Counting down to a move can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time. When you are relocating to Parker in Douglas County, a clear plan makes all the difference. With the right 90-day timeline, you can handle housing, schools, utilities, movers, and permits without last-minute stress. Below is a practical, Parker-focused plan you can follow step by step. Let’s dive in.
90-day move overview
Use this simple structure to organize your move:
- Phase A: 90–61 days out. Strategy, research, and early bookings.
- Phase B: 60–31 days out. Logistics, documentation, and confirmations.
- Phase C: 30–0 days. Final prep, packing, and contingency planning.
- Move day and first week. On-site execution and priority updates.
- First month in Parker. Settling in and follow-up tasks.
Phase A: 90–61 days out
Set your date and anchors
- Choose a target move date tied to hard deadlines like closing, lease start, or school start.
- Build a calendar that includes buffer days for inspections, appraisals, or weather.
- Note any corporate relocation milestones if your employer is assisting.
Research neighborhoods and commutes
- Verify whether each address is inside the Town of Parker or in unincorporated Douglas County. Services, taxes, and permits can differ.
- Test commute times during typical rush hours to Denver, Centennial, or Lone Tree using real-time tools. Traffic varies by corridor and time of day.
- Review HOA covenants for parking, pets, exterior changes, and move-in hours before you commit.
Align housing and finances
- If buying, secure lender pre-approval, schedule inspections, and review disclosures. Ask about wildfire mitigation, radon testing, and whether the home uses septic or sewer.
- If renting, confirm lease start, deposits, and move-in procedures. Request any HOA or building rules in writing.
- Build your move budget. Include mover deposits, utility deposits, closing costs or first month’s rent, cleaning, and any short-term storage.
Map utilities and essential services
- Identify providers for electricity, natural gas, water, sewer, trash, and recycling. In-town addresses often differ from nearby unincorporated areas.
- Shortlist internet and TV options and note installation lead times. Appointments can book out several days.
- Locate your nearest Colorado DMV office for driver’s license and vehicle registration. Note required documents and appointment availability.
- Identify nearby hospitals, urgent care clinics, primary care, dental, and pharmacies to transfer care smoothly.
Choose your moving method
- Request at least three in-person or virtual quotes from reputable movers. Review recent ratings and memberships with recognized industry associations.
- Decide between full-service movers, a portable container, a rental truck, or a hybrid. Reserve early, especially for peak summer dates.
Phase B: 60–31 days out
Lock in movers and start packing
- Book your mover or rental truck. Confirm deposit, cancellation policy, and valuation coverage.
- Begin packing non-essentials. Label every box with room and contents for faster unloading.
- Create an inventory of valuables and electronics with photos.
Declutter and dispose responsibly
- Donate or sell items you no longer need. Schedule bulk pick-ups early if required.
- Use county-approved programs for hazardous items like paint, batteries, and electronics.
Handle schools and childcare
- Contact Douglas County School District to verify boundary schools and enrollment steps. Collect immunization records, transcripts, and any IEP or 504 documents.
- If considering private or charter options, confirm application timelines and waitlists.
Schedule utilities and services
- Set stop and start dates for electricity, gas, water, sewer, trash, and recycling.
- Book internet installation for move week to avoid delays. Confirm equipment and access requirements.
Complete address changes and admin
- File a USPS change of address about two weeks before your move date.
- Update banks, credit cards, payroll, insurance, subscriptions, and any government benefits.
Prepare pets and vehicles
- Request veterinary records and confirm local pet licensing requirements. Keep rabies vaccination proof handy.
- If crossing state lines, review Colorado vaccine and entry guidelines.
- Gather vehicle title, proof of insurance, and identification for Colorado DMV registration.
Confirm permitting and parking
- Ask your HOA or property manager about move-in windows, elevator reservations, and loading dock rules.
- If a truck must park on a public street, check Town or County rules and whether a temporary permit is required.
Phase C: 30–0 days out
Pack like a pro
- Prepare an essentials box with medications, chargers, basic tools, toiletries, and a few days of clothing and linens.
- Keep original documents with you, not in the moving truck.
- Clearly mark fragile boxes and create a separate high-priority load list for movers.
Confirm move logistics
- Reconfirm arrival time, crew size, transit estimate, and payment method with your mover.
- If moving into a condo or apartment, confirm elevator and loading dock reservations and insurance certificates if required.
Prepare both homes
- Arrange professional cleaning as needed. Defrost the refrigerator and freezer 24 to 48 hours before move day.
- Photograph your old home after packing for condition documentation.
- Verify utilities will be on at the new home before arrival.
Final paperwork and insurance
- Keep birth certificates, passports, medical records, school records, home closing documents, and vehicle titles in a secure, hand-carried folder.
- Confirm homeowner’s or renter’s policy details and the mover’s valuation coverage for transit.
Watch weather and plan contingencies
- Monitor the forecast. Colorado storms can be sudden, especially in winter.
- Pack cold-weather gear, tarps, and floor protection if you expect snow or rain.
- Allow buffer days in case of weather or freight delays.
Move day and week 1 in Parker
Move day checklist
- Walk through your old home to confirm utilities off, windows and doors locked, and keys and remotes collected.
