Complete Guide to Moving Day and First 30 Days in Austin (2026)

Your Austin Move: By the Numbers

The average local move in Austin costs $1,100 to $1,650 for a three-bedroom home, with movers charging $90 to $180 per hour for a two-person crew plus truck. Long-distance relocations from out of state run $4,000 to $9,000 depending on distance and weight. Those numbers jump 15 to 25 percent if you move on a Saturday, Sunday, or the last weekend of any month.

According to Texas Department of Public Safety data, new residents have 90 days to obtain a Texas driver’s license and just 30 days to register their vehicles. Miss those windows, and penalty fees stack up fast. Travis County also requires a vehicle emissions inspection before you can complete registration, a step that catches many newcomers off guard.

The City of Austin bundles electricity, water, and wastewater into a single utility account through Austin Energy and Austin Water. Setup takes 24 to 48 hours, though you should request service at least a week before your move-in date during peak season (May through September). Between the deposit, the first utility bill, and internet setup, most new residents spend $400 to $600 on administrative costs before they even unpack the first box.

This guide covers every step from choosing a moving company through your first 30 days as an Austin resident: utility setup, state paperwork deadlines, finding your grocery store, filing your homestead exemption, and building the local knowledge that turns a new address into a neighborhood.

Choosing a Moving Company for Austin

Austin’s moving market splits into three categories: local movers (within the metro), long-distance carriers (interstate), and hybrid companies that handle both. The right choice depends on where you are moving from and how much stuff you are bringing.

Local Moving Costs (2026)

Most Austin movers bill in 15-minute increments with a three-hour minimum. The cheapest days to move are Tuesday through Thursday, mid-month, between October and April. Avoid the last weekend of any month, when lease turnovers create peak demand.

Long-Distance Moving Costs

Long-distance moves are priced by weight and distance, not hourly rate. Get at least three in-home or virtual estimates. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires interstate movers to carry a USDOT number, so verify licensing before signing anything.

What to Look For in an Austin Mover

• Texas DMV registration. All movers operating in Texas must register with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. Ask for their TxDMV number.
• Liability coverage. Texas requires movers to offer Full Value Protection at no less than $6.00 per pound per article. Released value (60 cents per pound) costs you nothing but covers almost nothing.
• Reviews and references. Check Google reviews, BBB ratings, and ask for references from moves of similar size.
• Heat experience. Austin movers who work through summer know how to protect furniture from sun damage, keep trucks ventilated, and manage crew hydration. Ask if they start early (6 or 7 AM) during summer months.

Packing Strategies for the Texas Heat

Austin’s heat creates packing challenges that most relocation guides skip entirely. Temperatures regularly exceed 100 degrees from May through September, and the inside of a moving truck parked in direct sunlight can reach 150 degrees within an hour.

Items that need special protection in Texas heat:

• Candles and wax items: These will melt. Transport in your car with the AC running, not in the truck.
• Vinyl records, CDs, and DVDs: Warp quickly in extreme heat. Keep in climate-controlled space.
• Electronics: Laptops, monitors, and TVs can suffer screen damage. Transport in your vehicle if possible.
• Wood furniture: Extended heat exposure causes warping and finish damage. Wrap in moving blankets and load last (unload first).
• Medications: Many prescriptions lose effectiveness above certain temperatures. Carry these with you.
• Packing tape: Cheap tape melts and peels in Texas heat. Buy high-quality tape rated for temperature resistance.

Start loading by 6 AM during summer months. Plan to have everything on the truck before noon if possible. Keep a cooler with water and electrolyte drinks accessible for both you and the crew. Austin movers report that heat-related slowdowns can add two to three hours to a summer move compared to the same job in October.

Moving Day Checklist: Austin Edition

This is the day-of checklist, assuming you have already packed, sorted, and handled pre-move tasks like decluttering and setting up your 8-week moving timeline.

