While just the thought of relocating can be stressful, with planning and helpful resources, the process can be managed. In this section, you’ll learn about ways to pack, preparing for your move, utilities in the area, a timeline to help you plan for every part of the move as well as additional resources. Once you’re established in the area, a real plus is discovering how genuinely friendly most Houstonians are and how ready they are to welcome you to the city and your neighborhood. It’s not uncommon that a neighbor will greet you warmly with a plate of cookies and be glad to share resources with you.

As soon as you’ve received word that you and your family are being relocated, contact your company’s relocation representative to find what company will be moving your goods. Ask if the moving company provides any information to help make the move easier and verify the move date. At some point, you’ll want a direct contact at the moving company to ensure you have an open communication flow and there are no misunderstandings. Your moving company will also need to ask you questions and be in touch with you directly as moving day approaches.

It’s also possible the moving company has resources regarding storage in the Houston area, should you require additional space to place your furnishings, a boat or an additional vehicle.

As you plan your move, we hope the following resources and relocation timeline will assist in making your relocation a process that is manageable and organized. Once you’ve arrived and are established in your new community, Houston’s hospitality will make you feel at home quickly.

Moving Companies
Moving companies provide a variety of services for a range of fees. It is a good idea to speak with different movers to compare their
services. To find out who the best movers are in your area, begin by asking friends about their experiences with the movers they have used. You can also check with the Better Business Bureau or other consumer organizations in your local area.

When selecting a mover, the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) encourages consumers to select a moving company that is an AMSA member. Members members have all agreed to abide by the terms of the organization’s published tariffs and to participate in the Arbitration Program sponsored by the organization.

Once you have compiled a list of movers, inform them of the destination and timing of your move. Ask them about the types of services they offer. Also ask them to explain their estimates in detail and to give you a copy. Then carefully compare to see which mover best suits your needs and budget.

If you are moving interstate, you should read and understand all of the information you will receive. In addition to brochures explaining their various services, moving companies should give you a copy of a consumer booklet entitled “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” and information regarding the mover's participation in a Dispute Settlement Program. Distribution of the consumer booklet and the requirement that movers offer shippers neutral arbitration as a means of settling disputes that may arise concerning loss or damage on household goods shipments are requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

AMSA advises to make arrangements for your move well in advance, at least four to six weeks before the moving date. When you choose
your mover, be sure you understand:

• The rates and charges that will apply.
• The mover’s liability for your belongings.
• How picup and delivery will work.
• What claims protection you have.

Getting Estimates
The cost of an interstate move is usually based on the weight of your belongings and the distance they are shipped, plus the amount of packing and other services that you require, according to the American Moving and Storage Association.

To help you anticipate the cost of your move, movers will give you an estimate of the price. Be sure to get written estimates from at least three different companies so that you can compare their services and prices.

The charge that you will be billed for your move is based on the weight of your shipment, the distance that you move, and the other services that you require. Your bill will be higher or lower depending on how much your shipment weighs and how far you move.

Help the movers calculate the cost of your move by showing them every single item to be moved. Don’t forget to go into the attic, basement, garage, shed and closets and under beds. Reach a clear understanding about the amount of packing and other services needed. Anything omitted from the estimate but later included in the shipment will add to the cost.

Most movers offer two types of estimates – non-binding and binding.
Non-binding estimates are not bids or contracts. Instead, a non-binding estimate is an approximation of the cost based on the mover’s survey of the items to be moved, with the final cost determined after the shipment is weighed. Since a non-binding estimate is based on the actual weight of your shipment (rather than the estimated weight), the price will usually be lower than a binding estimate. However, when you receive a non-binding estimate there is no guarantee that the final cost will not be more than the estimate.

Under a non-binding estimate, the mover cannot require you to pay more than the amount of the estimate, plus 10 percent, (or 110 percent of the estimate amount) at the time of delivery. You are then obligated to pay any remaining charges for any additional services that you requested or that were required to accomplish your move that are more than this 110 percent amount 30 days after your shipment is delivered, if the services or quantities were not included in your estimate.

Many movers also provide binding estimates. A binding estimate means that you are obligated to pay the price set forth in the binding estimate even if the shipment weighs more than or less than the estimated amount.

