Moving your family to Austin can feel like juggling a thousand details at once. Between school paperwork, utilities, and moving-day logistics, it is easy to miss a deadline. This guide gives you a clear, week-by-week plan with Austin-specific tasks and contacts so you can streamline your move, protect your budget, and settle in faster. Let’s dive in.
Your move-at-a-glance timeline
6–8+ weeks out: plan and book
- Confirm your school district and campus zones for your new address. If you are considering application-based programs, review Austin ISD’s Priority Enrollment window and required documents early. See current guidance on AISD enrollment and documents.
- Vet movers. For Texas moves, verify licensing through the TxDMV’s consumer tools and avoid movers who will not provide written estimates. Learn how to check credentials at TxDMV consumer protection.
- Check whether you need a City Right‑of‑Way Parking Permit if a moving truck or POD will use street parking. Requirements include neighbor notification and lead times. Review the City’s Right‑of‑Way parking permit guidance.
- Set up utilities. The City of Austin typically charges a $20 start fee for electric or water, $15 for solid waste, and a standard $200 residential deposit. Deposit waivers may be available. See fees and waivers at City of Austin Utilities. For questions, call 512‑494‑9400.
- Plan internet. Availability is address-specific and some providers require technician appointments. Book early for your move-in week.
2–4 weeks out: documents and dates
- Gather school paperwork. AISD examples include your child’s birth certificate, immunization record, parent/guardian photo ID, proof of residency, and withdrawal or latest report card if transferring mid-year. Review the full list at AISD enrollment.
- Confirm immunizations meet Texas school requirements. See accepted records and guidance via AISD immunizations.
- Request transfers for medical, dental, and prescription records. Keep at least 1–2 weeks of medications with you on move day.
- Update pet records. Confirm microchip registration and vaccinations. The City provides microchipping resources and local rules at Austin Animal Center resources.
- Set your curbside timeline. Mark your trash, compost, and recycling days and plan bulk disposal. The City now runs on‑demand bulk, brush, and household hazardous waste collection by appointment. Learn more at Austin Resource Recovery on‑demand.
1–2 weeks out: confirm and prepare
- Reconfirm movers. Verify arrival window, crew size, inventory procedures, and insurance coverage. Recheck the mover’s status using TxDMV consumer protection.
- Finalize permits. If you applied for a Right‑of‑Way Parking Permit, verify approval and any barricade or space requirements. See Right‑of‑Way parking permit guidance.
- Set your cart plan. Carts must be curbside by 5:30 a.m. on collection day. Compost is weekly, recycling is every other week, and you can book up to three on‑demand bulk or HHW pickups per calendar year. Check your address calendar via My Collection Schedule.
- Create a family essentials kit. Include IDs, school and medical records, chargers, snacks, kid comfort items, pet supplies, and basic tools.
Moving day: safety and flow
- Keep documents and medications with you. Assign one adult to be the point of contact for the movers.
- Take photos of high‑value items before loading. Review the mover’s inventory list at pickup and delivery. Ask questions before you sign any paperwork.
- Manage curb space. Place carts so they do not block loading. Ensure the truck does not block hydrants, mailboxes, or neighbors’ driveways. If urgent parking issues pop up, call 3‑1‑1 for guidance.
First 30 to 90 days: settle and update
- Confirm utilities. Verify activation at your new address and final reads and refunds at the old address. Review deposit waiver options at City of Austin Utilities.
- Update your driver license address within 30 days. New Texas residents have 90 days to obtain a Texas driver license. Start with the DPS change‑of‑address page.
- Register your vehicle in Texas within 30 days if you are new to the state. See steps at TxDMV: New to Texas.
- Finalize school registration and submit proof of residency and immunizations as required. See AISD enrollment if enrolling in Austin ISD.
- Update voter registration promptly, especially before election deadlines. Learn how at Texas voter registration.
Pro tips for Austin families
- Address matters. Many services depend on your exact location, including school districts and collection days. Always verify the details for your specific address. Use the City’s My Collection Schedule for trash, compost, recycling, and reminders.
- Plan for permits early. Some streets are narrow or have resident‑only parking. Apply for Right‑of‑Way permits several business days in advance to avoid tickets or towing. See permit guidance.
- Use on‑demand bulk pickup wisely. With the new system, you can schedule up to three bulk or HHW collections per calendar year. Flatten cardboard for recycling and set items out by 5:30 a.m. on the appointment day. Details at ARR on‑demand.
- Protect your move. Verify mover credentials, insist on a written estimate, and understand the claims process before signing. Start with TxDMV consumer protection.
School planning across Austin’s suburbs
Families relocating within the greater Austin area often consider districts like Austin ISD, Lake Travis ISD, Leander ISD, Round Rock ISD, Pflugerville ISD, Hays CISD, Manor ISD, and Eanes ISD. Enrollment windows and documentation vary by district. For Austin ISD, application-based programs follow a seasonal Priority Enrollment window and general enrollment is rolling; verify current dates and required documents through AISD enrollment. Use district boundary tools to confirm your home’s assigned campuses.
Local services cheat sheet
- City of Austin Utilities: Start service, deposits, and waivers. See fees and deposit policies or call 512‑494‑9400.
- Austin Resource Recovery: Curbside schedule, reminders, and on‑demand bulk/HHW. Visit ARR on‑demand or use My Schedule.
- Right‑of‑Way Parking Permits: Moving truck or POD on the street. Review permit requirements and apply through the City portal.
- Driver license and vehicle registration: Update your license within 30 days and see new‑resident rules at DPS change‑of‑address and TxDMV New to Texas.
- Schools: Enrollment steps and documents for Austin ISD at AISD enrollment; immunization guidance at AISD immunizations.
- Voter registration: Update your address with the state. Start at Texas voter registration.
- Pets: Microchipping rules and resources at Austin Animal Center resources.
Settle in with confidence
A smart plan turns a complicated move into a smooth transition for your family. Use this timeline, book your permits and pickups early, and keep your key documents handy so the first week in your new home is about unpacking and exploring, not problem solving. If you want a local partner who understands the neighborhoods, schools, and the details that matter to families across the Austin–Lake Travis corridor, reach out to Kristen Balke.
FAQs
When should families start Austin school enrollment?
- For Austin ISD, application-based programs follow a Priority Enrollment window, typically in winter for the next school year, and general enrollment is rolling. Check current dates and documents at AISD enrollment.
How do I schedule bulk pickup in Austin after moving?
- Use the City’s on‑demand system to book up to three appointments per calendar year. Set items out by 5:30 a.m. on pickup day and follow item-separation rules. Learn more at ARR on‑demand.
Do I need a permit for a moving truck or POD on my street?
- If it occupies public right‑of‑way or meters, you likely need a Right‑of‑Way Parking Permit. Apply several business days in advance and follow any barricade requirements. See permit guidance.
What are the deadlines to update my license and registration in Texas?
- Update your Texas driver license address within 30 days and, if new to Texas, obtain a Texas license within 90 days. Register your vehicle within 30 days. Start at DPS and TxDMV.
How can I verify a mover in Texas is legitimate?
- Confirm active TxDMV operating authority and insurance, get a written estimate, and know the claims process. Use the state’s tools at TxDMV consumer protection.
