Moving to Billings on a tight timeline? With the right plan, 90 days is more than enough to land in the right neighborhood, line up housing, and arrive with your essentials ready. You want a smooth transition, not last‑minute stress. In this guide, you’ll get a clear, step‑by‑step relocation plan built for Billings and Yellowstone County, plus local tips on inspections, utilities, winter moves, and more. Let’s dive in.
Why Billings
Billings is Montana’s largest city and the county seat of Yellowstone County, with a 2020 Census population of about 109,642. It is the commercial and medical hub for south‑central Montana and nearby regions of Wyoming and the Dakotas. You’ll find strong access to healthcare, education, and retail, along with a practical transportation network.
Key context to know:
- Billings Logan International Airport makes regional travel simple.
- Major road access via Interstate 90 supports easy commuting and trips.
- Healthcare anchors include Billings Clinic and St. Vincent Healthcare.
- Montana has no state sales tax, which can help your overall cost of living.
- Public transit exists through MET Transit, though most households rely on a car.
Your 90‑day plan
Use this three‑part timeline to stay on track from planning to move‑in.
Days 61–90: Plan and choose
- Define your goals. Decide whether you will rent short‑term or buy right away.
- Start your neighborhood research and commute tests using typical drive times.
- If buying, get pre‑approved with a lender that serves Montana. Compare loan types that fit your profile.
- If renting, search for lease options and note move‑in flexibility or short‑term stays if your purchase timing is uncertain.
- Begin decluttering. Sort items to move, sell, donate, or recycle.
- Collect critical records. Gather birth certificates, medical and school records, vehicle titles, pet vaccination records, and insurance policies.
- Plan a preview visit if possible. Tour neighborhoods, parks, and potential school options. Virtual tours can help if travel is tight.
Local neighborhood snapshot to guide your short list:
- The Heights: Residential areas with parks and convenient services.
- West End and Shiloh: Newer homes with growing retail and amenities.
- Downtown: Walkable blocks, condos, and cultural spots.
- Bench and Lake Elmo: Mixed housing types near recreation.
- Rural outskirts: Larger lots and country settings. Confirm well, septic, and internet options in advance.
Days 31–60: Contracts and logistics
- If buying, start touring and making offers. Once under contract, open escrow and schedule inspections early.
- Add Montana‑specific checks. Include radon testing, and for rural properties schedule well flow and water quality tests, plus septic inspection and permits verification.
- Evaluate risk and insurance. Ask about wildfire defensible space and check FEMA floodplain status if near the Yellowstone River.
- Gather moving quotes. Request at least three written estimates. For interstate moves, use FMCSA‑regulated carriers and verify licensing and insurance. Ask how they handle weather delays.
- Reserve short‑term housing if needed. Consider furnished options if your purchase or closing date is still in flux.
- Start your utility list. Research providers for electricity, gas, water, sewer, trash, and internet. Many Montana addresses are served by regional utilities and City of Billings Public Works. Internet options may include large ISPs and fixed wireless or satellite for rural areas.
- Begin school transfers. Review Billings Public Schools enrollment requirements and gather proof of residence and immunization records. For specialized programs, obtain copies of IEPs or related documentation.
- Notify your employer and current housing. Coordinate move dates with your workplace and provide notice to your landlord if renting.
Days 1–30: Final prep and arrival
- Confirm your mover. Lock in dates, parking, elevator reservations, and valuation coverage.
- Complete walkthroughs. Confirm your closing date, possession date, and any repairs agreed in writing.
- Set up utilities. Schedule electricity, gas, water, trash, and internet to begin the day before move‑in to avoid gaps. Save confirmation numbers.
- Change your address. Update USPS, banks, subscriptions, and insurance.
- Prepare for Montana residency tasks. After arrival, you will need to obtain a Montana driver’s license and register vehicles within state timelines. Check the Montana Motor Vehicle Division for exact requirements.
- Pack an essentials box. Include medications, chargers, basic cookware, toiletries, pet supplies, and important documents.
- Line up family logistics. Confirm childcare, pet boarding or transport, and vet appointments as needed.
Moving day and first 30 days in Billings
- Do a safety check. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and locate main water, gas, and electrical shutoffs.