All binding estimates cover only the goods and services listed on the estimate. If you add items or request additional services, the mover may revise the original estimate before your shipment is loaded or, if you request additional services after your shipment is in transit, your mover will bill you for these added services 30 days after your shipment is delivered, if they were not included in your estimate. In addition, all movers reserve the right to charge for services necessary to accomplish delivery, even if those services are not requested by the shipper. For example, additional charges will apply if you are not prepared to accept delivery and the shipment is placed in storage, or if a smaller (shuttle) truck must be used to accomplish delivery because your new home is located on a narrow street. Again, your mover will bill you for these services 30 days after your shipment is delivered, if they were not included in your estimate.

Another type of estimate used by many movers is the Not-To-Exceed Estimate. This type of estimate is called various things by various movers, such as Guaranteed Price or Price Protection, but the end result is the same – an estimate based on a binding estimate or on actual cost, whichever is lower. Like a binding estimate, a not-to-exceed estimate must be provided to you in writing and is binding on the carrier.

Not-to-Exceed estimates differ though in that the binding estimate amount becomes the maximum amount that you will be obligated to pay for the services listed on the estimate. This maximum amount alternates with the tariff charges applicable based on the actual weight of the shipment, with the customer paying the lesser of the two amounts. When you accept a not-to-exceed estimate, the move is performed at actual weight based on the tariff rate levels, with the binding estimate representing the maximum charge that you will have to pay.

AMSA advises to get more than one estimate and watch out for low-ball movers. If a mover you are considering tells you that he can move you for an unrealistically low price, be careful. It could mean he will suddenly remember some extra charges once your shipment has been loaded on the truck, the doors have been padlocked, and he is ready to drive off into the sunset with all of your worldly possessions.

Or, if a mover you are considering refuses to provide you with an in-home estimate and tells you he can provide an accurate estimate over the phone without ever seeing your home and your furniture, choose another mover.

And remember, it's not just the price; it's the total value of a professional move.

Planning for Moving Day
According to the American Moving and Storage Association, the summer months are the busiest time of the year for movers. In addition, the beginning and end of each month are traditionally busier than mid-month, regardless of the season. If you are planning to move during one of the times, plan well in advance so your mover's schedule will fit yours.

Get started by contacting the movers on your list. Inform them of your destination and the timing of your move. Ask movers to provide you with a written estimate and have them explain the services listed in the estimate in detail. Carefully compare each estimate to see which company best suits your needs and budget.

Packing
Proper packing by a trained packer using specially designed cartons and materials is crucial to a good move. Schedule packing with the mover a day or two before the moving van is loaded. If you are packing yourself, it is never too soon to start. While packing yourself can save money, movers will not usually accept liability for damage to items packed by owners.

Be present when your goods are packed. An inventory of your goods will be made, and it is important to resolve any disagreements prior to signing the inventory. Make sure all copies are legible and all items are numbered. Have valuable items listed separately. Some appliances may require servicing prior to the move. Your mover can schedule these services for you.

There are several options for insuring your goods. All household goods shipments move under limited liability. However, you may purchase additional liability coverage from your mover.

Your mover may ask you to select several consecutive days during which your goods can be loaded and a second series of dates during which your goods can be delivered to your new home. A spread of days gives you and your mover the flexibility needed to keep your move on schedule. Remember that summer months are the busiest, and some movers offer lower prices between the months of October and April.

Moving Day

1. Be on hand when the movers arrive
2. Discuss the delivery arrangements fully with your mover.
3. Have beds stripped and ready to be packed.
4. Save your energy - let the moving crew disassemble goods.
5. Read the Bill of Lading before you sign it.
6. Tell your mover how to reach you at your destination.
7. Keep in contact with the mover's agent at your destination while you are in transit.

Delivery
Generally, your belongings will be transported in a van along with those of other families in the same general direction. This helps to keep your costs down. Delivery is made on any of the several consecutive days agreed upon before the move began. Make sure the mover knows how to contact you to schedule actual delivery. If you cannot be reached at destination, the mover may place your shipment in storage to avoid delaying other shipments. This can mean additional charges for storage and handling.

