6 to 8 weeks out: book the move
Summer is the busy season. An FMCSA notice cites the American Trucking Associations: peak moving season runs from May 1 to September 30, and more than half of household moves happen in that window. If your date falls in it, book early.
For a move out of Texas, get a written estimate based on an in-person or video survey, and know whether it is binding or non-binding before you sign.
Sources:FMCSA notice on peak season
4 weeks out: get rid of what is not coming
Anything you do not move, you do not pay to move. In Dallas, the city collects up to 10 cubic yards of brush and bulky items such as furniture, mattresses and carpet at the curb once a month.
Put items out Thursday to Sunday before your collection week, at least 5 feet from carts, mailboxes and other obstructions. Once a year you can request a 20-cubic-yard pickup through 311; amounts over the limit are billed at $60 per 5 cubic yards.
The city will not take household garbage, construction debris, tires, electronics, paints or chemicals, or appliances with coolant such as refrigerators and air conditioners.
3 weeks out: forward your mail
File a change of address with USPS online or at a post office. The online version has a $1.25 identity check fee, and forwarding takes at least 7 to 10 business days to start.
Use USPS.com/move or the post office only. USA.gov warns that look-alike sites charge $40 or more for the same thing.
Sources:USPS: forward mail USA.gov: moving
2 weeks out: water and electricity
Water: call Dallas Water Utilities Customer Service at (214) 651-1441 to stop service. If you are leaving Dallas, your deposit is credited to the final bill and any refund is mailed to your forwarding address, so have your account number and new address ready.
Electricity: Oncor owns the wires, but in Dallas you buy power from a retail electric provider because Texas is a deregulated market. Move-out and move-in requests go through your provider, not Oncor.
Last week: your NTTA TollTag
If you keep your TollTag, update your address for free on NTTA's website, in the Tollmate app or at a customer service center. To close the account, call NTTA at (972) 818-6882 or visit a center; after tolls and fees, any remaining balance is refunded about 60 days after NTTA receives your written request.
Sources:NTTA TollTag agreement
After you arrive: vote, license and car
Texas voter registration is tied to the county you live in. Your registration is cancelled when you move out of the county, or when you register in another state, and you can cancel it yourself with a signed written request to the registrar. Register in your new state through vote.gov.
Each state sets its own deadline for a new driver's license and vehicle registration. Our state pages list them, with links to that state's official site.
Sources:Texas Secretary of State: voter registration vote.gov
Quick answers
When is the busiest time to move out of Dallas?
May 1 to September 30 is peak moving season nationally, and more than half of household moves happen then, according to an FMCSA notice citing the American Trucking Associations. Booking early matters most in those months.
How do I stop water service in Dallas?
Call Dallas Water Utilities Customer Service at (214) 651-1441. If you are leaving Dallas, the deposit is credited to your final bill and any refund is mailed to your forwarding address.
Do I cancel electricity with Oncor?
No. Oncor delivers the power, but your account is with your retail electric provider, so move-out requests go through them.
Will Dallas pick up old furniture before I move?
Yes, through monthly brush and bulky collection, up to 10 cubic yards at the curb. Set items out Thursday to Sunday before your collection week. Electronics, tires, chemicals and appliances with coolant are not accepted.