Table of Contents
Introduction
Moving in the Dallas–Fort Worth area is an adventure—and sometimes a headache. From sweltering summer heat to unpredictable traffic and tight move-out deadlines, it is easy to feel overwhelmed before the first box is even packed. If you have ever found yourself rummaging through mystery boxes at midnight looking for a phone charger or wondering why your grandmother’s lamp did not survive the trip, you are not alone.
The good news? A thorough, step-by-step checklist can transform moving from a stressful scramble into a smooth, organized process. By planning ahead and using the right supplies, you will save time, money, and your sanity. Even better, you can keep your move sustainable by choosing reusable, stackable plastic moving boxes instead of wasteful cardboard.
This guide is designed especially for DFW families who want an easier, greener move. Whether you are relocating across Plano or heading from Frisco to Fort Worth, follow along and feel confident knowing you have everything covered.
Download your free printable moving checklist to get started on the right foot!
Before You Start: Set Your Moving Budget & Timeline
Before you sort a single box or tape a single label, it is essential to create a clear plan. Setting your moving budget and timeline early will help you avoid last-minute surprises and overspending.
Set Your Moving Budget
Moving costs can add up fast—especially if you do not track them from the beginning. Consider these expenses when budgeting:
•Moving supplies: Reusable boxes, labels, dollies, packing materials
•Professional movers or rental trucks: Rates in DFW can vary depending on season and demand
•Utility deposits and transfer fees: Some providers charge to start or stop service
•Cleaning services: Move-out cleaning is often required by landlords or buyers
•Unexpected costs: Tips for movers, meals on moving day, or repairs
Choose Your Moving Date Strategically
In Dallas–Fort Worth, moving in late summer means heat and high demand. If possible, book your move on a weekday or mid-month when rates are lower. Also:
•Check local events or road closures
•Avoid holiday weekends
•Reserve your moving supplies and trucks 6–8 weeks in advance
Schedule Time Off Work and Arrange Help
Request time off early, especially if you plan to move mid-week. Let family or friends know you will need help loading, unloading, or watching kids and pets.
8–6 Weeks Out: Declutter, Measure & Schedule
Once your budget and timeline are in place, it is time to start prepping your home. This phase is all about reducing what you will move, making key arrangements, and setting the stage for efficient packing later.
Declutter Ruthlessly
Moving is the perfect opportunity to pare down belongings. If you have not used it in the last year, ask yourself if you really need it.
Consider these strategies:
•Donate gently used clothes, toys, and household items to local organizations like Hope’s Door New Beginning Center or Goodwill.
•Sell on Facebook Marketplace or consignment shops.
•Recycle or responsibly dispose of broken electronics and hazardous materials.
Measure Doorways & Furniture
Nothing is worse than discovering on move day that your sofa will not fit through the front door.
•Measure large furniture pieces and major entryways in your new home.
•Make a list of any items that will need to be disassembled.
•Consider whether certain items should be sold or donated instead of moved.
Schedule Utilities & Internet Transfers
Do not wait until the last minute to set up essential services. Schedule transfer or installation for:
•Electricity, water, and gas
•Internet and cable
•Trash and recycling
•Security systems
Many providers in DFW recommend 2–3 weeks’ notice, but summer bookings can fill up faster.
Confirm installation appointments before moving day to avoid delays in service.
4–2 Weeks Out: Pack Smart
With your home decluttered and your moving date approaching, it is time to start packing in earnest. This phase is where organization pays off—and where eco-friendly packing choices can make your move smoother and greener.
Start Packing Non-Essentials Room by Room
Begin with the areas you use least:
•Seasonal decor and clothing
•Guest bedrooms
•Books and collectibles
Label each box clearly with:
•The room name
•A brief description of contents
•Special handling instructions (e.g., Fragile, This Side Up)
Use color-coded labels or tape so movers can easily identify where boxes belong in your new home.
Use Sustainable Packing Materials
Instead of single-use cardboard and plastic wrap, consider:
•Reusable stackable moving boxes from Elephant Trunk—they are sturdier, waterproof, and protect your belongings better than flimsy boxes.
•Recycled paper or cloth padding for cushioning breakables.
•Towels and blankets to wrap fragile items, saving money and reducing waste.
Why Stackable Plastic Moving Boxes Beat Cardboard Every Time
Reusable boxes have built-in advantages:
✔ No assembly or taping needed
✔ Uniform sizes stack safely in moving trucks
✔ Made from durable, sanitized plastic—no risk of pests or moisture damage
✔ Delivered to your door and picked up after you unpack
Create an “Open First” Box
Set aside one box with essentials you will need immediately:
•Toilet paper, paper towels, trash bags
•Basic cleaning supplies
•Chargers, a power strip, and tools
•A few dishes and utensils
Label this box “Open First” and load it last so it is easy to find.
Ready to pack smarter? Reserve your Elephant Trunk reusable boxes today to save time, money, and the planet.
1 Week Before: Prep Essentials
As moving day approaches, taking care of final details will help you avoid last-minute chaos. This week is all about tying up loose ends and preparing your essentials so you can settle in quickly.
Pack Your Overnight Bag
Think of this as your personal survival kit for the first night in your new home. Include:
•Pajamas and a change of clothes
•Toiletries and medications
•Phone chargers and a power bank
•Important documents (IDs, moving contracts, insurance)
•Snacks, bottled water, and pet supplies if needed
Keep this bag with you in your vehicle, not in the moving truck.
Confirm All Moving Details
Call and reconfirm with:
•Your moving company or rental truck provider
•Any helpers or friends assisting you
•Utility companies to ensure services will be active on move-in day
Double-check addresses, contact numbers, and arrival times.
