What to expect
Short guides to each part of moving into a Greater Houston home. What it is, when to do it, and what to ask.
Start here
Utilities
- ElectricityIn most of Greater Houston you pick your electricity company. Here is how that works and what to read first.Read the guide
- Electricity depositsWhy an electricity company may ask for a deposit, the ways Texas rules let you skip it, and how you get it back.Read the guide
- InternetWhich kinds of internet reach a Houston address, how long install takes, and what to ask before you book.Read the guide
- Water and trashMany Houston-area homes get water from a local district called a MUD, not the city. Here is how to tell and what to do.Read the guide
- GasNot every Houston home has gas. How to find out, and what happens when you turn it on.Read the guide
Mail and paperwork
Local pros
- MoversWhat a Texas mover has to give you in writing, and how to check they are licensed.Read the guide
- Move-in cleaningWhat a move-in clean covers, when to schedule it, and what to ask.Read the guide
- AC and heatingWhat to check on the AC when you move in, and how to tell a licensed contractor.Read the guide
- PlumbersThree things to find before you need a plumber, and how Texas licenses them.Read the guide
- ElectriciansWhat to look at in the breaker box, and how Texas licenses electricians.Read the guide