Moving & Checklist

Starting your moving journey early is the best way to ensure success. For Houston residents, this means organizing schedules and materials at least two months before the big day. Pack a separate "Essentials Bag" with toiletries, chargers, and important documents like your birth certificate or closing papers. Clearly label all boxes with the destination room and a brief inventory to make unpacking in neighborhoods like Katy or The Woodlands much faster. Stay hydrated, especially during the summer humidity, and keep snacks on hand. Maintain open communication with your Ameritex crew lead and have a list of important contacts ready, including your insurance agent and utility providers. Taking short breaks throughout the day will keep you refreshed and ready to settle into your new Bayou City home.

To transfer utilities in Houston, use the Power to Choose website for electricity and contact Houston Water Bills for water and sewer. For natural gas, reach out to CenterPoint Energy. It is best to schedule these transfers at least 24 hours before your move-in date to ensure your new home is cooled and functional upon arrival.

In the final 24 hours, confirm your arrival window with Ameritex Movers, finish packing your "First Night" bag, and defrost your refrigerator. Ensure all walkways and driveways are clear of obstacles and that you have your accepted payment method ready. A good night’s sleep is essential for the busy day ahead!

To change your address, visit USPS.com to set up mail forwarding and update your Texas driver’s license via the DPS website within 30 days. You should also update your voter registration and notify your bank, employer, and insurance providers of your new Houston-area zip code to ensure uninterrupted service.

Houston high-rises typically require service elevator reservations, a Certificate of Insurance (COI) from your mover, and adherence to specific moving hours (often 9 AM – 5 PM). Contact your building manager in areas like the Galleria or Downtown at least two weeks early to secure your slot and avoid fines.

Start packing non-essential items like seasonal decor and books 6 weeks before your move. Gradually move to daily necessities, aiming to be 100% packed 2 days before the moving truck arrives. This staggered approach reduces last-minute stress and ensures you have time to properly protect fragile items.

Verify a mover’s license on the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) website. A reputable Houston mover like Ameritex will have a valid TxDMV and USDOT number, a physical office address, and clear online reviews. Always review the "Your Rights & Responsibilities" brochure before signing a contract.

For their safety and to reduce stress, we recommend boarding your pets or leaving them with a friend on moving day. If they must be on-site, keep them in a secure kennel or a quiet, separate room with plenty of water and ventilation, especially during the humid Houston summer months.

If moving during hurricane season (June–Nov), include water-resistant bins for documents, a 3-day supply of water/food, a battery-powered fan, and heavy-duty plastic sheeting. Ameritex Movers monitors local weather and will coordinate with you if a tropical storm or hurricane impacts your scheduled move date.

Use the "Three-Box Method": Keep, Donate, and Sell. Host a garage sale in your Houston neighborhood, list items on Facebook Marketplace, or donate to local charities like the Salvation Army or Goodwill. Reducing your inventory before the estimate can significantly lower your moving costs.

Before move day, measure the width of all doorways, hallways, and stairwells in your new residence. Use a digital floor plan or a simple tape measure to ensure your "Texas-sized" furniture—like king beds or sectionals—can fit through the entry points of your new home in areas like The Heights or Sugar Land.

A Binding Estimate is a guaranteed price based on a fixed inventory. A Not-to-Exceed Estimate is based on an hourly rate but sets a maximum cap on the total price.

Ameritex Movers provides clear contracts for both, ensuring Houston residents understand their costs before the first box is loaded.

Pack a box with bed linens, towels, a shower curtain, basic tools (like a box cutter), a coffee maker, and chargers. Clearly label this box "OPEN FIRST" and have the movers load it last so it’s the first thing off the truck when you arrive at your new Houston-area residence.

In most Houston residential areas, moving trucks can park on the street or in a driveway without a permit. However, in gated communities or dense areas like the Museum District, you may need to notify your HOA or reserve street space. Always ensure the truck doesn't block hydrants or neighbors' driveways.

Arrange for a babysitter or family member to watch young children off-site. If they must stay, create a "Kid’s Zone" in a safe room with toys, a tablet, and snacks. This keeps them away from heavy lifting and moving equipment, ensuring a faster and safer relocation for your Houston family.

A Household Goods Proposal is your official moving contract. It outlines the inventory, estimated costs, services (like packing or assembly), and the terms of the move.

In Texas, you must sign this document before the movers begin, as it protects both you and the moving company during the relocation.

Hydration is key. Provide plenty of cold water and Gatorade for yourself and the moving crew. Start the move as early as possible (8:00 AM) to avoid the mid-afternoon sun. Keep the air conditioning running in both your old and new homes as long as possible to prevent heat-related fatigue.

Before the movers leave, check every closet, cabinet, attic, and garage to ensure nothing was left behind. Inspect the moving truck to verify it is completely empty. Finally, walk through your new Houston home to ensure all items were placed correctly and that no damage occurred to the premises during the move.

Notify your HOA or gate guard at least a week in advance to provide the moving company's name and truck details. Ask about weight limits on private roads and specific hours for "curbside loading." This prevents delays at the gate and ensures a smooth entry for your Ameritex moving crew.

Yes! Ameritex Movers offers referral discount for every new customer you book with us. We appreciate our Houston community's loyalty and love it when our satisfied "neighbors" recommend us to their friends and family moving in neighborhoods like The Heights, Montrose, or Pearland.