- Verify utilities. Confirm all services are active and functioning.
- Register children in school. Schedule orientations and meet teachers when possible.
- Complete state updates. Update driver’s license, vehicle registration, and voter registration according to Montana and Yellowstone County timelines.
- Transfer healthcare. Select a primary care physician, dentist, and specialists. Move prescriptions to a local pharmacy.
- Explore your area. Map out grocery stores, parks, and emergency services. Introduce yourself to neighbors.
Inspections to prioritize
Buying in Billings or nearby? Plan inspection contingencies that reflect local conditions.
- Standard home inspection. Focus on roof, foundation, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and insulation.
- Radon testing. Portions of Montana can show elevated levels. Include a radon test and plan mitigation if needed.
- Well and septic. For rural properties, order a well flow and water quality test and a septic inspection. Verify permits and maintenance history.
- HVAC readiness. Winters can be cold and chinook winds can bring fast temperature swings. Confirm system capacity and recent servicing.
- Wildfire and flood risk. Evaluate defensible space for properties near wildland areas. If near the Yellowstone River or tributaries, check floodplain status and discuss appropriate insurance with your provider.
Utilities and services
Set up services early so your first week is hassle‑free.
- Electricity and natural gas. Many addresses are served by regional utilities. Ask about start dates and set them for the day before move‑in.
- Water, sewer, and trash. The City of Billings Public Works manages municipal service for many in‑city addresses. Confirm billing setup and pickup schedules.
- Internet and cable. Options may include fiber, cable, DSL, and fixed wireless. Rural addresses may rely on satellite or fixed wireless. Always confirm availability and speeds by address.
- Home and auto insurance. Start homeowner’s or renter’s coverage on closing or lease start. Update auto insurance to reflect your new Montana address and requirements.
Climate and timing tips
Billings has a semi‑arid climate with cold winters and warm summers. Timing your move with weather and demand can protect your budget and schedule.
- Winter moves. Build in buffer days for snow and ice, and confirm movers’ weather policies. Protect floors and pathways during loading and unloading.
- Summer moves. Demand is higher, so book movers early and expect peak pricing.
- Spring and fall windows. These are popular periods thanks to milder weather and school calendars. Reserve services early.
Avoid common pitfalls
Stay ahead of issues that commonly derail timelines and budgets.
- Waiting too long to order specialty inspections like radon, well, or septic. Schedule them at the start of your contingency period.
- Skipping an internet availability check for rural properties. Verify options and speeds before you sign.
- Assuming out‑of‑state license and registration rules apply. Montana’s timelines differ. Plan your MVD visit within the first weeks after arrival.
- Overlooking wildfire or flood risk during due diligence. Discuss insurance implications before you remove contingencies.
- Booking movers last minute in peak season. Compare written estimates from multiple licensed carriers.
Make your move easy
A clear plan turns a 90‑day relocation into a confident transition. Start with your neighborhood short list, secure financing or a rental option, line up inspections that fit Montana properties, and set utilities to go live before you arrive. Build in weather buffers, keep documents handy, and lean on local expertise when questions come up.
If you want a local guide to neighborhoods, private showings, and a smooth remote or in‑person purchase, the Brosovich Real Estate Team is here to help.
FAQs
When should I visit before moving to Billings?
- Aim for 1 to 2 months before closing to confirm neighborhoods, schools, and contractor timelines; use virtual tours to supplement earlier research.
Do I need a car to live in Billings?
- Most households rely on personal vehicles for commuting and errands; MET Transit operates in the city but service is more limited than large metros.
Which inspections matter most for Billings buyers?
- Plan for a full home inspection plus radon testing; add well and septic inspections for rural homes and evaluate wildfire and flood risk.
How do I plan a winter move to Billings?
- Hire movers experienced with winter conditions, schedule buffer days, clear driveways and walkways, and protect floors from snow and mud.
What documents do I need for Montana residency?
- Check Montana Motor Vehicle Division requirements for driver’s licenses and vehicle registration and gather identity, residency, and title documents early.
Should I rent before buying in Billings?
- If your timing is uncertain or you need more neighborhood research, consider a short‑term rental to keep flexibility while you shop with a local agent.