Morning Of

• Walk through every room, closet, and cabinet. Check the attic, garage, and outdoor storage.
• Strip beds and bag linens separately (label “OPEN FIRST”).
• Tape remotes to their devices.
• Take photos of electronics wiring before disconnecting.
• Defrost the refrigerator if not already done (24 hours prior is ideal).
• Set out cleaning supplies for the final walkthrough.

While Movers Are Loading

• Supervise placement of fragile and high-value items.
• Keep a personal essentials bag in your car: medications, documents, phone chargers, toiletries, change of clothes, snacks, and water.
• Confirm the delivery address with the crew lead. For long-distance moves, confirm estimated delivery window.
• Do a final meter reading with photos for utility transfer records.

Before Leaving the Old Place

• Final walkthrough: check all rooms, closets, cabinets, garage, yard, mailbox.
• Lock all doors and windows.
• Leave keys, garage openers, and gate codes as arranged.
• Turn off all lights and HVAC (or set to a holding temperature if required by lease).
• Photograph the condition of each room for your records.

Arriving at Your Austin Home

• Verify utilities are active: flip a light switch, run a faucet, check the thermostat.
• Walk the property before the truck arrives. Note any pre-existing damage and photograph it.
• If you just closed on a home, review your inspection report for any items that need immediate attention.
• Check that all doors and windows lock properly. Consider changing locks or rekeying on day one.
• Identify the main water shutoff, electrical panel, and gas shutoff locations.
• Set the thermostat. In summer, your HVAC system may take several hours to bring the house to a comfortable temperature if it has been off.

Setting Up Austin Utilities: A Step-by-Step Breakdown

Austin’s utility structure differs from most cities. The City of Austin bundles electricity (Austin Energy), water, and wastewater into a single account. Natural gas is handled separately by Texas Gas Service. Here is exactly what to do, in order.

Step 1: City of Austin Utilities (Electricity + Water)

• How to apply: Online at coautilities.com, by phone at 512-494-9400, or in person at a walk-in utility customer service center.
• What you need: Government-issued photo ID, service address, lease agreement or closing documents.
• Deposit: $200 for electricity, $200 for water ($400 total). Both deposits are waived if you enroll in Autopay and eBill, are 65 or older, or have satisfactory payment history with a previous City of Austin account.
• Processing time: 24 to 48 hours. Schedule at least one week before your move-in date during peak season.
• Deposit refund: Returned with interest after 12 consecutive on-time payments.

Austin Energy is a municipal utility, which means you do not choose your electricity provider the way you would in deregulated parts of Texas (like Dallas or Houston). You get Austin Energy, period. The upside is competitive rates and a strong renewable energy portfolio.

Step 2: Texas Gas Service (Natural Gas)

• How to apply: Online at texasgasservice.com or by phone at 800-700-2443.
• Deposit: Typically $50, waived with good credit history.
• Processing time: 1 to 3 business days.

Not every Austin home uses natural gas. Many newer homes in the suburbs are all-electric. Check whether your home has a gas meter before setting up this service.

Step 3: Internet Service

Austin has some of the best internet infrastructure in the country, thanks to Google Fiber’s expansion and AT&T Fiber’s broad coverage.

Check availability at your specific address before closing on a home or signing a lease. Google Fiber coverage varies significantly by neighborhood. AT&T Fiber is the safest bet for broad availability. Schedule installation at least two weeks before move-in, as peak season wait times can stretch to 10 days or more.

Step 4: Trash and Recycling

If you are inside Austin city limits, trash and recycling collection is included in your City of Austin utility bill. You do not need to set up a separate account. The city provides:

• Weekly trash pickup (city-issued blue cart)
• Weekly single-stream recycling (city-issued green cart)
• Yard trimmings collected weekly (brown paper bags or bundled, no plastic bags)
• Composting cart available upon request

If you are in an unincorporated area or a city outside Austin (like Bee Cave, Lakeway, or Dripping Springs), you will need to contract with a private hauler. Texas Disposal Systems (TDS) and Waste Connections are the most common providers in the Hill Country.

The 30-Day Paperwork Sprint

Texas has specific deadlines for new residents. Miss them and you face penalties, late fees, or gaps in legal protection. Here is every administrative task, organized by urgency.