Claims
Best practices from the American Moving and Storage Association suggest that if any of your household goods are damaged or lost, report the facts promptly and in detail on the van driver's copy (original) of the inventory sheet before you sign it. If you notice damage after unpacking, a claim must be filed within nine months after delivery. However, it is to your advantage to report damage as soon as possible. The mover must acknowledge receipt of your claim within 30 days and must deny or make an offer within 120 days of receipt of your claim.

When making a claim or considering a settlement offer, keep in mind the amount of liability that you declared on your shipment. For example, if the value declared on your shipment was $5,000, the mover’s maximum liability for loss or damage to the articles in your shipment is $5,000. Claims for more than this amount will be declined because they are in excess of the mover’s liability that you declared on your shipment.

Moving Expenses
Tax deductions might apply to a move, but it is best to understand the law before moving in order to keep the appropriate records and to comply with any necessary provisions. Keep in mind that a move must be at least 50 miles from a current home and involve changing job locations in order for expenses to be deductible.

Deductible Moving Expenses
You can deduct the reasonable expenses of moving your household goods and personal effects and of traveling from your old home to your new home. Reasonable expenses can include the cost of lodging (but not meals) while traveling to your new home.

Who Can Deduct Moving Expenses
If you move to a new home because of a new principal workplace, you may be able
to deduct your moving expenses whether you are self-employed or an employee. To be eligible, you must meet both the distance test and time test.

Movers may call the Internal Revenue Service at 800-829-1040 or visit www.irs.gov to request a free booklet explaining exactly what can and cannot be deducted.

Temporary Storage
Temporary storage in Houston is relatively inexpensive compared to storage costs in many other areas of the country. Self- and warehouse-storage space is available in all sections of the city. Check on security arrangements at specific storage units, liability for loss or damage and availability of units.

— Selecting a Self-Storage Space
According to the Texas Self Storage Association, it’s important to carefully read the contract you are asked to sign. If there are provisions that you don’t understand, ask the manager to explain them. If you still don’t understand or don’t feel comfortable with the explanation, don’t sign the rental agreement, which is a legal contract. Make sure there are no blank spaces and that any verbal promises made by the manager or staff are in the written rental agreement.

• Visit the self-storage facility and ask to see a space of the size you think you may need. If climate-controlled space is available, compare the climate-controlled space to the non-climate-controlled space.
• Check for cleanliness, convenience and security.
• Ask about the office’s operating hours.
• Keep a copy of the written rental agreement.
• Obtain and read a copy of the rules and regulations of the facility, if any.
• Insurance is the responsibility of the customer, and storage facilities are generally not responsible for the contents of your unit. It is always a good idea to insure the goods  

you are intending to store, and it should be offered to you at the time you rent your unit. Sometimes the facility collects the premium from you directly. Before you buy insurance from the manager, check with your own agent, because sometimes your homeowner’s or renter’s policy will cover you at no extra cost.

— Important Guidelines

• Ask the self-storage company if they are a member of the Texas Self Storage Association; it ensures the company is operating professionally.
• Use the best lock possible to protect your valuables.
• Purchase insurance on your property, either through the facility or with your own agent. Remember that the storage operator does not insure your goods.
• Prepare to give at least 10 days written notice before you plan to move out of your unit. This is required by the contract you sign.
• Don’t store prohibited items such as tires, food, or flammable items. Check the storage facility’s rules or your contract for a complete list.
• Your property could be sold at a public auction if you stop paying rent on your unit. Texas Property Code Chapters 59 and 70 dictate the state’s rules for self-storage operators.

— General Storage Information

• Do not store hazardous or toxic materials OR flammable liquids or gases OR foods. If you are not sure you should store something, ask the staff!
• Do not store any combustibles! Do not store items such as propane tanks, old paint, cleaning fluids, gasoline or other things that might create or intensify a fire. Why risk your possessions just to keep a few cents worth of leftovers?
• Remember, you alone are responsible for providing insurance on your property. You must buy insurance coverage yourself and you must pay the premium yourself; the operator does not insure your goods.
• Remember that only the tenant is legally entitled to enter the storage space unless other arrangements have been made with the self-storage facility; for example, if you want friends and members of your family to use your storage space, you must list them under access rights on the rental agreement.
• Visit your self-storage space on occasion to check the condition of your possessions; occasionally move or shift your goods so that you see all sides of them. Report any problems immediately.
• When moving out of storage, give at least 10 days written notice. Take everything and don’t leave any trash. Leave the unit in broom-clean condition. Remove your lock.
• If storing bedding, clothing or furniture covered in fabric or property that may be affected by changes in temperature, it may be wiser to rent climate-controlled space to provide a better storage environment for your personal possessions. Be certain that everything stored is dry, as any moisture may cause mildew. If you move during rain, dry off your goods before placing them into storage. Do not store anything that is wet; moisture is bad for virtually all property or goods.

