Austin Moving Checklist (2026)

Most relocators feel settled within 60-90 days. The first 30 days cover essentials: driver's license, vehicle registration, Austin Energy setup, and learning your commute (I-35 and MoPac traffic have their own patterns). Days 30-60 are about finding your routines — gym, H-E-B, favorite coffee shops, and weekend trails. By 90 days you'll know which routes to avoid and have your Cedar Fever medicine stocked.

Austin is NOT in the deregulated electricity market — Austin Energy is your only provider. Call 512-494-9400 or visit austinenergy.com to start service at least 3-5 business days before move-in. Water is through Austin Water (or your suburban provider if in Round Rock, Cedar Park, or Pflugerville). Internet options include Google Fiber, AT&T Fiber, and Spectrum. Gas is through Texas Gas Service.

Yes — Austin is primarily car-dependent despite ongoing transit improvements. Capital Metro operates buses and the MetroRail commuter line (Downtown to Leander), but most daily errands and commutes require a car. I-35 and MoPac are the main corridors and both get heavily congested during rush hour. Set up a TxTag account for toll roads (MoPac Express Lane, SH 130, 183A).

Cedar Fever is caused by massive amounts of Ashe juniper pollen released from December through February in the Austin and Hill Country area. Pollen counts in Austin are among the highest in the country for this allergen. Many newcomers who have never had allergies develop symptoms within their first year or two. Over-the-counter antihistamines help most people, but some need prescription treatment from an allergist.

October through March offers the best conditions: moderate temperatures, lower humidity, and lower moving demand. Avoid June through August — extreme heat (regularly exceeding 100°F) makes moving miserable. Be aware that December through February is Cedar Fever season, so have allergy medicine ready if moving during those months.

Priority order: (1) USPS mail forwarding at usps.com, (2) Texas driver's license within 90 days through the Department of Public Safety at dps.texas.gov — book the appointment immediately, since Austin-area wait times run 2-4 weeks, (3) vehicle registration within 30 days at the Travis County Tax Office (Travis and Williamson are emissions counties, so get the emissions test first), (4) voter registration at votetexas.gov, (5) car insurance, (6) banks and credit cards, (7) employer/HR, (8) doctors and dentists, (9) subscriptions and online shopping, (10) TxTag toll account at txtag.org.