Week 1: Immediate Priorities

Update your auto insurance. Texas requires minimum liability coverage of 30/60/25 ($30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, $25,000 for property damage). Update your policy to reflect your new Austin address immediately. Your existing out-of-state policy may not meet Texas minimums, and a lapse creates legal exposure if you are in an accident.

Forward your mail. File a change of address with USPS online at usps.com or in person at any post office. The $1.10 online verification fee is worth the convenience. Mail forwarding lasts 12 months for First-Class mail. Packages and periodicals forward for 60 days.

Find your closest H-E-B. This is not a grocery store recommendation. It is a survival tip. H-E-B is the dominant grocery chain in Central Texas, and for good reason: competitive prices, excellent store brands, in-store prepared foods (True Texas BBQ is a legitimate restaurant), pharmacy, curbside pickup, and home delivery. Use the store locator at heb.com to find your nearest location. Many Austin neighborhoods have multiple H-E-B stores, including the upscale H-E-B Plus format with expanded organic, specialty, and household goods sections.

Week 2: State ID and Vehicle Registration

Texas Driver’s License (90-day deadline). New residents must obtain a Texas driver’s license within 90 days of establishing residency. You must apply in person at a Texas DPS office.

What you need:

• Current out-of-state driver’s license (surrendered at appointment)
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence (passport, birth certificate, or permanent resident card)
• Proof of Social Security number (SSN card or W-2)
• Two documents proving Texas residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement). The 30-day residency requirement is waived when you surrender a valid out-of-state license.
• Proof of Texas vehicle registration (if you own a vehicle)

Pro tip: Book your DPS appointment online as soon as you move. Austin-area DPS offices frequently have wait times of two to four weeks for appointments. Walk-in availability exists but expect two to four hour waits. The DPS offices in Pflugerville and Cedar Park tend to have shorter wait times than the central Austin locations.

Vehicle Registration (30-day deadline). Texas gives you just 30 days to register your vehicle, and this deadline is enforced with penalty fees at the Travis County Tax Office.

Steps:

1. Get a Texas vehicle emissions inspection at any state-licensed inspection station ($28.75 in Travis and Williamson Counties). This is required before registration.
2. Visit the Travis County Tax Office (5501 Airport Blvd is the main location) with: your out-of-state title or registration, Form 130-U (available at the office or online at txdmv.gov), valid photo ID, and proof of Texas auto insurance.
3. Pay the registration fee ($50.75 base + local fees) and title transfer fee ($28 or $33 depending on lien status).

Williamson County residents (Round Rock, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Leander) and Hays County residents (San Marcos, Kyle, Dripping Springs, Wimberley) follow the same process at their respective county tax offices.

Week 3: Financial and Legal Setup

File your homestead exemption. If you purchased a home (not renting), filing a homestead exemption is the single most valuable financial step you can take in your first 30 days. The 2026 Texas homestead exemption provides a $100,000 reduction in your school district taxable value, plus additional exemptions from city, county, and other taxing entities.

For a home with a $500,000 appraised value, the school district exemption alone saves approximately $1,100 to $1,300 per year. The exemption also caps your annual appraisal increases at 10 percent per year, which compounds into significant savings over time.

How to file:

• Travis County: Apply online at traviscad.org or call 512-873-1560
• Williamson County: Apply at wcad.org or call 512-930-3787
• Hays County: Apply at hayscad.com or call 512-268-2522

The standard filing deadline is April 30, but new homeowners can apply at any time. Late applications are accepted through January 31 of the following year. Do not wait. File the day after closing if possible.

For a deeper breakdown of every available exemption, see our Complete Guide to Homestead Exemption in Texas.

Voter registration. Register to vote through the Travis County Tax Office Voter Registration Division at 2433 Ridgepoint Drive, at any public library, or by downloading a registration application from votetexas.gov. Your registration becomes effective 30 days after your application is received by the county. You must register at least 30 days before an election to be eligible to vote.

