New to Katy? A First-30-Days Checklist for New Residents

Week 1: Get the Home Working

• Confirm electricity, water, gas, internet and trash service are active
• Locate the main water shutoff, breaker panel and gas shutoff
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace batteries
• Change locks and garage codes
• Check the HVAC filter and thermostat; see our HVAC guide
• Break down boxes, and arrange hauling for extra items; see our junk removal guide
• Consider a cleaning if the home needs a refresh; see our house cleaning guide

Week 1 to 2: Update Your Address

Update your address with the post office, employer, banks, credit cards, insurance companies, subscriptions, doctors and government agencies. Keep a list of accounts, and update them in batches. Forward mail until all updates are complete.

Week 2 to 4: Texas Requirements

Requirements and deadlines change, so confirm current rules with the official agencies. New Texas residents generally need to update their driver’s license and register vehicles in Texas within set time periods. Check with the Texas Department of Public Safety and your county tax office. If you own the home and it is your primary residence, ask your county appraisal district about a homestead exemption. Update voter registration as needed.

Schools and Childcare

Contact your school district early about registration requirements, proof of residency, immunization records, transcripts and school zoning for your address. Ask about school start dates, transportation, before and after school care and enrollment deadlines. Look into childcare, camps and activities.

Safety and Emergency Readiness

Learn your flood risk, build an emergency kit and sign up for local alerts. Review your insurance coverage, and photograph your belongings. See our hurricane checklist and storm debris guide.

Home Maintenance Setup

Find reliable local professionals before you need them, such as a plumber, an HVAC company, a pest control provider and an electrician. Learn what your HOA covers and what you must handle. Schedule a pest inspection and an AC tune-up if you did not do so before moving in; see our pest control guide and plumbing guide. Browse our local business directory.

Learn Your Neighborhood

Find trash and recycling days, nearby grocery stores, pharmacies, urgent care, parks and libraries. Drive your commute at rush hour. Read HOA rules, community newsletters and neighborhood pages. See our neighborhood guide.

Meet People and Find Community

Introduce yourself to neighbors, join community groups and attend local events. Visit local restaurants and parks; see our things to do with kids and restaurants guide. Volunteer, join a sports league, a faith community or a hobby group to build connections.

30-Day Checklist Table

Timeframe	Tasks
Days 1 to 3	Confirm utilities, locate shutoffs, test detectors, change locks
Days 4 to 10	Unpack essentials, update address, set up internet, introduce yourself to neighbors
Days 11 to 20	Texas license and vehicle requirements, school registration, find a doctor and a vet
Days 21 to 30	Hurricane kit, local service providers, explore neighborhood and community events

Budgeting for the First Month

Expect costs for deposits, utilities, supplies, repairs, cleaning, furniture and storage. Keep receipts, and plan for unexpected needs such as locks, filters, pest treatment or minor repairs. If you rent, document the condition of the unit and keep a copy of your lease.

Before the Truck Arrives

The smoothest first month starts before you move in. If you can, take care of these in the days beforehand:

• Schedule electricity, water, gas and trash service for your move-in date
• Book internet installation, since appointments can be weeks out
• Confirm the keys, garage openers and mailbox keys with the seller, landlord or builder
• Do a walkthrough, and photograph the condition of the home
• Ask the previous owner or landlord for manuals, warranties and paint colors
• Arrange movers, parking and elevator reservations if needed; see our moving guide

Day One Priorities

On your first day, focus on the essentials rather than unpacking everything.

Priority	Why it matters
Locate the main water shutoff and breaker panel	You will know what to do in an emergency
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors	Safety comes first
Set up beds and bedding	A good night’s sleep makes everything easier
Unpack a bathroom and kitchen basics box	You will need them right away
Check that the AC or heat works	Comfort and protection from extreme temperatures
Lock doors, and change or rekey locks soon	Previous keys may be out there
Photograph any damage	Protects your deposit or warranty claims

Utilities and Services in More Detail

Electricity

Much of the Houston area has retail electricity choice, so you can compare plans and providers. Look at the rate, contract length, fees and renewable options, and ask which utility delivers power to your address. Set up an account in your name before moving in, and ask about online account access and outage reporting.

Water, sewer and trash

Depending on your address, water and sewer may come from a city, a municipal utility district or another provider. Trash and recycling may be handled by the city, the district, your HOA or a private hauler. Find out billing procedures, pickup days, bulk item rules and recycling guidelines.