Self-Storage Packing Tips

• Fill boxes to capacity. Partially full or bulging boxes may collapse or tip over while stored.
• Label your cartons and goods. This will make accessing items much easier.
• Books and documents: Pack books flat to protect spines; use small boxes to avoid cartons that are too heavy to move easily. Put heavy items on bottom.
• Dishes and glassware: Glass items should be individually wrapped; use blank wrapping paper for best results; “nest” cups and bowls, stand plates and platters; fill air pockets with wrapping paper or foam peanuts; don’t put breakables under other boxes.
• Mirrors, windows, screens: Wrap all glass well; store on edge, not flat.
• Lamps: Pack lamp shades separately; use blank paper to wrap lamp shades and other property that may be damaged by ink stains from regular newsprint.
• Furniture: Stand sofas and mattresses on end; disassemble beds and tables; wrap legs in wrapping paper; keep upholstery off floor; place loose, light plastic dust covers or sheets over furniture.
• Appliances and electronics: Clean appliances thoroughly. Refrigerators and freezers must be defrosted and dry and washing machines completely drained. Remove doors of appliances and store separately; desiccants (drying agents) should be used and containers checked and emptied regularly. Take apart lawn mowers and snow blowers, making sure all the fuel is completely drained.
• Bicycles: Wipe a few drops of oil on bicycles and tools to prevent rusting, then store these items away from furniture to avoid oil staining.
• Clothes: Wardrobe boxes allow you to store your clothing on hangers. Shoes can be stored in the bottom of the wardrobe boxes, while folded clothing can be stored in boxes or dresser drawers.
• Put pallets or a grid of 2’ x 3’s on the unit floor to give better air circulation under goods; leave a walkway/aisle to the rear of the unit. Don’t over pack the unit!

Determining the Right Storage Unit for Your Needs
Unit Size: 5’ x 5’
Equivalent: 25 sq. ft. Hall closet, small bedroom or office
What Will Fit*: Boxes, clothing, small furniture, toys, business records or about 50 file boxes.

Unit Size: 5’ x 10’
Equivalent: 50 sq. ft. Walk-in closet
What Will Fit*: Mattress set, sofa, chest of drawers, dining room set or about 100 file boxes.

Unit Size: 7 ½’ x 10’
Room Equivalent: 75 sq. ft. Large walk-in closet
What Will Fit*: The furnishings of a one-bedroom apartment: Desk, patio furniture, washer/dryer stacked, boxes, and miscellaneous items or about 150 file boxes.

Unit Size: 10’ x 10’
Equivalent: 100 sq. ft. Average size bedroom
What Will Fit*: The furnishings of a one-bedroom apartment with refrigerator, washer & dryer, and patio furniture or about 200 file boxes.

Unit Size: 10’ x 15’
Equivalent: 150 sq. ft. Large bedroom
What Will Fit*: The furnishings of a two-bedroom apartment or small house with refrigerator, washer & dryer, yard furniture, boxes, and miscellaneous items or about 300 file boxes.

Unit Size: 10’ x 20’
Equivalent: 200 sq. ft. One-car garage
What Will Fit*: The furnishings of a three or four-bedroom house with major appliances, garage extras, boxes, and miscellaneous items or business files and inventory.

Unit Size: 10’ x 30’
Equivalent: 300 sq. ft. Extra large garage
What Will Fit*: The furnishings of a four or five-bedroom house with major appliances, boxes, and miscellaneous items or business files and inventory.

* Actual contents will vary based on the size of your belongings
_{Source: Texas Self Storage Association (txssa.org)}

Utilities
—Electric Utility Services
Since 2002, Texas is a deregulated energy market, which means most consumers have the power to select their electricity provider. Deregulation provides increased competition and more competitive pricing. Now, Texas consumers can compare rates, dependibility of service and customer service to find the perfect company that fits their needs.

