Electricity works differently in Texas
Most of DFW is deregulated: Oncor owns the poles and wires, but you buy power from a retail electric provider you choose. Moving is the natural moment to shop plans — but check your current contract's early-termination fee first, since a move often waives it.
City services
Water, sewer and trash are billed by your city, not a private company, and each has its own transfer form and deposit. Dallas, Plano, Frisco, Irving, Garland and Fort Worth all run separate accounts — moving between cities means closing one and opening another.
- Electricity: 1–2 weeks ahead
- Water and trash: 1–2 weeks ahead
- Gas (Atmos in most of DFW): 2 weeks ahead
- Internet install: 3–4 weeks ahead, the longest lead time
- USPS mail forwarding: 2 weeks ahead
Don't shut off the old address too early
Keep power and water on at the old home through move day and ideally one day after. You'll need lights in the garage, working AC while the crew loads, and water for the final clean.