Moving to Austin in 2026 involves far more than packing boxes and hiring a truck. From securing a Texas driver's license appointment before they're all booked to filing your homestead exemption before the April 30 deadline, the logistics of relocating to Texas are dense, time-sensitive, and, if you fall behind, expensive. This complete Austin moving checklist covers every critical task from 90 days before your move through your first month in your new home, organized by timeline so nothing falls through the cracks.
90 Days Before Your Austin Move, What to Start Now
Most people wait until 30 days out to start planning. In Austin, that's too late, especially if you're moving between June and September, when the summer relocation surge causes movers to book out six to eight weeks. The 90-day window is where smart planning pays dividends.
Start school research immediately. If you have school-age children, your neighborhood assignment determines your home's school zone, and Austin's school quality varies dramatically by zip code. Begin by researching your assigned campus through the Texas Education Agency's accountability ratings at tea.texas.gov. Request school records transfers and immunization history from your current district as early as possible, some districts take two to three weeks to process requests. If your children participate in competitive fall sports or school-year activities, contact the destination school now, as many programs have early registration windows that close before summer.
Get household goods quotes from at least three movers. Austin's summer moving season runs May through September, and long-distance carriers operating into Austin often fill capacity by late spring. Binding estimates protect you from last-minute price escalation. Ask specifically whether your quote is binding or non-binding, and confirm the carrier's FMCSA registration number. For local moves within Austin, full-service movers book out four to six weeks during peak season. Don't wait.
Give notice at your current residence. Most landlords require 30 to 60 days' written notice, but confirming your exact lease obligations early prevents penalty fees. If you own your departure home and it's going on the market simultaneously, coordinate the listing and closing timeline with your agent so you're not carrying two mortgages or scrambling for temporary housing at either end.
Texas Driver's License and Vehicle Registration
Texas requires new residents to obtain a Texas driver's license within 90 days of establishing residency in the state. This sounds comfortable until you realize that Texas DPS appointments in the Austin metro regularly book four to six weeks out, and during summer months, sometimes longer. Schedule your appointment at dps.texas.gov the week you arrive, or even before, to avoid scrambling at the deadline.
For your DPS appointment, bring the following documents: your current out-of-state driver's license, two proofs of Texas residency (a utility bill and your lease agreement or deed both work), proof of automobile insurance, your Social Security card or proof of your SSN, and your vehicle title if you plan to transfer registration in the same visit. The standard Texas DL is Real ID compliant, which is now required for domestic air travel.
Vehicle registration must be updated within 30 days of establishing residency, but you cannot register until your vehicle passes a Texas state inspection. Inspections cost $25.50 at most certified inspection stations throughout Austin and typically take 20 to 30 minutes. Once your vehicle is inspected, you can register at any Travis County Tax Office location or online at txdmv.gov.
Austin Utilities, Who to Call Before You Move In
Austin has several utility providers depending on your property's location and services. Getting everything set up before move-in day avoids the miserable experience of arriving without electricity or internet. Call or initiate service online at least five to seven business days in advance.
Electricity: If your property is within City of Austin limits, your electric provider is Austin Energy. Call 512-494-9400 or start service at austinenergy.com. If you're in a suburban area like Westlake, Pflugerville, or Round Rock, your electric provider may be different, Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC) serves much of the Hill Country corridor west of Austin.
Water and wastewater: For properties within Austin city limits, Austin Water handles water and wastewater service. When you purchase a home, the City of Austin typically auto-transfers water/wastewater service to your name at closing, but confirm this with your title company or call Austin Water at 512-494-9400 to verify the transfer happened correctly.
Internet: Austin is generally well-served. AT&T Fiber offers gigabit speeds across most of Austin proper and is available in most new construction areas. Spectrum (cable) is a widely available alternative. Google Fiber has a footprint in certain central Austin neighborhoods. Check availability at each provider's website using your new address before assuming service is available, fiber availability in particular varies block-by-block in some areas.
Natural gas: If your home uses natural gas appliances or has a gas water heater, your provider is Atmos Energy. Call 512-372-3645 to initiate service or visit atmosenergy.com.
Address Changes, The Complete List
Address changes are tedious but critical. Missing one can result in delayed financial documents, missed bills, or administrative headaches that take months to untangle. Work through this list systematically in the 30 days before your move, and set up USPS mail forwarding as a backup catch-all.
Government and legal: USPS mail forward (at moversguide.usps.com); IRS, file Form 8822 to update your address for tax refunds and notices; Social Security Administration; Medicare (if applicable); voter registration (note: in Texas, when you update your driver's license address at DPS, your voter registration is automatically updated if you're already registered, but confirm this at vote.org).
Financial: All bank accounts; all credit cards; investment and brokerage accounts; mortgage servicer (if applicable); health insurance provider; vehicle insurance provider; life insurance provider.
Employer and professional: HR department for payroll and W-2 purposes; professional licenses or memberships; alumni associations; subscriptions and loyalty accounts.
Personal services: Primary care physician, specialists, dentist, veterinarian; pharmacy for prescription transfers; children's pediatricians and dentists; subscription boxes (Amazon, Netflix billing addresses, meal kit services).