Update your bank and financial accounts. Change your address with banks, credit cards, investment accounts, and insurance policies. If your bank does not have local branches in Austin (some credit unions and regional banks), consider opening a local account at a bank or credit union with Austin ATM coverage. UFCU (University Federal Credit Union) and Amplify Credit Union are locally headquartered options with strong reputations.

Week 4: Settling In

Find a primary care doctor. Austin’s healthcare system includes several major hospital networks: Ascension Seton (part of the Dell Medical School / UT system), St. David’s (HCA Healthcare), and Baylor Scott & White. If you are moving from a city with a specific insurance network, verify your plan’s provider availability in Austin before your move if possible. For a full overview, see our Complete Guide to Healthcare in Austin.

Find a dentist. Austin has no shortage of dental practices, but the good ones book up. Ask neighbors for recommendations or check with your insurance network. New patient appointments at popular practices may take three to six weeks.

Find a veterinarian (if applicable). If you have pets, establish a relationship with a local vet promptly. Bring your pet’s medical records from your previous vet. Austin is an extremely pet-friendly city, and most veterinary practices in the metro are accepting new patients. For more on life with pets in Austin, see our Complete Guide to Pet-Friendly Living in Austin.

Getting to Know Austin: The Local Knowledge That Matters

Every city has unwritten rules. Here are Austin’s.

Driving and Traffic

Austin is a car-dependent city. Public transit exists (Capital Metro buses and the Red Line commuter rail), but most residents drive. The key roads you need to know:

• I-35 runs north-south through the center of the city. It is perpetually under construction (the I-35 expansion is a multi-year, multi-billion dollar project). Avoid it during rush hour if any alternative exists.
• MoPac (Loop 1) is the western north-south alternative to I-35. The express lane (toll) can save significant time during rush hour.
• Highway 183 connects the airport (ABIA) to North Austin and Cedar Park.
• Highway 290 / 71 heads west toward Dripping Springs and the Hill Country.
• Highway 130 is the toll road bypass east of Austin. Worth the $3 to $8 in tolls to avoid I-35 traffic.
• Highway 45 / 1431 connects Cedar Park to Round Rock across the north side.

Rush hour runs from 7:00 to 9:30 AM and 4:00 to 7:00 PM, with the worst congestion on I-35, MoPac, and 183. Wednesday and Thursday afternoons tend to be the worst.

Set up a TxTag account or use the TxTag app for toll roads. Central Texas has multiple toll systems (CTRMA, TxDOT), and TxTag works across all of them.

For a complete analysis of commute times by area, see our Complete Guide to Austin Commutes and Transportation.

Weather Preparedness

Austin’s weather catches newcomers off guard in three specific ways:

Summer heat (May through September). Expect 25 to 40 days above 100 degrees. Your electric bill will spike during summer. A well-insulated 2,000 square foot home typically runs $150 to $300 per month for electricity in July and August. Set your thermostat to 78 degrees when home and 82 to 85 degrees when away. Read more about Austin’s climate patterns.

Flash flooding. Central Texas sits in Flash Flood Alley, the most flood-prone region in North America. When the city issues a flash flood warning, do not drive through standing water. “Turn around, don’t drown” is a phrase you will hear often. Even six inches of fast-moving water can sweep a car off the road. Learn which low-water crossings are near your home and avoid them during storms.

Cedar fever (December through February). Mountain cedar (Ashe juniper) pollen is an allergen unique to the Texas Hill Country. If you have never experienced it, expect cold-like symptoms: congestion, itchy eyes, fatigue, and headache. It affects nearly everyone, including people who have never had allergies before. Over-the-counter antihistamines help. Local allergists can provide more targeted treatment if symptoms are severe.

The H-E-B Ecosystem

H-E-B deserves its own section because it is not just a grocery store in Texas. It is a community institution.

