Moving To Vilonia: Your 90-Day Relocation Plan

Thinking about a move to Vilonia in the next 90 days? You’re not alone. Families choose 72173 for its small-town feel, steady access to Conway and the Little Rock area, and a straightforward lifestyle. Still, relocating has a lot of moving parts. This step-by-step plan helps you make smart housing decisions, set up utilities, get kids enrolled, and arrive with confidence. Let’s dive in.

Why Vilonia works for families

Vilonia sits in Faulkner County, just north of Conway, with practical access to jobs across Central Arkansas. Most residents drive to work, and public transit is limited, so you’ll plan around commute windows rather than exact times. Expect short to moderate drives to Conway and longer but manageable trips to Little Rock–area employers.

Housing generally costs less than big metro markets, and you’ll find a mix of single-family homes and small-town amenities. Rentals inside Vilonia can be limited, so some families widen their search to nearby Conway or Cabot for temporary housing or leases. If you have school-age children, you’ll work with the Vilonia School District for enrollment and bus routes. Because of past severe weather events, it’s also smart to confirm property condition, repairs, and any updates to building standards during due diligence.

Your 90-day relocation plan

This plan breaks your move into three phases so you can stay organized and stress a lot less.

Phase A: Pre-move and first two weeks (Days 1–14)

Week 1: Financial and housing decisions

• Finalize a full move budget that includes deposits, closing costs, moving fees, and utility deposits.
• If buying: get a lender pre-approval and connect with a local agent experienced in Faulkner County.
• If renting: begin your search and target homes that fit your commute and school needs.
• Create a moving binder with IDs, contracts, medical and school records, and insurance info.
• Book temporary housing if you need a bridge. If inventory is tight in Vilonia, expand to Conway or Cabot.
• Start gathering school documents: immunizations, birth certificates, and proof of residency.
• Call the Vilonia School District to confirm enrollment windows and document requirements.
• Contact the City of Vilonia to learn water, sewer, and trash setup steps for your address.

Week 2: Logistics and vendor selection

• Request at least three moving quotes. Confirm licensing, insurance, dates, and refund policies.
• Reserve a moving truck or portable storage if you plan to DIY.
• Check internet and phone availability by exact address. Options may include AT&T, Windstream, satellite, or fixed wireless depending on location.
• Notify your current school, request records, and start a school transition plan.
• If buying: house-hunt, schedule inspections quickly, and prepare for the appraisal timeline.
• If renting: review and sign the lease, confirm move-in date, and ask which utilities you must set up.

Phase B: Move window (Days 15–45)

Week 3: Confirm movers and start utilities

• Lock in your moving company and confirm pickup and delivery windows in writing.
• Begin packing non-essentials. Label by room and keep school items in their own box.
• Contact the electric provider. Entergy Arkansas commonly serves this area, but verify coverage by address and set a start date.
• Check for natural gas availability. If not available, ask about propane service and delivery schedules.
• Schedule internet install early. Installers can book out several days.
• File your USPS change of address and update banks, insurers, subscriptions, and your employer.
• If buying: complete inspections and negotiate any repairs or credits.
• If renting: do a pre-move walkthrough and document existing conditions with photos.

Week 4: Close, connect, and transfer

• Buyers: close on your home and coordinate possession with your move.
• Renters: complete move-in paperwork and get keys.
• Transfer all utilities to your name for move-in day: electric, water/sewer, gas or propane, internet, and trash.
• Set up healthcare in advance. Identify a primary care provider, pediatrician, and preferred pharmacy.
• Update your auto insurance address and confirm coverage for the new home.
• Reserve short-term storage if you need extra space during the transition.

Phase C: Settle-in and local admin (Days 29–90)

Weeks 5–6: Immediate settling and registrations

• Complete school enrollment and confirm transportation, whether bus routes or carpool.
• Finalize utility billing, set up online accounts, and pay any deposits.
• Update your driver’s license and vehicle registration. Check Arkansas DFA Motor Vehicle Division rules and timelines.
• Learn your local routine: grocery stores, pharmacies, childcare providers, and urgent care.
• Confirm trash and recycling pickup or arrange private service if needed.
• Buyers: verify any agreed repairs are finished and file warranties and inspection reports.
• Renters: test smoke detectors, verify locks, and save maintenance contacts.

Weeks 7–9: Household stabilization

• Optimize utilities with autopay and smart thermostat settings.
• Explore local parks, the library, youth sports, and extracurriculars.
• Test your commute at peak times to calibrate morning and afternoon routines.
• If you used a mortgage, confirm your first payment date and escrow setup.
• Do a home-safety check and review your storm plan, including safe rooms or shelters.
• Buyers: review home insurance endorsements for weather-related risks if needed.

Weeks 10–13: Long-term rhythm

• Line up long-term services like lawn care and seasonal maintenance.
• Meet school staff, sign up for activities, and learn the school calendar.
• If you moved after selling a prior home, confirm your final utility reads and forwarding address.
• Review your budget to adjust for actual fuel and commute costs.

