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Welcome to Your New Home in Hill County
Moving into a new home is exciting, but there's more to relocating than packing boxes. From setting up electricity and internet to forwarding your mail and transferring your driver's license, having a checklist can make your move much easier.
Whether you're relocating to Hillsboro, Whitney, Itasca, Abbott, Aquilla, Blum, Brandon, Bynum, Covington, Irene, Malone, Mount Calm, or Penelope, this guide will help you prepare for a smooth transition.
As local Realtors with Real Broker, LLC, Jay & Nancy Jolly are committed to helping buyers long after closing day by providing resources that make settling into your new community easier.
Before Moving Day
Before your move, consider completing these tasks:
Schedule utility transfers.
Arrange internet installation.
Update your mailing address.
Notify your bank and insurance companies.
Schedule movers or rent a moving truck.
Gather important documents.
Confirm your closing date and possession time.
Create a moving checklist.
Planning ahead helps reduce stress during your move.
Electricity
Electric service varies depending on where your home is located.
Depending on the property, service may be provided through:
Oncor Electric Delivery (delivery provider in much of the area)
Retail electric providers in deregulated service areas
Rural electric cooperatives in some communities
If you're purchasing a rural property, verify the utility provider before closing.
Water Service
Water service depends on the location of the property.
Homes may receive water through:
City utilities
Rural water supply corporations
Private water wells
If your property has a private well, ask about:
Well maintenance
Water testing
Pump information
Equipment records
Sewer or Septic
Depending on the property, your home may use:
Municipal sewer service
Private septic system
If your home has a septic system, learn:
Maintenance schedule
Tank location
Inspection history
Pumping recommendations
Proper maintenance helps extend the life of the system.
Natural Gas & Propane
Some homes use:
Natural gas
Propane
Electric appliances only
If your property uses propane, ask about:
Tank ownership
Current supplier
Refill schedule
Service contracts
Internet & Television
Internet availability continues to improve throughout Hill County.
Depending on your location, providers may offer:
Fiber internet
Cable internet
Fixed wireless
Satellite internet
Cellular home internet
If you work remotely, verify internet availability and speeds before purchasing a home.
Trash & Recycling
Trash collection varies by community.
Depending on where you live, service may be provided by:
City sanitation departments
Private waste companies
County collection sites
Ask your Realtor or local municipality about:
Pickup days
Recycling availability
Bulk pickup
Yard waste disposal
Postal Service
Before moving, submit a USPS Change of Address request to ensure your mail is forwarded to your new home.
You'll also want to update your address with:
Banks
Credit card companies
Insurance providers
Employer
Schools
Subscription services
Online retailers
Texas Driver License & Vehicle Registration
If you're moving to Texas from another state, you'll generally need to:
Obtain a Texas driver's license.
Register your vehicle in Texas.
Update your vehicle registration.
Obtain Texas license plates (if applicable).
Current Texas residents who move should update the address on their driver's license and vehicle registration.
Homeowners Insurance
Arrange homeowners insurance before closing.
You'll also want to consider:
Flood insurance (if applicable)
Wind or hail coverage
Personal property coverage
Liability coverage
Umbrella insurance (optional)
Your lender will typically require proof of homeowners insurance before funding your loan.
Home Security
After moving in, consider:
Changing exterior door locks
Updating garage door openers
Reprogramming smart locks
Testing smoke detectors
Testing carbon monoxide detectors (if installed)
Locating the electrical panel
Locating the water shutoff valve
Replacing HVAC filters
These simple steps can improve both safety and peace of mind.
Register to Vote
If you've moved to a new county or changed addresses, remember to update your voter registration so you're ready for future elections.
Explore Your Community
One of the best ways to feel at home is to get involved locally.
Visit:
Local parks
Downtown shops
Farmers markets
Community festivals
Libraries
Churches
Restaurants
Sporting events
Volunteer organizations
Getting to know your community is one of the most rewarding parts of moving to Hill County.
New Home Checklist
Before Closing
Final walkthrough
Schedule utilities
Purchase homeowners insurance
Confirm moving date
Arrange movers
Moving Week
Pack essentials
Forward mail
Transfer prescriptions
Notify schools
Confirm internet installation
After Moving
Update driver's license
Register vehicles
Meet your neighbors
Explore your community
Locate nearby grocery stores and healthcare providers
Apply for your Texas homestead exemption if eligible
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I transfer utilities?
It's generally best to schedule utility transfers several days before closing or your move-in date to avoid interruptions in service.
Should I change my locks?
Yes. Even if the previous owners returned all keys, changing or rekeying locks is a common safety recommendation after purchasing a home.
How soon should I apply for a homestead exemption?
If the home is your primary residence and you meet the eligibility requirements, apply with the Hill County Appraisal District as soon as you're eligible under Texas law.
Can you recommend local service providers?
Absolutely. We maintain a network of trusted local professionals, including lenders, inspectors, contractors, electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, landscapers, and other home service providers.
Why Choose Hill County?
Hill County offers an exceptional quality of life with welcoming communities, excellent outdoor recreation, historic downtowns, affordable housing, and convenient access to both Waco and the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.
Whether you're moving for work, retirement, or a new adventure, you'll quickly discover why so many people are proud to call Hill County home.
Let Jay & Nancy Help You Settle In
Our relationship doesn't end at the closing table. We're here to help make your transition into your new home as smooth as possible by connecting you with local resources, trusted service providers, and community information.
Whether you're moving across town or relocating from another state, Jay & Nancy Jolly are committed to helping you feel at home in Hill County from day one.
Ready to make your move? Contact Jay & Nancy Jolly today for expert real estate guidance, local recommendations, and personalized assistance before, during, and after your move.