The Ultimate Moving Checklist

Moving can be stressful, especially if you’re heading across the country to pursue a new job opportunity. Dallas is one city that has always been known for its ability to attract and generate wealth — which is making it a popular destination for many people. If you’re heading to the Lone Star State, here is a quick and comprehensive moving guide for moving to Dallas, so you don’t forget anything important.

Find an Apartment

The first thing you need to do for your moving to Dallas checklist is find an apartment. Do some research on the city’s median rental rates. As of October 2018, the median rent in Dallas was $1,157 per month, but that can change dramatically depending on how many rooms you need and how much square footage there is. Plan on paying no more than 30 percent of your household income on housing costs.

If you’re moving for a job, talk to your new employer. You might be able to negotiate a decent relocation package to help you cover some or all of the costs of moving to a new city.

Make sure you research the neighborhood you’ll be moving into to make sure it’s got everything you’re looking for, whether that means you want to be within walking distance of good restaurants or you want to have access to good public transportation. It’s not hard to find everything you want in a neighborhood, but it does require some research.

The Logistics

Now for the complicated part — the logistics of the move. This is where a checklist can come in handy, to help you with everything to remember when moving. Start by finding a moving company and deciding if you’re going to spring for full-service movers who pack for you, or if you just need help with shipping. Get estimates or invoices as well as references from at least three companies so you’ve got plenty of options to choose from.

Take inventory of all your possessions while you’re at it. Not only will that help make packing easier, but it also allows you to purge any items you no longer want or need. Donate them or have a moving sale to make some extra money from the stuff you don’t want anymore.

Start packing as soon as possible. That way, you’re not cramming everything into a weekend and stressing yourself out in the process. Use colored stickers to categorize your boxes. Make sure you’ve got all your bases covered. Dishware, utensils, bedding, coat hangers, power strips, batteries, a trash can and toilet paper should be easily accessible as soon as you arrive at your new home.

Make sure you have all of your important paperwork, such as car titles, birth certificates and the like. These should travel with you instead of in the moving truck.

Take the time to call your utility companies and let them know you’re moving. They will likely ask for your new address to send your final bill. Set up your new utility companies so you’ve got things like power and water ready when you arrive. Other utilities, like the internet, can be installed after you’ve moved in.

One last thing to consider is whether you need a permit to park a moving truck in your driveway while you’re unloading. It’s recommended to contact the Dallas Department of Transportation to find out if you need a permit in your specific suburb.

Making the Move

Moving day is right around the corner, so what do you need to make sure to do?

Start by saying goodbye to your city. Go hit a few restaurants or other neighborhood spots you’ll miss the most, and throw a farewell party for friends and family.

Make sure your car is ready for the long drive, and if you’re planning on staying in a hotel or motel, make sure you book them ahead of time.