Over the last few years, people have been leaving California in droves. While many of these people are moving to the east coast, others are deciding to plant their roots in Texas. Houston, Texas, in particular, has a growing number of residents that have recently moved from Silicon Valley.

This is sure to affect the tech industry in the U.S. on a logistical, economic, and geographic level. In the near future, Texas could be the new tech hub for the country’s biggest and brightest minds. If you are thinking about moving from Silicon Valley to Houston, or even all the way to the east coast, be sure to review this moving checklist.

Before you move, you should figure out the logistics. This includes research, budgeting, and making firm decisions.

One of the best parts about moving is that it gives you a chance to declutter your life. Now is a great time to get rid of old stuff you no longer use.

If you want to make extra money before your move, a yard sale is a great way to do it. Just be sure to advertise in advance and price your items accordingly. You can donate or recycle everything else that doesn't sell.

Unless you have a lot of friends with trucks, it's best to leave the heavy lifting to the professionals. Research the best moving companies in your area and get quotes from each. Ask your friends for recommendations or read online reviews to narrow your options.

Now, let's sit down to make a list of items you need to take with you. Start with the non-essentials and work your way up to the items you use every day. Doing this will make packing less overwhelming and help you stay organized.

You're in the home stretch! By now, you should have most of the details of your move figured out. Now it's time to focus on the smaller tasks.

5. Apply for a change of address with the U.S. post office

Your local post office can help you file a change-of-address form, which will forward your mail to your new home. You can also update your address online at usps.gov.

6. Notify those who need to know about your move

In addition to your job and utility companies, let your bank, doctor, and insurance providers know about your move. You can also provide these service providers with your new address.

If you haven't already, now's the time to start packing. Begin with items you use less often and work your way up to the essentials.

8. Confirm arrangements with the moving company

A few days before the move, give your chosen moving company a call to confirm the date and time your belongings will be picked up from your current home. You can also confirm the delivery timeframe from the moving company.

At this point, you should only have a few loose ends to tie up.

You don't want to leave a mess for the next tenants. Do a deep clean of every room, paying extra attention to the kitchen and bathroom.

10. File for a final reading of your utilities

Call your gas, water, and electric companies to schedule a final reading. Doing this will ensure you don't get charged for usage after you move out.

11. Request time off from work

If you haven't already, now's the time to request a day or two off from work. This will ensure you have the time you need to settle into your new place.

By now, everything should be almost packed up and ready to go. All that's left is to finish packing and double-checking everything on your list.

12. Drain and clean all appliances

To avoid nasty surprises, unplug and clean out your fridge, oven, washing machine, and dryer.

13. Pack a two-week essentials bag

Your bag should include everything you'll need for the first two weeks after your move—clothes, toiletries, medications, etc. By packing an essentials bag, you can avoid having to root around boxes just to get a change of clothes.

Before you leave, do a final walkthrough of your home to make sure you didn't forget anything. Once you're sure everything is accounted for, you can close the door to your old life and start fresh in your new one.

Moving out is just half the battle. Once you get to your new place, there's still unpacking and settling in to do. To make things easier on yourself, create a checklist of everything you need to do. That way, you can check tasks off as you go and ensure that nothing gets forgotten.

With the right planning and help from this moving checklist, you're sure to have a successful move. And soon enough, you'll be able to sit back and enjoy your new home. Cheers to your fresh start!