• H-E-B (standard): Full grocery, pharmacy, bakery, deli. Competitive prices, excellent store brands (“H-E-B” and “Hill Country Fare” for budget, “Central Market” for premium).
• H-E-B Plus: Larger format with expanded home goods, electronics, outdoor, and clothing sections. Think of it as H-E-B meets a soft Target.
• Central Market: H-E-B’s upscale concept. Specialty foods, international ingredients, cooking classes, cafe. Locations on N. Lamar and Westgate.
• Curbside and delivery: Order through the H-E-B app. Curbside pickup is free on orders over $35. Delivery runs $5 to $10.
• True Texas BBQ: Many H-E-B locations have a full BBQ restaurant inside the store. The brisket is legitimately good.

Other grocery options include Trader Joe’s (multiple locations), Whole Foods (headquartered in Austin), Costco (multiple locations), and Randalls (Albertsons brand, declining presence). But H-E-B is where most Austinites do the majority of their shopping.

First-Month Home Maintenance for Austin Homes

Whether you bought or rented, your first month is when you establish the maintenance habits that protect your investment (or your security deposit).

HVAC System

Austin’s extreme heat puts brutal stress on air conditioning systems. The average HVAC system in Central Texas runs 8 to 12 hours per day for five to six months of the year, significantly shortening its lifespan compared to systems in milder climates.

In your first week:

• Locate and check the air filter. Replace it if it is dirty. Plan to replace filters every 30 to 60 days during summer (every 90 days in winter).
• Walk the exterior and locate the condenser unit. Clear any debris, vegetation, or mulch within 2 feet of the unit.
• Set the thermostat to 78 degrees. Going below 72 in a Texas summer strains the system and inflates your electric bill.
• Schedule an HVAC tune-up with a licensed technician within your first month, especially if the home has been vacant.

For a comprehensive seasonal schedule, see our Complete Guide to Home Maintenance in Central Texas.

Foundation Watering

This one surprises every newcomer. Texas clay soil expands when wet and contracts when dry, and that movement cracks foundations. During summer drought, you need to water the soil around your foundation using soaker hoses set 12 to 18 inches from the foundation walls. Water for 15 to 30 minutes, two to three times per week during dry periods.

Skipping foundation watering is the most expensive mistake new Texas homeowners make. Pier and beam foundation repairs in Austin run $5,000 to $30,000 or more. A soaker hose costs $15. Read our Complete Guide to Foundation Issues in Texas for the full breakdown.

Pest Prevention

Central Texas has an active pest calendar. In your first month:

• Inspect the perimeter of your home for gaps, cracks, and openings. Seal anything larger than a pencil width with caulk or steel wool.
• Trim tree branches and vegetation at least 3 feet from the house.
• Check for standing water in gutters, plant saucers, and low spots in the yard (mosquito breeding grounds).
• Consider scheduling a pest control treatment. Most companies offer initial treatment packages for $150 to $300, with monthly or quarterly service plans for $40 to $75.

Common Austin pests include fire ants (year-round), termites (spring swarms), scorpions (Hill Country areas), mosquitoes (spring through fall), and various spiders. For a complete seasonal pest guide, see our Complete Guide to Pest Control in Central Texas.

Pool Maintenance (If Applicable)

If your new Austin home has a pool, you need to begin maintenance immediately or hire a pool service. An untreated pool in the Texas heat can turn green within 48 hours. Weekly chemical checks, skimming, and filter cleaning are non-negotiable. Budget $150 to $300 per month for professional pool service if you prefer not to DIY. See our Complete Guide to Pool Ownership in Austin for costs and maintenance schedules.

Building Your New Austin Network

Moving is logistically exhausting. But the social transition is what makes or breaks a relocation. Austin has an unusually strong newcomer infrastructure because so many people move here.

