A hand marks off items on a checklist.

Utilities & New Resident Guide

Everything You Need to Set Up Your New Life in the CSRA

Congratulations on your move!

Whether you've relocated for work, military service, retirement, or a fresh start, there are several important tasks to complete after arriving. This guide will help you connect utilities, update important records, and quickly settle into your new community.

Quick Facts

✔ Some services vary by city or county.

✔ Explore your community early to feel at home faster.

✔ Schedule utilities before closing or move-in day.

✔ Georgia requires new residents to update their driver's license within the required timeframe.

In This Guide

  • This guide is designed for:

    • New homeowners

    • Families relocating to the CSRA

    • Military families

    • Out-of-state buyers

    • Anyone moving to Augusta, Evans, Grovetown, Martinez, North Augusta, or Aiken

Who This Guide Is For

  • Setting Up Utilities

  • Driver's License & Vehicle Registration

  • Important Address Changes

  • Schools & Medical Care

  • Trash & Recycling

  • Internet Providers

  • Emergency Services

  • Getting to Know Your Community

1. Setting Up Utilities

One of the first priorities after closing is making sure your utilities are ready before moving day.

Depending on where you live, your electric, water, sewer, trash, and natural gas providers may vary by city or county.

Before Move-In

✔ Confirm your electric service.

✔ Schedule water and sewer activation.

✔ Arrange natural gas service if applicable.

✔ Schedule internet installation.

✔ Confirm trash collection service.

man in black polo shirt sitting beside woman in purple shirt
man in black polo shirt sitting beside woman in purple shirt

2. Driver's License & Vehicle Registration

If you're moving from another state, you'll need to update your driver's license and vehicle registration according to your state's requirements.

Keep these documents available:

  • Driver's license

  • Vehicle title or registration

  • Proof of insurance

  • Proof of residency

Check with your local Department of Driver Services (Georgia) or Department of Motor Vehicles (South Carolina) for current requirements.

Collection of diverse state license plates
Collection of diverse state license plates

3. Change Your Address

Update your mailing address with:

  • USPS

  • Banks

  • Credit cards

  • Insurance companies

  • Employer

  • Retirement accounts

  • Amazon and online shopping accounts

  • Medical providers

opened envelopes
opened envelopes

4. Schools & Medical Care

Once you're settled, it's a good idea to locate:

  • Primary care physician

  • Pediatrician

  • Dentist

  • Veterinarian

  • Urgent care

  • Hospital

  • Pharmacy

If you have children, contact your local school district to complete enrollment and learn about transportation options.

doctor holding red stethoscope
doctor holding red stethoscope

6. Trash & Recycling

Collection schedules vary depending on your city or county.

Take a few minutes to learn:

  • Pickup day

  • Recycling schedule

  • Yard waste collection

  • Bulk item pickup

Knowing the schedule helps avoid missed collections during your first few weeks.

white recreatioal vehicle
white recreatioal vehicle

7. Internet & TV Providers

Before move-in, compare available providers at your new address.

Questions to ask:

  • Fiber or cable availability

  • Installation dates

  • Equipment fees

  • Contract requirements

  • Mobile bundle discounts

Scheduling installation early helps ensure you're connected shortly after moving in.

Woman working at desk with coffee
Woman working at desk with coffee

8. Emergency Services

Keep these numbers and locations handy:

  • Nearest hospital

  • Urgent care

  • Fire department

  • Police department

  • Pharmacy

  • Poison Control

  • Veterinarian (if applicable)

Save them in your phone before you need them.

a red and white sign that says ambulance
a red and white sign that says ambulance

9. Getting to Know Your Community

The fastest way to feel at home is to explore.

Spend your first few weekends discovering what makes the CSRA unique.

Visit:

  • Local parks

  • Walking trails

  • Downtown Augusta

  • North Augusta

  • Farmers markets

  • Coffee shops

  • Local restaurants

  • Community events

You'll quickly discover why so many people choose to call the CSRA home.

The Arich Team Tip

Don't try to do everything during your first week.

Focus on getting your home comfortable first, then take time to explore your new community one neighborhood at a time. Moving is a process, and feeling at home happens gradually.

Common Mistake

Waiting until after moving day to schedule utilities or internet service.

During busy seasons, installation appointments can fill quickly. Scheduling these services before closing or move-in helps avoid unnecessary delays.

Couple holding moving boxes and plant
Couple holding moving boxes and plant

Frequently asked questions

When should I schedule utilities?

As soon as you have a confirmed closing or move-in date.

How soon should I update my address?

Immediately after moving to avoid missing important mail.

Should I schedule internet before moving?

Yes. Many providers require appointments that can book several days in advance.

What's the best way to get familiar with the area?

Start with the neighborhoods closest to your home, then explore parks, restaurants, local businesses, and community events throughout the CSRA.

Related Guides

Things to Do Around Fort Gordon
Moving to Augusta: The Complete Guide
Moving Checklist
Cost of Living in Augusta

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Download our printable Utilities & New Resident Checklist to keep track of utility transfers, address updates, and the essential tasks that help you settle into your new home.

Ready to Start Your New Chapter?

Moving is more than unpacking boxes—it's about building a life in a new community. Whether you've already purchased a home or are still deciding where to live, The Arich Team is here to help you navigate every step of your transition to the CSRA.

📞 Ari Saladin: 808-594-7918

📞 Richard de los Santos: 386-333-4795

📧 Ari@Arich.us

📧 Richard@Arich.us

🌐 www.Arich.us

Serving Georgia & South Carolina | English • Español • Português

Ari Saladin and Richard de los Santos welcoming clients to The Arich Team.
Ari Saladin and Richard de los Santos welcoming clients to The Arich Team.

About the Authors

The Arich Team is a veteran-led, trilingual real estate team serving families throughout Augusta, Evans, Martinez, Grovetown, North Augusta, Aiken, and the surrounding CSRA. Having helped hundreds of buyers and relocation clients, Ari Saladin and Richard de los Santos know that the closing table is just the beginning. Their goal is to provide practical resources that make every move to the CSRA as smooth and stress-free as possible.