Gas and propane

If your home uses natural gas for heating, cooking or the water heater, set up service in advance. Learn where the gas shutoff is and what to do if you smell gas.

Internet, cable and phone

Availability varies by street. Check providers for your exact address, compare speeds and prices, and ask about installation fees and contracts. Remote workers should confirm reliability before committing.

Mail, Address Changes and Paperwork

Update your address with the post office, employer, banks, credit cards, insurance companies, doctors, subscriptions and government agencies. Keep a list of accounts and cross them off as you go. Forward mail for several months to catch anything you miss. Keep important documents, such as closing papers, leases, warranties and receipts, in one folder.

Texas Driver’s License, Vehicle and Voter Registration

New Texas residents generally need to update their driver’s license and register their vehicles within set time periods. Rules and required documents change, so check the Texas Department of Public Safety for driver’s licenses and your county tax assessor-collector’s office for vehicle registration. Bring proof of identity, residency and insurance as required. Register to vote at your new address through official channels. If you own and live in your home, ask your county appraisal district about the homestead exemption and any deadlines.

Schools and Childcare

Contact your school district right away about registration requirements, proof of residency, immunization records, birth certificates and prior school records. Ask about school zones for your address, start dates, transportation, before and after school programs and deadlines. If you are looking at private schools or childcare, tour early and ask about waitlists. Introduce yourself to teachers, and attend orientation events.

Healthcare and Pets

Find a primary care doctor, pediatrician, dentist and urgent care near home, and confirm which providers accept your insurance. Transfer medical records and prescriptions. Locate the nearest emergency room. For pets, find a veterinarian, update microchip and tag information, check any licensing requirements and learn about pet rules in your community. Know where to take pets if you must evacuate.

Home Safety Setup

Task	Details
Change or rekey locks	Prevents access by former occupants or contractors
Test detectors	Replace batteries and check expiration dates
Label the breaker panel	Saves time in emergencies
Check garage door safety	Make sure auto-reverse works
Set the water heater temperature	A safe setting reduces scalding risk and energy use
Add fire extinguishers	Keep one in the kitchen and garage
Review security	Consider cameras, motion lights and alarms

Home Systems Check

Schedule or perform a check of the systems that keep your home running.

• Change the HVAC filter, and consider a tune-up; see our HVAC guide
• Inspect plumbing for leaks, and test shutoffs; see our plumbing guide
• Look at the roof and gutters from the ground; see our roofing guide
• Check for signs of pests, and consider an inspection; see our pest control guide
• Test irrigation and look at drainage around the home
• Check appliances, and register warranties

Unpacking Strategy

Unpack by priority, not by box number. Start with the kitchen, bathrooms and bedrooms, then living areas, then storage spaces. Break down boxes right away, and recycle or have them hauled away; see our junk removal guide. Hang pictures after furniture is settled, and avoid buying lots of storage until you know what you have. If you want a fresh start, a professional cleaning before unpacking can help; see our house cleaning guide.

Learn the Neighborhood

Walk or drive around at different times of day. Find the nearest grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, parks, libraries, post office and urgent care. Learn the best routes, and note traffic patterns around schools and highways. Ask neighbors about trash pickup quirks, noise and local favorites. Read community newsletters, and join neighborhood groups for updates. See our neighborhood guide and restaurants guide.

HOA and Community Onboarding

If your neighborhood has an HOA, read the rules and fee schedule. Learn how to submit requests for exterior changes, and note meeting times and payment methods. Find out about pools, amenity access cards and community events. Do not start projects like fences, sheds or paint changes without checking approval requirements.

Emergency Readiness for Newcomers

Katy sits in a region with hurricanes, flash floods and severe storms. Within your first month, build a basic emergency kit, sign up for local alerts, learn your flood risk, review insurance and make a family plan. See our hurricane preparation checklist and storm debris guide.

Money and Budget Matters

Item	What to do
Insurance	Get homeowners or renters, auto and flood quotes
Property taxes	Learn due dates and payment methods
Utilities	Compare plans and set up autopay
Maintenance fund	Set aside money for repairs
Emergency fund	Aim for several months of expenses if you can
Tolls	Set up toll tags if you use toll roads

Making Friends and Finding Community

Moving is lonely at first, so make an effort. Introduce yourself to neighbors, attend HOA events, join school groups, visit places of worship, sign up for classes or sports, volunteer and say yes to invitations. Visit the library, local shops and cafes regularly so people begin to recognize you. See our things to do with kids for family ideas.

