Before choosing a property

  • Define the routines, destinations, housing responsibilities, and payment guardrails that matter.
  • Verify city boundary, county, school district, zoning context, taxes, HOA or condominium obligations, utilities, insurance, and flood information for the exact address.
  • Review the contract, disclosures, inspections, title, survey, and property-specific due diligence with the appropriate professionals.
  • Keep a written list of assumptions that still need confirmation.

After a contract or lease is secure

  • Confirm utility providers and the correct start/transfer process for the address.
  • Schedule insurance and verify coverage before the required date.
  • Plan movers, access, parking, keys, mail, and any association move procedures.
  • Record closing/possession timing and create a backup plan for gaps or delays.
  • Keep documents, receipts, warranties, permits, and contact information in one move file.

Texas and local administrative tasks

Use the official USPS change-of-address site, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, Texas Department of Public Safety, VoteTexas, the applicable county appraisal district, and the Texas Comptroller’s property-tax information. Deadlines and forms can change; the current agency page controls.

As of this review, TxDMV states that a new Texas resident must register a vehicle within 30 days, while DPS states that a Texas driver license is required within 90 days. Verify the current rule on the linked agency page before relying on those periods.

County mattersPlano spans Collin and Denton counties. Determine the property’s county before choosing a county appraisal-district or homestead-exemption path.

First weeks in the home

  • Confirm trash and recycling schedules and sign up for current alerts.
  • Test safety devices, locate shutoffs, and record system filters, service dates, and warranties.
  • Review HOA/condominium contacts and owner responsibilities.
  • Update address records and emergency contacts.
  • Revisit the Move Decision Map: confirm which planned actions are complete and which require a new date or owner.

Use the checklist without creating pressure

You do not need to complete administrative tasks before the housing decision is ready. Plan My Move can help separate what must be decided now, what can wait, and what information a professional or public agency needs to supply.

Sources and verification links

These links are provided so you can verify current information directly. Time-sensitive details should be checked again when a particular property or decision is under consideration.