Your Complete Moving to Smithville Checklist

Congratulations on your decision to move to Smithville! Whether you're relocating from across Texas or across the country, this comprehensive checklist will ensure your move to The Prairie goes smoothly. We've organized everything you need to do before, during, and after your move.

8+ Weeks Before Moving: Pre-Move Planning

The key to a stress-free move is starting early. Here's what to tackle as soon as possible:

Financial and Administrative Tasks

• Finalize your mortgage and closing details
• Set your closing date and coordinate with The Prairie team
• Begin budgeting for moving expenses
• Research moving companies and get quotes (or reserve rental truck)
• Start decluttering—sell, donate, or discard items you won't need
• Create a moving binder to organize all documents and information
• Update your budget to reflect Smithville's lower cost of living

School Planning (If Applicable)

• Contact Smithville ISD to begin enrollment process
• Request records transfer from current school
• Gather immunization records and other required documents
• Research extracurricular activities and sports programs
• Schedule campus tours if possible

Employment Preparations

• If commuting to Austin, test drive the route at typical commute times
• Notify your employer of your address change
• Update your commute routine and expectations
• If job searching, explore local employment opportunities

4-6 Weeks Before: Organization and Logistics

Now it's time to get organized and start the actual moving process:

Moving Company and Supplies

• Book your moving company or rental truck
• Purchase or gather packing supplies (boxes, tape, bubble wrap, markers)
• Start packing non-essential items (seasonal clothes, books, decor)
• Label all boxes with contents and destination room
• Create an inventory list of your belongings
• Take photos of valuable items for insurance purposes

Address Changes

• File change of address with USPS (online or at post office)
• Update your address with:
  • Bank and credit card companies
  • Insurance providers (auto, health, life)
  • Investment and retirement accounts
  • IRS and state tax agencies
  • Student loan servicers
  • Professional licenses and memberships

Healthcare Transitions

• Find new doctors, dentists, and specialists in Smithville or nearby
• Request medical records from current providers
• Fill any needed prescriptions before moving
• Research pharmacies in Smithville
• Verify your insurance coverage in new location
• Find veterinarian if you have pets

2-3 Weeks Before: Final Preparations

The move is getting close—time to finalize details:

Utility Setup in Smithville

• Electricity: Contact providers to establish service (Texas deregulated market—compare rates)
• Water/Sewer: Contact City of Smithville utilities department
• Trash/Recycling: Verify pickup schedule and requirements
• Internet/Cable: Schedule installation with preferred provider
• Gas: If applicable, arrange natural gas service
• Security System: If desired, schedule installation

Disconnect Old Services

• Schedule utility disconnection at current home (day after you leave)
• Cancel or transfer internet, cable, and phone services
• Arrange for final meter readings and final bills
• Get security deposit refund if applicable

Home Preparation

• Measure doorways and rooms at your new Prairie home
• Plan furniture placement for each room
• Determine what furniture fits (sell anything that won't work)
• Schedule any needed cleaning services for old home

Important Notifications

• Notify employers, schools, and daycare of move date
• Inform friends and family of new address
• Update subscription services and online shopping accounts
• Change address for magazine subscriptions
• Update voter registration

1 Week Before: Final Week Countdown

The move is almost here. Focus on these final tasks:

Packing Final Items

• Pack everything except daily essentials
• Prepare "first night" boxes with essentials for each family member
• Pack a separate box of cleaning supplies for both homes
• Set aside valuables, important documents, and medications to transport personally
• Defrost and clean refrigerator if necessary
• Empty and clean all storage areas

Vehicle Preparations

• Schedule vehicle maintenance if needed for move
• Plan your route to Smithville
• Make hotel reservations if moving from far away
• Prepare vehicles for transporting pets if applicable

Confirm Everything

• Confirm moving company arrival time and details
• Verify closing date and time
• Confirm utility connection dates in Smithville
• Double-check utility disconnection at old home
• Confirm any installation appointments (internet, security, etc.)