Disassemble and Prep Furniture
To save time and avoid damage:
•Disassemble large items (beds, dining tables, shelving) if your movers do not handle this.
•Place screws and hardware in labeled bags taped to the furniture or packed in your essentials kit.
•Wrap fragile parts in blankets or moving pads.
Label Your “Open First” and Priority Boxes Clearly
Make sure your Open First box and other high-priority items are labeled boldly so movers know to load them last (and unload them first).
Clear Walkways and Protect Floors
•Remove rugs, door mats, and any tripping hazards.
•Use floor protection or old towels to keep high-traffic areas clean.
•Prop doors open for easier loading.
Have a small toolkit handy for quick disassembly or reassembly and keep cash on hand to tip your movers for their hard work.
Moving Day: Stay Organized
The big day has arrived! Even with the best preparation, moving day can feel hectic, but staying organized will help everything run smoothly.
Do a Final Walkthrough Before the Movers Arrive
•Make sure all boxes are sealed and labeled.
•Check closets, cabinets, and outdoor areas for forgotten items.
•Take photos of your empty home for your records (especially if renting).
Direct the Movers Clearly
When your movers or helpers arrive:
•Show them which boxes are fragile or high priority.
•Use color-coded labels or signs to indicate which room each box goes in.
•Walk through your new home’s layout to avoid confusion later.
Protect Your Floors and Entryways
•Lay down old towels, blankets, or floor protectors where movers will walk.
•Use door stops to prevent damage as items are carried in and out.
Keep Your Essentials Accessible
•Load your Open First box last so they come off the truck first.
•Carry valuables, important documents, medications, and chargers yourself.
Stay Hydrated and Take Breaks
Texas summers can be brutal. Keep plenty of water on hand and offer drinks to your movers—it is always appreciated.
Do a Final Sweep Before Leaving
•Check all rooms, closets, drawers, and outdoor spaces one last time.
•Turn off lights and lock up.
Take a moment to thank and tip your moving crew before they leave.
Settling In: Your First 48 Hours
Congratulations—you made it! Now it is time to get your essentials in place so you can start feeling at home right away.
Unpack Your “Open First” Box and Overnight Bag
Start with the basics:
•Toilet paper and hand soap
•Snacks, bottled water, and a few dishes
•Chargers, tools, and medications
•Bedding so everyone can get a good night’s rest
Set Up the Kitchen and Bedrooms First
Focusing on these key areas makes the rest of the unpacking feel manageable:
•In the kitchen, unpack enough supplies for simple meals.
•In bedrooms, assemble beds and set up fresh sheets and pillows.
•Plug in lamps or nightlights for comfort and safety.
Confirm Utilities Are Active
Test:
•Electricity and lights
•Internet and cable connections
•Air conditioning or heating
•Water and hot water
If anything is not working, call providers right away—schedules fill quickly in DFW.
Break Down and Stack Your Reusable Boxes
Once you have emptied a few boxes, stack them neatly out of the way.
Elephant Trunk Moving Supplies will pick them up when you are finished—no messy cardboard piles to haul off.
Start a Donation Pile for Packing Materials You Do not Need
•Extra packing paper or supplies can often be reused by neighbors or local charities.
•Many DFW organizations accept gently used household goods as donations.
Take It Easy
Moving is hard work. Order your favorite takeout, put your feet up, and celebrate crossing the finish line.
Schedule your box pickup with Elephant Trunk as soon as you finish unpacking—another thing you can check off your list.
Local Resources and Partnerships
One of the best parts about moving in the Dallas–Fort Worth area is the wealth of local organizations that can help you settle in sustainably and comfortably.
City Recycling and Donation Programs
If you have decluttered or unpacked items you no longer want:
City of Plano Recycling Center – 4200 14th St. Plano, TX
Drop off recyclables and learn about community recycling events
Visit Plano.gov/CommunityRecycling for schedules
Hope’s Door New Beginning Center Resale Store
Donate gently used household goods and furniture
Proceeds help survivors of domestic violence
Eco-Friendly Local Businesses
Elephant Trunk Moving Supplies partners with and supports local companies working to make North Texas more sustainable:
Magnolia Soap & Bath Co.
Bring your container back for discounted refills of laundry powder and soaps
Usefullco in Oak Cliff
Norwex and Unpaper Towels
Replace disposable cleaning supplies with reusable options
Reusable Box Pickup and Return
Once you are finished unpacking, simply schedule your Elephant Trunk box pickup. We will collect your boxes, sanitize them, and get them ready for the next eco-friendly move. No hauling, no waste, no hassle.
In over 10 years of service, Elephant Trunk has kept more than 250,000 cardboard boxes out of DFW landfills—thank you for being part of that positive change!
Conclusion & Next Steps
Moving does not have to be overwhelming, wasteful, or disorganized. With the right preparation—and the right supplies—you can turn a stressful process into a smooth transition.
By following this ultimate checklist, you have already taken the first step toward a more confident, efficient move. From setting your budget to settling into your new space, planning saves time, money, and countless headaches. And by choosing reusable, stackable plastic boxes over disposable cardboard, you are helping keep DFW a little greener for everyone.
If you’re ready to take the next step:
Download your free printable moving checklist so you have all these tips at your fingertips.
Reserve your Elephant Trunk Moving Supplies—we’ll deliver everything you need right to your door and pick it up when you’re done.
Explore our sustainable moving partnerships to make every part of your move simpler and more eco-friendly.
No matter where you’re headed in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, you deserve a move that’s ecological, economical, and easy.
Ready to get started? Schedule your Elephant Trunk box delivery today!