Your First 30 Days After Moving To Whitehouse

Just moved to Whitehouse? Welcome home. The first month can feel busy between utilities, schools, and finding your new routine. This guide gives you a clear week-by-week plan to handle the essentials and start enjoying life in Whitehouse. You will learn who to call, what to set up, and when to tackle each task. Let’s dive in.

Your 30-day Whitehouse checklist

Week 0: Move-in to day 3

• Set up water and sewer. Open or transfer your City of Whitehouse utilities account. Bring a photo ID and proof of residency. Meters are read mid-month, bills are mailed by the last working day, and payment is due on the 10th. Ask about deposits, late fees, and auto draft to avoid missed payments. City Hall utilities: 101 A Bascom Road; 903-510-7500 (option 1). Start here: City of Whitehouse Utilities.
• Trash and recycling. Whitehouse contracts with Republic Services and fees appear on your water bill. Find your collection day on the city map, and place carts at the curb by 7:00 a.m. Curbside recycling is on the first and third Wednesdays. Bulk items require advance scheduling. See the city’s Welcome Home guide for rules and contacts: Whitehouse Welcome Home guide.
• Mail and address. File USPS forwarding, confirm whether you have curbside delivery or a PO Box, and update your address with banks and insurers. ZIP code: 75791.

Week 1: Days 4–10

• Internet/TV/phone. Order service and confirm which providers serve your specific address. Appointments can take 1 to 2 weeks. The city utilities page lists common local providers and resources: City of Whitehouse Utilities.
• Driver’s license and vehicle. Book your Texas DPS appointment now. Offices are appointment-based and can fill up fast. If Tyler is booked, check nearby offices. For vehicle registration or title transfer, visit the Smith County Tax Assessor–Collector offices and bring your insurance, inspection, and title or previous registration. Helpful tip on DPS timing: Why to book early.
• Enroll kids in school. Whitehouse ISD enrolls online through Skyward. Gather required documents and complete enrollment early, especially for Pre‑K. Start here: WISD enrollment.

Required school documents often include:

• Certified birth certificate
• Immunization record
• Parent/guardian ID
• Proof of residency (utility bill or lease)
• For Pre‑K, proof of income when applicable

Week 2: Days 11–17

• Healthcare setup. Choose a primary care clinic, transfer medical records, and identify your nearest emergency department and urgent care. Full-service hospitals are close by in Tyler, including UT Health Tyler within the UT Health East Texas system. Learn more about the regional system here: UT Health East Texas overview.
• Safety and alerts. Save non-emergency numbers for police and fire, and sign up for city alerts such as CodeRED. Find local police contacts here: Whitehouse Police Department.

Week 3: Days 18–24

• Local services. Identify your go-to auto mechanic, veterinarian, dentist, and dry cleaner. Join neighborhood or community pages for recommendations and events.
• Register to vote. Texas requires you to be registered at least 30 days before an election. Update your registration and confirm your precinct information with the county: Smith County Elections.

Week 4: Days 25–30

• Finalize paperwork. Confirm all utilities are active, add your correct address to your home or renters insurance, and set up online billing or auto-pay for water and trash.
• Get involved. Consider attending a City Council meeting, check library and storytime schedules, visit a local park, and look for seasonal farmers market days. The city’s Welcome Home guide lists parks, events, and contacts.

Daily life essentials in Whitehouse

Schools and calendars

If you have students, complete enrollment early and watch the district’s calendar for key dates like meet-the-teacher and start-of-school updates. Use the official portal for documents and Skyward instructions: WISD enrollment. For questions about Pre‑K eligibility or campus appointments, call the appropriate campus listed on the district site.

Healthcare and urgent care

Establish a primary care provider and note the closest emergency department. Residents often use nearby Tyler hospitals, including UT Health Tyler within the UT Health East Texas system. For a high-level overview, see UT Health East Texas.

Groceries and shopping

You will find everyday grocery and convenience options in Whitehouse, with broader shopping and specialty stores minutes away in Tyler. Consider adding a weekly stop for fresh, seasonal produce when local markets are active.

Parks, splash pad, and trails

Plan a first-week visit to a local park. The city’s guide lists City Park, Splash Park, Gardenview Park, Whitehouse Sports Complex, Blackhawk Creek Hike & Bike Trail, Shahan Park, and the community garden. Check posted park rules and seasonal splash-park info in the Welcome Home guide.

Library and community alerts

Visit the community library for programs and a library card, and subscribe to city newsletters and CodeRED alerts for local updates and emergency notifications.

Government and civic must-dos

Driver’s license, titles, and registration

Book DPS appointments early to avoid delays, and bring required documents for REAL ID or out-of-state transfers. Handle vehicle registrations and title transfers through Smith County Tax Assessor–Collector offices. For county tax information and resources, visit the Smith County Tax Assessor–Collector.

Voter registration and elections

To vote in upcoming city, county, or state elections, ensure your registration reflects your Whitehouse address and note the 30-day pre-election deadline. Start with Smith County Elections for registration and precinct information.

Know the local rules

Whitehouse utility ordinances cover billing due dates, leak responsibility on your property, deposits, and reconnect fees. Review municipal code and utility rules so you avoid surprises. See the City Code of Ordinances and the city utilities page for details.

Quick contacts you will use

• City of Whitehouse Utilities and City Hall: 101 A Bascom Road; 903-510-7500 (option 1 for utilities). Emergency water/sewer number is listed on the city utilities page.
• Republic Services bulk pickup: schedule in advance. The city Welcome Home guide lists the current customer service number and rules.
• Whitehouse Police Department: for non-emergencies, visit the city PD page for hours and contacts. For emergencies, call 911.

Settling in takes a few weeks, but with a plan you will feel at home fast. If you want local guidance on neighborhoods, schools, commute patterns, or you are still searching for the right home, connect with Breana Johnson for personalized help.

FAQs

How do I set up water, sewer, and trash service in Whitehouse?

• Open or transfer your account with City Hall. Bring a photo ID and proof of residency. Bills are due on the 10th, and trash service is billed with water.

What day is recycling picked up in Whitehouse?

• Curbside recycling runs on the first and third Wednesdays. Place carts at the curb by 7:00 a.m. and follow the city’s accepted materials list.

Where do I handle vehicle registration after moving?

• Use Smith County Tax Assessor–Collector offices. Bring insurance, inspection, and your title or prior registration. DPS driver’s license services require appointments.

How do I enroll my child in Whitehouse ISD?

• Complete online enrollment through Skyward and bring required documents like a birth certificate, immunization record, parent ID, and proof of residency. Pre‑K may require an in-person eligibility visit.

How do I get local alerts and community news?

• Sign up for city newsletters and CodeRED alerts via the city’s communications pages, and follow the Police Department for local updates.