Since the introduction of deregulated electricity, many new providers have stepped into the market to offer more options and services. The Texas Public Utilities Commission (PUC) continues to monitor and regulate the delivery of electricity to ensure all consumers are protected. In addition, all electricity providers must be certified by the PUC. (www.puc.state.tx.us)

There are different types of electric providers in Texas and in Houston. It’s important to know the difference when choosing a provider as well as who to call if there’s a power outage. Some electric companies, known as the local wires company, preserve the poles and wires that transmit and distribute electricity to your home. They are responsible for sending out employees to fix damages during an emergency outage. You can identify your local wires company by looking on your electricity bill. In the Houston area, the main electrical provider is CenterPoint Energy. To the north in The Woodlands and the Conroe area, the electrical provider is Entergy.

An affiliate electricity provider is an electric company that was split from your area's original electric company that produced and sold electricity. The affiliate, also referred to as the incumbent provider, only sells electricity and provides customer service.

The competitive retail electric provider offers lower pricing, alternative energy choices, innovative customer service options and special promotions to gain your business. The city-owned utility is a non-profit utility that is owned and operated by the city. City-owned utilities do not have to allow competition within a regulated market.

The municipally-owned utility is a non-profit utility that is owned and operated by the municipality. Utilities owned by the municipality do not have to allow competition within a regulated market.

— Utility Resources
To learn more about utility choices in the Houston area, visit these informative Web sites:

Maintained by the PUC, www.powertochoose.org, enables you to shop for electricity providers by price, length of contract and fuel source. Customers can find several dozen available offers by connecting to www.powertochoose.org and entering their zip code or wires company. After reviewing available products, customers can simplify their options based on price, fixed or variable rate, renewable energy products, contract length and individual provider offers. The Web site also includes links to an Electricity Facts Label for each offer to allow for direct comparisons among providers.

There are also links to a Terms of Service document, which contains important information regarding deposit policies, cancellation fees and other contract terms that can affect overall cost. If customers are interested in a particular offer, direct links are provided to sign-up pages to start the enrollment Retail electric providers (REP) are required by law to provide accurate and current information to customers, and they are now expected to honor prices and terms posted on www.powertochoose.org.

Customers who believe an REP is not honoring an offer on the site or is posting misleading information can file a complaint with the PUC at www.puc.state.tx.us or by calling 1-888-782-8477 (1-888-PUC-TIPS) toll-free.

Houston Consumer Choice (http://houstonconsumerchoice.com) helps Houstonians compare various electrical providers. By entering a zip code at the Web site, a consumer can select a plan, compare available providers’ services and make a selection.

Texas Ratepayers Organization to Save Energy (www.texasrose.org) is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to affordable electricity and a healthy environment. The Web site provides straightforward information to consumers and members advocate for energy efficiency programs, fair customer service practices and customer education 
at the Public Utility Commission of Texas. 512-472-5233

— Helpful Guide Before You Start Shopping for Utilities
The PUC offers these suggestions before shopping for a utility company: 

• Contracts and Terms – Some Retail Electric Providers (REPs) offer plans with no minimum contract period (“month-to-month” plans), and others may offer plans with contract periods as long as three years or more. Contracts with a minimum term may have a penalty if you cancel before the contract period ends. Make sure you understand what happens at the end of the contract period with respect to the pricing of your service, and ask the REP if you are unsure.
• Fixed and Variable Electricity Rates – A fixed electricity rate will generally remain the same throughout the term of a contract (with minor exceptions), and a variable electricity rate can go up or down based on the monthly changes in the electricity market. If you choose a plan with a long contract period and a fixed rate, you will have certainty that your price will not change during that time. While this may help your household budgeting, if market prices fall you may have to wait until your contract expires to enjoy a lower price. Variable rate plans can provide the benefit of an immediate pass-through of falling market prices, but will also rise if natural gas and electricity prices spike due to natural disasters or cold winters. Make sure you understand how and under what conditions your rate can change when selecting a plan, and pick the one that's right for your needs.
• Renewable/Green Energy – If you want a plan that is renewable, check the provider's Electricity Facts Label to see how the plan’s electricity is generated from renewable resources such as wind, solar, hydroelectric, geothermal, landfill gas or biomass. REPs are also allowed to designate products that use electricity generated by natural gas, which is a relatively clean fuel, as “green.” Make sure you understand these distinctions when researching your options.