Utilities and services to set up

• Electricity: Entergy Arkansas commonly serves Central Arkansas. Verify service at your exact address and schedule activation 7–14 business days before move-in.
• Water and sewer: City of Vilonia for city addresses, or private well and septic for some properties. If buying, include well flow and septic inspections in due diligence.
• Natural gas or propane: Not all addresses have gas mains. If there’s no gas line, arrange propane tank service and delivery.
• Internet and phone: Check AT&T, Windstream, satellite providers, and fixed wireless. Availability is address-specific.
• Trash and recycling: City pickup or private haulers. Ask about cart delivery, pickup day, and fees.

Always confirm provider availability by your exact address before you sign a lease or finalize a purchase.

Housing choices: rent vs buy timeline

If you need the fastest move, renting usually wins. You can often secure a lease and move within days to a few weeks. Buying commonly takes 30 to 60 days from contract to close, and sometimes longer with inspections, mortgage processing, or appraisals. If your timeline is tight, consider a short-term rental or month-to-month lease while you shop and close on the right home.

Because smaller markets can have limited rental options, add nearby Conway or Cabot to your search if you need more choices. Weigh commute times, school logistics, and your temporary housing budget as you decide.

Schools and childcare

Most families in 72173 enroll with the Vilonia School District. You’ll need proof of residency, immunization records, and birth certificates. Confirm attendance boundaries, bus routes, and any special program deadlines directly with the district. If you’re moving mid-year, request records from your current school early so there’s no delay in placement.

Commute, safety, and weather planning

Central Arkansas is car-first, so plan around your peak drive times and test them once you arrive. For safety, review severe weather procedures and identify storm-shelter options. If buying, check floodplain status and drainage, and consider a home-safety review that includes smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Local verification checklist

Use this list to confirm the essentials for your household and address:

• City of Vilonia: water, sewer, trash service, and local ordinances.
• Vilonia School District: enrollment windows, bus routes, and boundary maps.
• Electricity: Entergy Arkansas start/stop service steps and deposits.
• Gas or propane: pipeline availability and tank delivery options.
• Internet/phone: coverage checks for AT&T, Windstream, satellite, or fixed wireless.
• Faulkner County Assessor and Recorder: property taxes and deed records.
• Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Motor Vehicle Division: license and registration requirements and timelines.
• FEMA flood maps and local building department: floodplain and permitting questions.
• Local hospitals and clinics in Conway and Little Rock: nearest ER, urgent care, and specialty care.
• Moving companies and storage providers: licensing, insurance, and availability.

Printable 90-day checklist

Copy or print this and keep it in your moving binder.

Days 1–7

• Set budget and timeline.
• Get pre-approval (buyers) or start lease search (renters).
• Book temporary housing if needed.
• Start school and medical records requests.
• Call the school district and City of Vilonia for enrollment and utilities info.

Days 8–14

• Gather three moving quotes and book.
• Reserve truck or portable storage if DIY.
• Check internet options by address.
• Buyers: tour homes, schedule inspections.
• Renters: sign lease and confirm utilities.

Days 15–21

• Confirm mover arrival times in writing.
• Begin packing non-essentials and organize school items.
• Request electric, gas or propane, water/sewer, trash, and internet start dates.
• File USPS change of address and notify banks and insurers.

Days 22–28

• Close on your home or complete move-in paperwork.
• Transfer all utilities to your name for move-in day.
• Set up healthcare providers and pharmacy.
• Update auto insurance address.

Days 29–42

• Complete school enrollment and set up transportation.
• Register utility billing and pay deposits.
• Update driver’s license and vehicle registration.
• Buyers: verify agreed repairs. Renters: test safety features and save maintenance contacts.

Days 43–63

• Enable utility autopay and optimize settings.
• Explore parks, library, and youth activities.
• Test commute during peak times.
• Confirm first mortgage payment and escrow (if applicable).
• Review storm plan and safety equipment.

Days 64–90

• Set up lawn care and seasonal maintenance.
• Meet school staff and confirm calendars.
• Wrap up any post-sale or forwarding tasks.
• Recheck your budget and adjust for fuel and commuting costs.

Ready to map this out for your family and timeline? Reach out for local guidance tailored to your address, commute, and budget. Schedule a friendly planning call with Danielle Newton Hunt to get a custom Vilonia relocation strategy.

FAQs

What should I know before moving to Vilonia, AR 72173?

• Vilonia offers small-town living with practical access to Conway and the Little Rock area. Most people commute by car, rentals can be limited, and you’ll enroll children with the Vilonia School District.

How far in advance should I set up utilities for a Vilonia move?

• Request electricity and internet 7–14 business days before move-in. Contact the City of Vilonia for water/sewer steps and confirm gas or propane service availability by address.

Is renting or buying faster when relocating to Vilonia?

• Renting is typically fastest, often days to a few weeks. Buying usually takes 30–60 days from contract to closing and can take longer with inspections and appraisals.

How do I handle school enrollment when arriving mid-year in Vilonia?

• Request records from your current school early. Contact the Vilonia School District to confirm documents, attendance boundaries, and bus routes so your child starts smoothly.

What internet options are available in the Vilonia 72173 area?

• Availability varies by exact address. Many homes check AT&T, Windstream, satellite, and fixed wireless options, with scheduling required for installs.

What are the key safety and weather considerations for Vilonia homeowners?

• Plan for severe weather with a clear storm-shelter strategy, verify floodplain status when buying, and confirm smoke and carbon monoxide detectors during move-in.