Moving Checklist for Dallas-Fort Worth (Complete 2026 Guide)

8 Weeks Out:

• Decide whether to hire movers or rent a truck for your DFW move
• Get 2–3 moving quotes (summer moves in DFW book up — start early)
• For long distance moves, get written weight-based estimates
• Sort belongings: keep, donate, discard
• Begin decluttering — schedule junk removal for items you won't take: Book junk removal →
• Research new DFW area: school districts (Plano ISD, Frisco ISD, Keller ISD all have enrollment timing requirements)
• Notify landlord if renting (most DFW leases require 60 days notice)

7 Weeks Out:

• Book your moving company (required this early for summer DFW moves)
• Check HOA move-out requirements at your current home (many DFW HOAs require 30-day notice)
• Research HOA move-in requirements at new home (Frisco, Allen, McKinney communities often require 48-hour notice and elevator pads)
• Begin collecting boxes or purchase packing materials
• Arrange for specialty items: piano, pool table, safe (require special booking)

6 Weeks Out:

• Schedule utilities disconnection at current address (Oncor electricity, Atmos gas, city water)
• Set up utilities at new DFW address
• Notify key parties of address change: bank, employer, USPS, insurance, subscriptions
• Check if your new DFW address is in a flood zone (check FEMA flood map — relevant for areas near Trinity River, Elm Fork, and East Fork Trinity)

5 Weeks Out:

• Start packing non-essentials: out-of-season clothing, books, decorations
• Label boxes clearly with room and contents
• Build a "first night" box: toiletries, change of clothes, phone chargers, coffee supplies
• For DFW school enrollment: contact new school district with enrollment documents (especially Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Allen — popular districts have wait lists)
• Arrange childcare and pet care for moving day

4 Weeks Out:

• Confirm moving company date, time, and address
• Photograph valuables for insurance documentation
• Confirm HOA move-in elevator reservation (if applicable)
• Schedule TV mounting and installation at new home if needed
• Plan moving day parking for the truck (check city street parking rules — some DFW cities require a moving truck permit for street use)
• Reserve elevator at current building if moving from a condo (Las Colinas, Addison, Legacy West condos — book elevator 2–3 weeks ahead)

3 Weeks Out:

• Continue packing — kitchen should be half packed by now
• Dispose of hazardous materials (paint, chemicals — cannot move these)
• Drain and defrost refrigerator 24 hours before move
• Service your vehicle if driving long distance
• Notify DFW DART or city transit if relevant to new address

1 Week Out:

• Confirm all utilities transfer dates
• Pack everything except daily essentials
• Confirm time and address with moving company (call (214) 429-4360)
• Return borrowed items, collect loaned items
• Clean out refrigerator
• Disassemble furniture that travels disassembled

Moving Day:

• Start early — DFW summer heat peaks by 10am
• Do a walkthrough with the crew before they start loading
• Keep pets and children in a safe space during the move
• Take photos of meter readings before you leave
• Do a final walkthrough of the old home — check closets, attic, garage, cabinets
• At new home: direct crew on room placement
• Do a damage walkthrough before movers leave and note any issues in writing

After Moving Day:

• Locate your first night box before anything else is unpacked
• Test all utilities: AC/heat is critical in DFW (get this confirmed first, especially in summer)
• Change door locks (standard practice for any DFW home purchase)
• Register vehicle with Texas DMV within 30 days if relocating from out of state
• Update Texas driver's license within 30 days (for new Texas residents)
• Enroll children in new school district

Things that are uniquely important for DFW moves:

HOA move-in procedures: The majority of DFW communities (especially Frisco, Allen, McKinney, Prosper, Flower Mound) require:

• 24–48 hour advance notice to HOA
• Elevator pads reserved in condo buildings
• Mover certificate of insurance submitted to HOA
• Designated truck parking location
• Restricted move-in hours (often 8am–5pm weekdays, limited weekend access)

Texas heat: DFW July and August temperatures average 98–103°F. Schedule your move for early morning (7am start). Keep the truck cab cooled during breaks. Stock water and electrolytes for your crew.

Traffic timing: Avoid I-635 (LBJ Freeway), I-35E between Dallas and Denton, and US-75 (Central Expressway) between 7–9am and 4–7pm. For cross-metro moves, mid-week mid-day is the least congested.

Links: Contact us to book → · Local moving service → · Moving cost guide →

Questions about moving in Dallas-Fort Worth.