- Give movers clear unloading priorities and room labels at the new home.
- Keep valuables and documents with you at all times.
First week in Parker
- Confirm all utilities work and set up your mailbox. Test internet speed and coverage.
- Register vehicles and transfer your Colorado driver’s license within the required timeframe. Check current DMV deadlines before you go.
- Register to vote in Douglas County and update addresses with your employer, banks, and insurers.
- Introduce yourself to your HOA or neighborhood association if applicable.
First month
- If you purchased, review final lender and escrow statements and confirm homeowner’s insurance billing and property tax schedule.
- If you rented, submit any move-in condition reports by the deadline.
- Establish care with local primary care, dental, pediatric, and veterinary providers.
- Learn your local routes to grocery stores, pharmacies, parks, and schools.
Parker specifics to verify
Because Parker includes in-town addresses and nearby unincorporated areas, verify these items for your exact address:
- Services and governance. Town of Parker versus unincorporated Douglas County. This affects utilities, permitting, and some taxes.
- Utilities. Electricity provider, natural gas provider, and water and sanitation district. Confirm trash and recycling day.
- Internet and TV. Provider options and installation lead times for fiber, cable, or DSL.
- DMV. Nearest Colorado DMV office, required documents, fees, and appointment timing.
- Schools. Douglas County School District boundary schools, enrollment steps, and deadlines.
- Safety and environment. Floodplain status using official maps, radon testing guidance, and wildfire or brush mitigation requirements for your neighborhood.
- Permits and parking. Town or HOA rules for moving trucks, public street parking, and right-of-way use.
- Animal licenses. Dog licensing rules and proof of current rabies vaccination.
- Household hazardous waste. County-approved disposal programs for paints, chemicals, and electronics.
Local safety and environment notes
- Wildfire awareness. If your home is in a higher vegetation zone, review defensible-space recommendations and local mitigation resources.
- Radon testing. Colorado has known radon potential in many areas. Test during purchase or within the first year of occupancy.
- Floodplain checks. Confirm whether your property is in a flood zone using official mapping tools and discuss insurance needs with your carrier.
- Winter readiness. Keep snow gear, ice melt, and vehicle emergency kits on hand. Factor storm days into your move timeline.
Cost and timing quick guide
- Peak timing. Summer and early fall book fast for movers. Reserve 6 to 8 weeks ahead if possible.
- Installations. Internet installations can take several business days. Schedule during Phase B.
- Appointments. DMV and school enrollments can require appointments and deadlines. Plan early in Phase A and B.
- Budgeting. Set aside funds for mover deposits, utility deposits, DMV fees, pet licensing, HOA fees, and potential storage.
- Contingencies. Allow 3 to 7 extra days for weather, inspections, closing shifts, or builder timelines for new construction.
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Assuming all Parker addresses have the same services. Town and unincorporated areas can differ in utilities and trash providers.
- Waiting to book movers or internet until the last minute. Peak-season delays are common.
- Skipping HOA rules. Many communities control move-in windows, truck size, and elevator reservations.
- Overlooking wildfire and flood considerations. Verify risk and plan defensible space where needed.
- Underestimating DMV document needs. Titles, insurance, and residency proofs are required. Appointments may be limited.
- Not confirming insurance coverage for move day. Validate both your policy and mover valuation.
Build your plan with local support
Relocating to Parker goes smoothly when you have a single partner coordinating the details. If you need guidance on neighborhood fit, buying or selling, short-term leasing, or property management, you can streamline everything with a concierge-style approach. From pre-approval to keys-in-hand, and from staging to corporate relocation logistics, you get continuity and clear communication at each step.
Ready to relocate with confidence? Connect with the local team that combines market expertise with end-to-end service. Reach out to Corken + Company to Schedule Your Concierge Consultation.
Verification and updates
Local details can change. Always confirm utility providers, school boundaries and enrollment windows, DMV requirements and deadlines, local taxes and fees, and any permit rules for your exact address before you finalize plans. Check real-time traffic when testing commute routes.
FAQs
How long is the commute from Parker to downtown Denver?
- Commute times vary by route and time of day, so test your drive during typical rush hours and use real-time traffic tools to set expectations.
Who provides utilities at my Parker address?
- Electricity, gas, water, sewer, and trash vary by location and district; verify providers for your exact address and schedule stop and start dates in Phase B.
How do school assignments work for Parker residents?
- Douglas County School District assigns schools by boundary maps; confirm your assigned schools and enrollment steps directly with the district before you move.
When do I need to register my car and license after moving to Colorado?
- Check current Colorado DMV deadlines before you arrive and gather proof of residency, insurance, and title to complete registration and licensing on time.
Do I need a permit to park a moving truck in Parker?
- Some streets and neighborhoods require permits or have restricted hours; verify Town or County rules and HOA policies several weeks before move day.
Should I test for radon in my new Parker home?
- Yes, Colorado has known radon potential; plan to test during purchase or within your first year and discuss mitigation steps with your inspector or contractor.
Is my Parker home in a wildfire or flood risk area?
- Risk varies by neighborhood; review official wildfire guidance and flood maps for your exact address and plan defensible space or insurance accordingly.