Helping Children Adjust

Keep routines as familiar as possible, set up their rooms first and involve them in exploring the area. Visit their new school before the first day, and arrange playdates. Listen to their worries, and be patient if they miss friends. Stay in touch with old friends through calls and visits.

Week-by-Week Plan

Week	Focus
Week 1	Essentials, safety, utilities, mail forwarding and basic unpacking
Week 2	Address updates, school and childcare, healthcare setup and finishing key rooms
Week 3	Texas license and registration, home systems check, local errands and neighborhood walks
Week 4	Emergency kit, finances, community involvement and finishing touches

Mistakes New Residents Make

• Waiting too long to set up utilities and internet
• Not locating shutoffs and the breaker panel
• Forgetting to update the address on important accounts
• Skipping flood and storm preparation
• Ignoring HOA rules until a violation notice arrives
• Not testing the commute at rush hour
• Overbuying furniture and storage before living in the space
• Not getting to know neighbors

Room-by-Room Setup Priorities

Room	First tasks
Kitchen	Unpack basics, clean the refrigerator, check the oven and dishwasher, and stock essentials
Bathrooms	Set up shower curtains and towels, replace old caulk or fixtures if needed and stock supplies
Bedrooms	Make beds, assemble furniture and organize closets
Living areas	Set up seating, lamps and entertainment, and arrange cords safely
Home office	Set up internet, a desk and a backup power strip
Garage	Create a landing zone, and keep boxes off the floor; see our garage checklist
Yard	Check irrigation and gates, and plan basic maintenance

Finding Reliable Local Services

Don’t wait for an emergency to look for help. Collect names and numbers of a plumber, HVAC technician, electrician, pest control provider, cleaning service, handyman and a junk removal service. Ask neighbors for recommendations, read recent reviews and ask for licenses and insurance where applicable. Browse our local business directory. Keep a list on your refrigerator or phone.

Local Culture and Habits

Many Katy residents plan their days around school schedules, sports and weather. Friday night football draws crowds, summer afternoons are for pools and indoor time, and weekend mornings find families at parks and cafes. Driving is a way of life, so plan errands to avoid peak hours. Friendly small talk with neighbors and cashiers is common.

Common Early Home Surprises

• Higher electric bills in summer than expected
• Mosquitoes and fire ants in the yard
• Humidity and mildew in bathrooms and closets
• Slow drains or running toilets in the first months
• Yard maintenance needs, especially after rain
• HOA notices about trash bins, parked cars or yard issues
• Hot garages that damage stored items

Most are manageable with a little attention and the right help; see our guides on HVAC, pest control, plumbing and landscaping.

Creating Your Own Welcome Folder

Keep all your new-home information in one place: closing or lease documents, utility accounts, HOA contacts, warranties, service provider numbers, emergency plans, school information and maintenance schedules. A simple binder or a digital folder saves time later and helps when you sell or rent the home.

When Things Go Wrong in the First Month

Problems happen, and most are fixable. If the AC fails, call a licensed technician and check your warranty; see our HVAC guide. If you find a leak, shut off the water and call a plumber; see our plumbing guide. If pests appear, identify them and seal entry points; see our pest control guide. If your internet is down, check outages and call your provider. Keep a log of issues, photos and communications in case you need to claim a warranty or talk with a landlord, builder or HOA.

Documents to Keep Handy

Document	Where to keep it
Lease or closing papers	Fireproof box and digital copy
Insurance policies	Digital copy and agent contact info
Warranty and appliance manuals	Folder or cloud storage
School and medical records	Folder with copies
Vehicle title and registration	Safe place
Utility account numbers	Password manager or notes
HOA contacts and rules	Printed copy and digital copy

Being a Good Neighbor

Learn local norms: keep trash bins out of sight when not collection day, respect quiet hours, park considerately, and keep yards tidy. Say hello, and offer help when someone needs it. If you have a concern, talk with neighbors politely first. Community goodwill makes your first year much more enjoyable.

After the First 30 Days

Once the first month is behind you, shift from setup to routine. Schedule annual HVAC and pest control services, set reminders for filter changes and keep a small fund for repairs. Revisit your emergency kit before hurricane season, and review your insurance each year. Keep meeting neighbors and exploring the area. If something is still unfinished, make a short list and tackle one item per weekend.