To make the best apples-to-apples comparison of providers and offers, you should ask each provider the following list of questions. The PUC suggests you print a copy of these questions for each of the providers to compare their offers.

To help you compare offers based on price, contact your current electric provider and ask for your plan's total electric rate based on a 1,000 kWh usage (not including taxes or non-recurring fees).

Questions to ask each provider:
1. What will I pay per "kilowatt hour" (kWh) of electricity based on 1,000 kWh of average monthly usage?
2. Does this rate include everything, including the electricity cost, the transmission and distribution charges, fuel charges, if any, as well as the monthly customer charge or other fees?
3. Is this offer a fixed rate offer or a variable rate offer? If it is a variable rate offer, how can it change and how do I find out when the rate will change?
4. Is there a contract and if so, how long is it for?
5. Is a deposit required and if so, how much?
6. What are my payment options?
7. What happens when my contract period expires?
8. What if I miss a payment? 
9. Is there a penalty if I break the contract?

Gas, Water and Other Services
CenterPoint Energy supplies gas to Houston area residents. Service requests may be completed over the phone or online. To apply for service and obtain information, call 713-659-2111 or visit its Web site at www.centerpointenergy.com.

The City of Houston Public Works and Engineering Department provides water and sewer services, which are available to city of Houston residents by calling 713-371-1400. Billing is on a monthly basis and is based on water usage. Water system improvements have earned a “Superior” public water supply rating for Houston since 1995. To promote a higher standard of quality, the Surface Water Branch joined the Partnership for Safe Water in 1996. The Houston Public Works Department tests and treats the water above and beyond state and federal requirements.

Municipal Utility Districts (M.U.D.s) provide water and sewer services to many Houston- area neighborhoods. Be sure to ask a real estate agent or landlord if a new home is in a M.U.D.

Be advised that all utility services in the Houston area may require new customers without a previous credit history to pay a refundable security deposit to protect the utility firms from customers who leave without paying their bills. When making a selection of a utility company, be sure to ask its specific new customer policy. In some cases, in lieu of paying a deposit, your new utility provider may ask you for copies of bills from your previous utility company to see that you have an established credit history.

Local Garbage Service
There is no fee for residential garbage collection in the city of Houston. Garbage and light trash are collected weekly. Heavy trash is collected only on a call-in basis for some neighborhoods, while others may have monthly heavy-trash pickup. There is no garbage collection on municipal holidays. Some subdivisions opt to contract local garbage companies to collect refuse. Fees for these services usually are included in the homeowner’s association dues.

In the city of Houston, the Department of Solid Waste Management’s basic garbage collection services consist of:

• Once-per week residential garbage and yard waste collection
• Once-per-month collection of heavy trash (large, bulky items)
• Neighborhood depositories
• Dead animal collection

— Residential Garbage Collection
Currently, homes receive garbage collection service once a week on an Automated Garbage Collection System. Automated collection is a technologically advanced system that employs a specially fitted refuse truck. A side arm grabs and lifts a special container, dumps the garbage into the truck and returns the container to the curb. Residents participating in the program receive a 65- or 90-gallon cart from the city, specially designed for automated collection.

Automated trash collection is cleaner, safer and more efficient than traditional manual collection. In the past, the department has incurred as much as $4 million in workers' compensation costs each year using manual garbage collection. The automated system has reduced injuries, especially back-related injuries, which are common in garbage collection.

The containers used for automated garbage collection are manufactured using 50 percent recycled materials. This is the highest percentage of recycled plastic used in refuse containers in the country. In fact, these containers are manufactured from plastic collected in Houston's curbside recycling program.

— Tips on Residential Garbage Collection
How to set out your garbage

• Household garbage should be put inside the city-provided container. The handle of your container should point toward your house. (Arrows on the can should point towards the street). The container should be placed at the curb between 6 p.m. the day before and 7 a.m. on the scheduled collection day. The container must be accessible to the automated collection truck and not be blocked by obstacles such as trees, parked cars, mailboxes, basketball hoops and poles, holiday arches and powerlines. (Drivers will not move improperly placed containers.) Containers must be removed from the curbline by 10 p.m. on the day of collection and stored in a secured location.
• The city of Houston recommends that you double bag any dusty, loose material to prevent litter and place any sharp objects in metal containers (such as metal coffee cans) to prevent injury.

