

Charge all devices and power banks the night before
Prepare a 'first night box': toilet paper, phone charger, coffee maker, change of clothes, medications, pet food
Clear pathways in your home — mover access from front door to truck
Protect floors: lay down cardboard or floor runners yourself if movers don't
Have cash or payment method ready for final bill and tip
Walk every room, closet, attic, and garage before the truck leaves
Take photos of empty rooms for your records (rental damage protection)
Confirm your new home is accessible and utilities are on before delivery

Move Day

Be present or have a trusted person on-site — don't leave movers unsupervised
Direct movers on furniture placement as items come off the truck
Check off inventory list as items are unloaded (movers should provide one)
Inspect items for damage before the crew leaves and note on paperwork
Keep children and pets out of active work areas for safety
Sign paperwork and release movers — keep your copy
Test utilities: lights, gas, water, HVAC
Locate your first-night box immediately

DFW-Specific Notes

Electricity deregulation: Texas power is deregulated — you choose your provider. Set up service at your new address through PowerToChoose.org at least 2 weeks before your move-in date.

High-rise moves: Buildings in Uptown and Turtle Creek require elevator reservations, often 2+ weeks in advance. Some buildings charge a move-in fee (typically $250–$500). Confirm this with your building before booking movers.

HOA rules: Communities in Plano, Frisco, and Allen commonly restrict move-day hours (no trucks before 8am or after 6pm, no weekend moves in some communities). Verify with your HOA before scheduling.

Summer timing: DFW movers book out 3–5 weeks during June, July, and August. If your move is between Memorial Day and Labor Day, lock your date early or risk limited options.