Austin Schools, Enrollment and What to Bring
Austin Independent School District (AISD) serves the vast majority of Austin proper, with enrollment handled through the district's online portal at austinisd.org. School zone assignment is based on your home address, and your child will be assigned to a specific elementary, middle, and high school based on geography.
For enrollment, you will need: a certified birth certificate (hospital birth certificates are not accepted by most schools), complete immunization records (Texas requires specific vaccinations, your pediatrician can provide documentation), proof of Texas residency in your name (a lease, deed, or utility bill), and previous school records including report cards, IEPs if applicable, and disciplinary records if requested. Allow two to three weeks for record transfers from out-of-state districts.
If you're interested in Austin ISD magnet programs, including the Liberal Arts and Science Academy (LASA), Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders, or Ridgetop Elementary Dual Language program, be aware that magnet school applications typically open in January and close in February for the following academic year. Waitlists at top magnet programs are often lengthy. Plan well ahead if magnet schools are a priority.
Many Austin-area suburbs have their own independent school districts: Eanes ISD (Westlake), Lake Travis ISD, Leander ISD, Round Rock ISD, and Cedar Park ISD, among others. If your purchase is in a suburban neighborhood, confirm which district serves your specific address before enrollment.
What to Do in Your First Week in Austin
Beyond the administrative tasks, your first week in Austin is an opportunity to start building your sense of place in one of the country's most distinctive cities. A few practical and cultural essentials worth tackling immediately:
Find your nearest HEB. Austin runs on HEB. The Texas-based grocery chain is beloved for its selection, prices, and the peculiarly Texan sense of civic pride locals attach to it. There are multiple HEB locations throughout Austin, including the massive HEB at Brodie Lane, the one at Parmer Lane for north Austin residents, and several Central Market locations for specialty grocery needs. You will understand the devotion within about two trips.
File your homestead exemption. Do this in week one, not month three. File at tcad.org by April 30 of the year following your purchase. If you closed in any month of the current calendar year, the deadline for the following April is your window. The exemption reduces the taxable value of your home by $100,000 for school district taxes and provides additional exemptions for county and city taxes. Over the life of your ownership, this is one of the most financially impactful forms you will ever fill out.
Explore your outdoor anchors. Lady Bird Lake's hike-and-bike trail is the city's backyard, a 10-mile loop around the lake through downtown and the adjacent neighborhoods. Barton Springs Pool is Austin's natural limestone swimming hole in Zilker Park, open year-round. Depending on your neighborhood, identify your nearest trail access point and make it a habit. Austin's outdoor culture is not incidental to life here, it's central to it.
Know the traffic patterns. I-35 through Austin is notoriously congested during peak commute hours: 7–9am and 4:30–6:30pm southbound and northbound through central Austin. MoPac (Loop 1) offers a parallel alternative but fills quickly as well. Download the Waze or Google Maps app and use real-time routing from your first commute to learn your optimal paths. The Austin 311 app also connects you to city services for everything from pothole reporting to recycling pickup schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to do when moving to Austin Texas?
When moving to Austin, your first priorities are: (1) file your homestead exemption at tcad.org within the first year of ownership, this saves $2,000–$3,000 per year; (2) update your Texas driver's license within 90 days of establishing residency at a Texas DPS location; (3) register your vehicle within 30 days (requires a Texas vehicle inspection first); (4) set up utilities with Austin Energy (electricity), Austin Water (the city typically auto-transfers water at purchase, confirm with your title company), and your internet provider of choice; (5) forward your mail via USPS and update your address with your employer, bank, and credit card companies. If you have children, contact Austin ISD or your district to begin school enrollment as soon as possible.
How long do I have to get a Texas driver's license after moving?
Texas law requires new residents to obtain a Texas driver's license within 90 days of establishing residency. Schedule your appointment at the Texas DPS website as soon as you have a move date, Austin-area appointments typically book four to six weeks out. Bring your out-of-state driver's license, two proofs of Texas residency (such as a utility bill and your deed or lease), proof of insurance, and your Social Security card. Allow one to two hours for your appointment.
How do I set up utilities in Austin TX?
For electricity within Austin city limits, contact Austin Energy at 512-494-9400 or austinenergy.com. Water service is typically auto-transferred to your name at closing, verify with Austin Water at 512-494-9400. For internet, choose from AT&T Fiber, Spectrum, or Google Fiber (availability varies by neighborhood, check each provider's website). If your home uses natural gas, contact Atmos Energy at 512-372-3645. Set up all utilities at least five to seven business days before your move-in date.
How do I enroll my kids in Austin ISD?
Enroll through Austin ISD's online portal at austinisd.org using your home address to confirm your assigned school zone. Required documents include a certified birth certificate, current immunization records, proof of Texas residency in your name (lease, deed, or utility bill), and previous school records. For Austin ISD magnet school applications, including LASA High School, applications typically open in January and close in February for the following academic year. Contact your assigned campus directly for campus-specific enrollment requirements and deadlines.