What not to put in your garbage can
Your garbage container is for disposing of regular household garbage only. Certain items should not be disposed of in your garbage can either because they are too heavy for our equipment or because they may harm our employees, your property, neighbors, pets and the environment. Do not put the following items in your garbage can:

• Household chemicals, including batteries, fluorescent lights, paints and thinners, fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides, cleaners, ammonia and bleach, motor oil and other automotive fluids, pool chemicals, aerosol cans and photographic chemicals Please take your household hazardous waste to the Environmental Service Centers.
• Construction, demolition and remodeling debris, including rocks, dirt, plywood, bricks, stone, concrete, mortar, sand, sheet rock, insulation, flooring, shingles, siding, steel roofing, sheet glass, mirrors and other similar items.
• Dead animals
• Computer equipment. Computers contain metals that can be harmful to the environment. They should be taken to the Westpark Consumer Recycling Center or the Environmental Service Center.
• Recyclables and yard trimmings

Acquiring a garbage can

• Should you be a new resident to an area that is serviced by the city of Houston or a contractor, you will be issued a 90-gallon garbage container for your household garbage upon request. Please call 311 to request a container. Should you have more garbage than can fit in your one container, you may obtain an additional garbage container by enrolling in the Add-A-Can Program.

Acquiring an additional garbage can

• Houston residents are provided their first 90-gallon container serviced at no additional cost. The fee for servicing an additional container is $7.50 per month (plus tax) for a minimum subscription of one year. This fee will be added to your water bill upon request of the Add-A-Can service. A 90-gallon container and a sticker for your second and/or third container will be issued to you. The sticker must be affixed to the front of the additional container for it to be serviced by the Solid Waste Management Department crews.

Extra bags of garbage 

• Extra bags of garbage will only be collected if they have a special sticker attached. This "Tags for Bags" Program allows residents the convenience of purchasing "tags" instead of additional cans if they require extra service only occasionally. Tags for Bags sticker is $1 each.

Curbside Recycling 
In Houston, curbside recycling is the largest and most popular recycling program, with more than 162,000 homes receiving biweekly service. Curbside recycling began as a pilot program in 1990 with 27,000 participating homes using the bin method of recycling. Homes received service on a weekly basis.

Curbside recycling requires residents to place newspaper, magazines, telephone books, aluminum and tin cans, advertising mail, corrugated cardboard, plastic soft drink, milk and water containers in the same bin. Each bin holds 18 gallons of recycled material and is itself made out of 25 percent recycled plastic and 75 percent virgin material. Used oil is also collected and is placed next to the bin in clean containers with screw-on tops. The city now accepts plastics #1-5 and #7.

Curbside recycling was changed from a weekly to a biweekly service to reduce the number of trips into the neighborhoods, thereby reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Biweekly service is also more cost-efficient for the department by ensuring the bins are full on collection day.

Subdivision chairpersons act as liaison between the community and the recycling division. Recycling information also is presented by the recycling staff through presentations at civic club meetings, area schools and trade shows. Additionally, the recycling staff distributes brochures and handbooks. 

Frequently Asked Curbside Recycling Questions
Q. How do I get a recycling bin and/or a second green bin?
A. If you live in a curbside recycling area, you may request a bin by calling 311, the city's help line. The 311 operator should provide you with a service request number for your records. The city will deliver the bin, and you may also use a paper bag.

Q. What items are accepted in the Curbside Recycling Program?
A. Newspaper, magazines, color ad inserts, office paper, unwanted mail and telephone books; tin, aluminum and empty aerosol cans; and plastic bottles and jugs with a narrow neck and broad base (marked with a #1 or #2 recycling symbol), used motor oil and corrugated cardboard.

Keeping all paper items segregated, you may place all of these materials together in your bin. Overflow materials can be put in a separate paper grocery bag and place on top or on the side of your green bin. Corrugated cardboard must be broken down into 3 x 3 foot squares. Used motor oil, if placed in its original container or an empty 1-gallon milk or water jug will also be accepted.