Meeting People

• Nextdoor: Join your neighborhood on Nextdoor.com. It is the primary channel for neighborhood communication in most Austin communities: lost pets, recommendations, community events, and real-time information during weather events.
• HOA or community events: If your neighborhood has an HOA, attend the first event you can. Pool parties, holiday gatherings, and annual meetings are all connection points. For an overview of how Austin HOAs work, see our Complete Guide to HOAs in Austin.
• Sports leagues: Austin Social Sports (formerly Austin Sports and Social Club) runs adult recreational leagues for volleyball, kickball, softball, dodgeball, and more across the metro. Seasons run 6 to 8 weeks.
• Running groups: Austin Runners Club hosts group runs across the city. RunLab, Rogue Running, and Fleet Feet stores also organize weekly group runs.
• Coworking spaces: If you work remotely, a coworking space provides both internet redundancy and social interaction. WeWork, Industrious, and local options like Link Coworking and Capital Factory are spread across the city.
• Places of worship: Austin has a diverse religious community. Churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples often run new member programs, volunteer opportunities, and community groups that help newcomers build connections quickly.

Austin’s Unofficial Social Calendar

Block these on your calendar during your first year:

• Barton Springs Pool: Open year-round, 68 degrees year-round. The quintessential Austin experience.
• South by Southwest (SXSW): March. Music, film, and tech festival that takes over downtown.
• Eeyore’s Birthday Party: Late April. Free community festival in Pease Park. Weird Austin at its finest.
• Austin City Limits Music Festival: Two weekends in October. Zilker Park becomes a concert venue.
• Trail of Lights: December. Zilker Park holiday light display. Free admission on select nights.
• First Thursdays on South Congress: Monthly street event with live music, vendors, and open galleries.

For a full guide to Austin’s cultural scene, see our Complete Guide to Arts, Music, and Culture in Austin.

Emergency Contacts and Essential Numbers

Save these in your phone on day one:

If you live in Williamson County (Round Rock, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Leander), Hays County (San Marcos, Kyle, Dripping Springs, Wimberley), or a smaller municipality like Bee Cave or Lakeway, your non-emergency contacts will differ. Check your city’s website for local police and utility numbers.

Ed Neuhaus, broker of Neuhaus Realty Group, recommends saving your real estate agent’s number alongside these emergency contacts. “Your agent knows the area better than any search engine. When your AC goes out at 10 PM in July, the right HVAC company matters more than the closest one. A good local agent has those contacts ready.”

The Complete 30-Day Timeline

Common Mistakes New Austin Residents Make

1. Underestimating the heat. People hear “it’s hot” and think they understand. They do not. Plan your outdoor time before 10 AM or after 6 PM from June through September. Your car’s steering wheel will burn your hands if parked in the sun without a windshield shade.
2. Not filing the homestead exemption. Roughly 15 to 20 percent of eligible Texas homeowners do not have an active homestead exemption, according to county appraisal district estimates. That is $1,000 to $1,500 per year in unnecessary property taxes. File it.
3. Missing the 30-day vehicle registration deadline. Travis County assesses penalty fees for late registration. Get the emissions inspection done in your first two weeks so you have time to handle the title transfer before the deadline.
4. Ignoring foundation watering. This is the costliest mistake on the list. Skipping it leads to foundation cracks that cost tens of thousands to repair.
5. Choosing a home based on winter weather. That shady, treed lot feels perfect in November. In July, you need to know: Does the AC keep up? Is the electric bill sustainable? What is the exposure? Ask about summer utility costs before you commit.
6. Not getting connected locally. Austin is a friendly city, but friendships do not materialize automatically. According to Neuhaus Realty Group‘s experience working with hundreds of relocating buyers, the people who settle in happiest are those who join one social activity within their first two weeks, whether that is a running group, a church, a sports league, or a coworking space.

Your Austin Life Starts Now

The first 30 days in a new city set the tone for everything that follows. Handle the administrative deadlines (vehicle registration, driver’s license, homestead exemption) early so they do not hang over you. Get your utilities locked in, find your grocery store, and establish one local connection in your first two weeks.

Austin rewards people who explore. Walk your neighborhood. Try the breakfast taco spot your neighbor mentioned. Check out Barton Springs Pool. Drive out to a Hill Country winery on a Saturday afternoon. The logistics of moving are temporary. The life you build here is not.

For more on finding the right neighborhood, understanding the cost of living, or navigating the property tax system, explore the full library of guides at neuhausre.com/guides.