Moving Day: The Big Day

Moving day is here! Stay organized and calm with these tips:

Morning Of

• Do final walkthrough of old home checking all rooms, closets, and storage
• Take final meter readings and photos
• Have coffee and snacks available for movers and helpers
• Keep important documents, valuables, and medications with you
• Ensure you have your keys to your new Prairie home

During the Move

• Stay available to answer movers' questions
• Check boxes as they're loaded
• Take photos of electronics before disconnecting
• Keep phone charged and accessible
• Have payment ready for movers

Arriving at The Prairie

• Do walkthrough of your new home before unloading
• Take photos and note any issues
• Verify all utilities are connected
• Direct movers where to place furniture and boxes
• Check off boxes as they're unloaded
• Tip movers if service was good

First Week: Settling In

You're in your new Prairie home! Here's what to tackle first:

Immediate Tasks

• Unpack essentials first (bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen)
• Set up beds and make them up for first night
• Locate and unpack toiletries and medications
• Get kitchen functional with basics
• Set up internet and entertainment
• Install window treatments for privacy
• Test all outlets, switches, and appliances

Explore Smithville

• Drive around and familiarize yourself with the town
• Locate grocery stores, pharmacy, gas stations
• Find the post office, bank, and other essential services
• Visit downtown Smithville and local restaurants
• Drive your commute route if working in Austin
• Locate parks and recreation areas

Administrative Tasks

• Get new Texas driver's licenses (within 90 days of moving)
• Register vehicles in Texas (within 30 days)
• Register to vote at new address
• Update car insurance with new address
• Find local services (hair salon, mechanic, cleaners, etc.)

First Month: Getting Established

As you settle in, focus on making Smithville truly home:

Enroll Children in School

• Complete enrollment at Smithville ISD
• Submit all required documents
• Attend orientation if available
• Meet teachers and tour campus
• Sign up for extracurriculars and sports
• Join PTO or volunteer opportunities

Find Local Services

• Healthcare: Establish care with new doctors and dentists
• Pet Care: Find veterinarian, groomer, pet supplies
• Personal Services: Hair salon, barber, nail salon
• Auto Care: Reliable mechanic, car wash, oil change
• Home Services: Lawn care, HVAC service, plumber, electrician
• Financial: Open local bank account if desired

Home Organization

• Unpack remaining boxes
• Organize closets and storage areas
• Hang pictures and decorate
• Set up home office if working remotely
• Establish household routines
• Set up outdoor spaces (patio furniture, yard maintenance)

Getting Involved in the Community

The best way to feel at home in Smithville is to get involved:

Meet Your Neighbors

• Introduce yourself to neighbors at The Prairie
• Attend any neighborhood gatherings or events
• Join Prairie community Facebook group if available
• Exchange contact information with nearby families
• Organize or attend a block party

Community Activities

• Attend Smithville community events and festivals
• Visit local farmers market
• Support local businesses and restaurants
• Attend Friday night football games (Go Tigers!)
• Explore Colorado River activities
• Visit historic downtown regularly

Get Connected

• Join local churches or faith communities
• Participate in Smithville ISD parent organizations
• Join clubs or groups matching your interests
• Volunteer for community organizations
• Follow city and school district on social media
• Attend city council meetings to stay informed

Special Considerations for Austin Commuters

If you'll be commuting to Austin for work:

• Test your commute during actual work hours
• Identify alternative routes for traffic or construction
• Consider carpooling with other Smithville residents
• Plan podcast, audiobook, or music playlists for commute
• Keep emergency supplies in your car
• Build flexibility into your morning routine
• Explore park-and-ride options if available

Texas-Specific Moving Tasks

Moving to Texas from another state? Don't forget these Texas-specific items:

• Driver's License: Visit TxDMV with required documents
• Vehicle Registration: Register vehicles at county tax office
• Vehicle Inspection: Get Texas safety inspection
• Auto Insurance: Update to Texas policy requirements
• No State Income Tax: Enjoy not filing state returns!
• Homestead Exemption: Apply for property tax savings
• Weather Prep: Be ready for Texas heat and occasional ice

Money-Saving Moving Tips

Make your move more affordable with these tips:

• Move during off-peak season (avoid summer and month-end)
• Pack yourself instead of paying for packing services
• Get free boxes from local stores or online marketplaces
• Purge before packing—less to move means lower cost
• Ask friends and family to help with packing and loading
• Ship heavy items via freight if moving long distance
• Tax deductions may apply if moving for work—consult accountant

Welcome to The Prairie Community

Moving to a new home is both exciting and challenging. The Prairie Smithville team is here to help make your transition as smooth as possible. Don't hesitate to reach out with questions about:

• Your new home's features and systems
• Warranty coverage and service requests
• Recommendations for local services
• Connecting with other Prairie residents
• Smithville community resources and events

Remember, it takes time to fully settle into a new community. Give yourself grace as you adjust to new routines, find your favorite local spots, and build new friendships. Before you know it, Smithville will feel like home.

Welcome to The Prairie Smithville—we're so glad you're here! If you have questions about your move, don't hesitate to contact us.