Q. My neighborhood does not have curbside recycling. Where can I take my recyclables?
A. Neighborhood depositories will accept the same recyclables accepted curbside except corrugated cardboard. The depositories do accept glass bottles and jars. Also, the Westpark Consumer Recycling Center, 5900 Westpark, will accept the same items as the Curbside Recycling Program with the addition of glass bottles, jars, anti-freeze, latex paint, and car batteries. For more info, call 311 or gogreenhouston.org.

Q. Is there any place in the city that will accept styrofoam?
A. Styrofoam in peanut shape is accepted by Mailbox, Etc. They can be reached at 713-667-5116.

Q. I have lots of plastic bags. How can I recycle them?
A. You may take your plastic bags to your local grocery stores. Most grocery stores recycle these bags.
Until additional resources become available, you are encouraged to utilize the Westpark Consumer Recycling Center at 5900 Westpark, Abitibi Recycling's Metrowide Newspaper Recycling Program and other recycling drop-off centers near your neighborhood.

Q. My neighborhood does not have curbside recycling. How do I get curbside recycling?
A. Neighborhoods that would like to be considered for future recycling expansion are placed on a waiting list. Please provide the following information (in writing) to have your neighborhood added to the waiting list. When resources become available, you will be notified.  

• Name of neighborhood/subdivision/garbage service day
• Name, address, phone number of a contact person
• Map of the desired area clearly showing all boundaries
• Number of homes in the subdivision (must consist of 100 and/or be adjacent to an existing curbside recycling neighborhood with the same garbage day

Your letter should be mailed to the Solid Waste Management Department, 611 Walker, 12th floor, Houston, Texas 77002 Attn: Curbside Recycling Program.

Q. How do I start a commercial recycling program?
A. Go to www.houstontx.gov/solidwaste/recycling/commercial.html

Cable Services
In the Houston area, Comcast is the main provider of cable services. It provides more than 1.7 million homes with a range of services, including high-speed Internet, cable television and phone service. Visit online at www.comcast.com to learn about bundled packages and ask about any special discounts if you're moving. Call 800-266-2278 to order services or ask questions about Comcast's products and services.

Another offering in the Houston area is AT&T U-verse, which offers digital television services, high-speed Internet as well as digital home phone service. Visit www.att.com/uverse and check if AT&T U-verse is availabile in your neighborhood. As with Comcast, there are digital packages available to select from.

Satellite service is another option for receiving television programming. Satellite television is delivered by means of communications satellites, as compared to conventional terrestrial television and cable television that is broadcast by ground cables. In many areas of the world, satellite television services supplement older terrestrial signals, providing a wider range of channels and services, including subscription-only services. Various satellite service providers in the Houston area include Dish Network (www.dishnetwork.com) and DirectTV (www.directtv.com).

Telephone Services
Service for the Houston area, including most of the surrounding cities, is provided by more than three dozen service providers. For a complete list, visit the Texas Public Utilities Web site at puc.state.tx.us. Base residential rates include a local access line, touch tone, state and federal taxes and surcharges. Rates (including taxes and surcharges) vary from $25 to $46 depending on the services requested. Long distance service and custom calling features such as call forwarding, call waiting and call notes are available for additional monthly fees. Check the local phone directory for contact information on other available local service providers.

The city of Houston and the immediate surrounding area have three area codes: 281, 713 and 832. When calling from one of these area codes, 10-digit dialing is required for local calls. Three other area codes 409, 936 and 979 are part of the larger 10-county Houston metropolitan area. When calling from the 281, 713 and 832 area codes to the 409, 936 and 979 area codes, long-distance charges are assessed.

When you call to request telephone service, be prepared to provide the following information:

• complete address for installation;
• optional calling services that you would like, such as additional line, call waiting, call forwarding, three-way calling or call notes;
• previous phone company information, including phone number and location;
• how you would like your White Pages directory listing to appear;
• credit information including your place of employment and Social Security number.
• your preferred long-distance phone company.

AT&T requires an average of one to three days to connect your telephone, and the one-time installation charge is $39. Additional jacks inside the house are extra. The installation charge will be billed to customers with satisfactory credit histories, while others might have to pay in advance. If building a house, arrange to have the telephone company wire it before interior walls are completed. This will prevent the need to put holes in the walls and save time and money.