Texas continues to be a top destination for people who are relocating, and it’s no wonder with all of the great opportunities that the Lone Star State has to offer. With its great economy, robust job market, relatively low cost of living, and friendly atmosphere, Texas is an easy place to live and call home.
So, whether you are moving to Texas by choice, or through an employment-based relocation, it’s important to plan ahead and stay organized every step of the way.
To help you get there, we have created this Moving to Texas Checklist. In it you will find some practical tips and valuable resources for everything you need to know and consider about moving to Texas. These include many logistical, physical, economical, and emotional tips to help you get you started.
Research Your New City in Texas
Not all Texas cities are the same. Each one has its own economy, culture, geography, points of interest, and way of life. So, regardless of whether you might be moving to Austin, Dallas, Houston, Lubbock, Midland, Odessa, San Antonio, or anywhere else within the massive state of Texas, be sure to do your research, so that you will know what to expect of your new city once you get there.
Find a Place to Live in Texas
The best way to find a place to live is by working with a Realtor who is a local market expert in your new city. He or she can explain the ins and outs of the many viable real estate options available to you, and provide you with tours of communities and properties that meet your lifestyle, taste, and budgetary requirements. In Texas, whether you are looking to rent or purchase, you have the right to representation in all real estate transactions. This representation is of no cost to you, and is highly recommended so that you have someone advocating and negotiating contracts on your behalf.
Hire a Moving Company
Hiring a moving company might seem like a daunting process if you are doing it for the first time. That is why we recommend asking the right questions before hiring your mover. This ensures that the moving company will be the right fit for the job, and that there are no hidden costs or risks that could come back to bite you later. Here is some great information that will help you in choosing your mover: How to choose a moving company.
Decide What to Keep and What to Discard or Donate
Use your move to Texas as an opportunity to clean out your closets, drawers, and pantries, and then decide what items to keep and move with you, and what items to discard or donate. The last thing you want to do is to pay good money to move items only to throw them away once you move into your new place.
Keep Important Documents with You
There are certain items that you will want to hold on to and move for yourself. This should include important personal documents and information. For example, items like birth certificates, social security cards, medical records, school transcripts, and financial statements should be securely kept and within easy access for you when moving.
What to do When You Get to Texas
Once you get to Texas, make sure that you are aware of any specific laws or regulations that will require you to take an action or make critical changes within your early days as a new resident.
These might include:
- Getting a Texas Driver’s License
- Inspecting and registering your vehicles in the State of Texas
- Updating your automobile insurance policy
- Notifying all creditors of your new address
- Making sure your kids’ immunization records are up to date
- Registering to vote in Texas
Finding New Providers
Finding new providers is also an important one. This means everything from opening new bank accounts and finding new healthcare providers and dentists, to finding a new hairstylist or babysitter. You don’t have to rush it though. Ask around, get referrals and references, and take your time in establishing these new relationships. Some might even need to be trial and error, so try to be patient.
Learn the Texas Lingo
Finally, you will want to learn the lingo. There are some words and phrases that are quite common in Texas. Here are a few of the most popular ones. So, start using them, and we promise you will be speaking Texan in no time!
- Howdy: This is the official greeting in Texas. It’s how we say, “hello!”
Example: “Howdy y’all!”
- Y’all: This is a contraction of “you” and “all.” It’s used for addressing two or more people.
Example: “How are y’all doing?”
- Fixin’ to: This means that someone is about to do something.
Example: “I’m fixin’ to drive to the store.”
- Right quick: This means quickly or in a hurry.
Example: “Get over here right quick.”
- I Reckon So: This means I guess so, or I think so.
Example: Do you think it’s going to rain? “I reckon so.”
For a deeper dive into Texas slang, please click here: Texan Glossary.
At Dependable Relo, we want to help you feel right at home when moving to Texas. Our team of moving professionals is ready to help you plan your move and tell you everything you need to know to make it as stress-free as possible.
For a handy PDF resource of this article, click here.
Please contact us today for more information. We are ready to assist you!