Moving to Fort Worth should feel exciting, not overwhelming. You want clear steps, trusted local info, and zero last‑minute surprises. In this guide, you’ll get a simple timeline, the right city links, and practical tips that help you plug in fast and settle in with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Why Fort Worth now: quick snapshot
Fort Worth is booming. The city topped roughly 1,000,000 residents in 2024 to 2025, which means more services, new housing, and busy roads to plan around according to recent population reporting. In 2025, buyers have more options as inventory increased and days on market lengthened. Sellers should price strategically and prepare for longer timelines based on market coverage. Fort Worth’s climate is humid subtropical. Expect hot summers, strong storms at times, and mild winters, which should guide your move timing and home maintenance priorities per NWS climate normals.
Your Fort Worth move‑in checklist
8+ weeks out
- Confirm your closing or move date and create a moving folder for quotes, receipts, and photos of key documents.
- Research neighborhoods by commute, housing type, and local services. Fort Worth is large, so address‑specific checks matter.
- Book movers early. Get three written estimates and confirm insurance and services like assembly.
4–6 weeks out
- Set up utilities. Open your City of Fort Worth water account and note the activation fee and same‑day options if needed on the city’s Water Customer Service page.
- Choose your electricity plan. Oncor delivers power in Fort Worth, and you select a Retail Electric Provider for billing in Texas’ deregulated market learn more about Oncor’s role.
- Confirm natural gas service. Atmos Energy serves much of the area. Verify the gas provider for your exact address.
- Check school assignment and enrollment requirements if you have students. Fort Worth addresses may map to multiple districts, so confirm by address and gather documents.
- Review trash, recycling, and bulk pickup rules. Fort Worth offers monthly curbside bulk collection with set‑out rules and a 10‑cubic‑yard limit see the city’s bulk guidelines.
2–3 weeks out
- Set up internet and TV. Installation windows can take several days.
- File your change of address and update key accounts. Consider a temporary mail hold during the move.
- Plan ID and vehicle updates. Texas expects address updates for driver’s licenses and registrations within about 30 days. See FAQs for a direct resource.
1 week out
- Confirm utility start dates and deposits. Ask about same‑day fees, meter readings, and startup balances for water, electricity, and gas.
- Plan parking for the truck. Check if your street needs a temporary permit or early arrival to avoid delays.
- Pack an essentials box with IDs, closing docs, chargers, medications, and kid or pet supplies.
Moving day
- Photograph meter readings and the property condition when you arrive.
- Walk through with movers. Confirm inventory and any assembly requests.
- Keep keys and important contacts handy for quick coordination.
First 30 days after move
- Apply for your homestead exemption if you own and occupy the home. This can lower taxable value. Check Tarrant Appraisal District for current steps.
- Review property tax timing. Tax statements typically mail in October and are due without penalty through January 31 per Tarrant County.
- Register to vote, confirm all mail is arriving, and update banks, insurance, HR, and subscriptions.
Set up local services fast
Water and trash
- Water: Open or transfer your account and consider creating a MyH2O login to track usage and billing. Same‑day water start is available for a fee.
- Trash and recycling: Use the city schedule to confirm your pickup day and follow bulk rules to avoid extra charges.
Electricity and gas
- Electricity: Oncor maintains lines and handles outages, but your billing comes from a Retail Electric Provider. Compare rates, contract terms, and plan types before you choose.
- Gas: Atmos Energy is common in the region. Confirm your service provider by address and store emergency contacts.
Schools, transit, and daily logistics
- Schools: Fort Worth spans several independent school districts. Verify school assignment by address and gather proof of residency, immunization records, and birth certificates before enrollment.
- Transit: Trinity Metro runs local buses, TEXRail to DFW Airport, and on‑demand ZIPZONE. If you plan to commute, map your drive on I‑35W, I‑30, I‑20, or Loop 820 at peak times and consider rail or Park & Ride.
Neighborhood fit and move‑day logistics
- Neighborhoods: From historic districts near downtown to master‑planned communities on the edge of town, each area has different housing types, commute tradeoffs, and tax profiles. Let your wish list guide you, then verify schools, taxes, and utilities by address.
- Curb space and permits: On narrow or permit‑controlled streets, check city rules for temporary curb reservations. If not available, plan an early arrival or use smaller trucks to fit driveways.
- Bulk disposal: Use the city’s monthly bulk pickup or drop‑off stations for items that do not fit your cart. Follow set‑out times and volume limits to avoid fees.
Weather‑ready moving tips
- Aim for morning moves in summer heat and keep water and cooling towels on hand.
- Watch storm forecasts and have a backup plan for lightning or hail.
- After move‑in, test A/C, replace filters, and schedule a roof and gutter check if storms are in the forecast.
Ready to make your move?
If you want a smooth Fort Worth relocation, a local plan makes all the difference. From first tours to closing day and move‑in prep, you can get clear guidance on neighborhoods, pricing, timelines, and setup steps. For buyer and seller representation, move‑up and luxury strategies, rentals and valuations, or even farm and ranch guidance, connect with Jennifer Frank for a calm, results‑driven move.
FAQs
How extreme is Fort Worth weather and how should I plan my move?
- Fort Worth has hot, humid summers and sometimes strong storms; schedule morning moves, monitor forecasts, and protect items from hail and lightning see NWS climate normals.
Who provides electricity in Fort Worth and how do I pick a plan?
- Oncor delivers electricity, but you choose a Retail Electric Provider for billing; compare plan types, rates, and contract terms learn about Oncor’s role.
When do I have to update my Texas driver’s license and registration after moving?
- Texas generally expects address updates within 30 days for both your driver’s license and vehicle registration; see current steps and online options in this guide to updates address change overview.
How can I get from Fort Worth to DFW Airport without driving?
- Trinity Metro’s TEXRail runs between downtown Fort Worth and DFW Airport; see how to ride, fares, and schedules on Trinity Metro’s site.
When are property taxes due in Tarrant County for homeowners?
- Tax statements typically mail in October and are due without penalty through January 31; penalties begin February 1. If you occupy the home, apply for your homestead exemption to reduce taxable value.
How does bulk trash pickup work in the City of Fort Worth?
- The city offers assigned monthly bulk pickup with set‑out rules and a 10‑cubic‑yard limit; confirm your schedule and follow volume and item guidelines to avoid fees.
