All topics & move-in checklist | Boise Relocation Hub

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Plan the move and line up the basics

Choose a city and neighborhoodCompare commutes, home prices and school districts before you sign anything.Neighborhoods & cities →
Decide whether to rent or buyMany newcomers rent for 6 to 12 months first to learn the valley.Rent or buy tool →
Set your moving budgetMovers, deposits and first-month rent add up fast.Budget estimator →
Get written mover quotesGet at least three. For interstate moves, check the mover's USDOT number with the FMCSA.FMCSA: Protect Your Move ↗
Forward your mailFile a USPS change of address about two weeks before moving day.USPS change of address ↗
Pack a records folderTitles, birth certificates, Social Security cards, passports, school and immunization records, medical and vet records. You'll need them at the DMV and for school.What the DMV asks for →
Book utilities for move-in dayPower, gas, water, sewer, trash and internet are set up separately. Start a week or two ahead.Utilities & internet →
Plan your health insuranceMoving to Idaho opens a 60-day window to enroll or change marketplace plans.Health insurance →

Get the house running and the family settled

Find your trash and recycling dayEach city has its own hauler and rules for what goes in each cart.Trash & recycling →
Sign up for emergency alertsAda Alert in Ada County or AlertSense in Canyon County, plus Idaho Power outage alerts.Emergency alerts →
Enroll your kids in schoolCheck your district by exact address, then register online with proof of age, residency and immunizations.Public schools →
Find a primary care doctorNew-patient waits can run weeks, so book early and confirm your insurance network.Doctors & hospitals →
Get a library cardFree for residents, and a good way to find classes, events and local groups.Community & civic life →

Idaho's legal deadlines for new residents

Get your Idaho driver's licenseRequired within 30 days. Book an appointment at the county sheriff's driver's license office.Driver's license →
Title and register your vehiclesRequired within 30 days, at the county assessor's motor vehicle office. No emissions test needed.Vehicle title & registration →
License your dogEvery Ada County city requires a dog license; Boise also requires a current rabies shot within 30 days of moving in.Pets →
Register to voteEligible after living in Idaho 30 days. Register online with your Idaho license, or in person on Election Day.Community & civic life →
Update your address everywhereEmployer, bank, insurers, the IRS and Social Security, so tax forms and cards reach you.Your first weeks (new to the U.S.) →

Things that save money or come up later

File the homeowner's exemptionIf you bought a home you live in, apply with your county assessor. It takes 50% off the taxable value, up to $125,000. Apply by Dec. 31.Property taxes →
File your first Idaho tax returnNew residents file as part-year residents on Form 43, due April 15, and can claim the food tax credit.State taxes →
Buy resident fishing and hunting licensesResident prices start after 6 months of living in Idaho (30 days for active-duty military stationed here).Outdoors & recreation →
Get ready for smoke season and winter inversionsSet up air quality alerts and a good furnace filter before late summer.Air quality & hazards →

Your move-in checklist