Your Greenville, SC Move-In Checklist

From two weeks before your move to two weeks after — every task, organized by when it needs to happen. Check off items as you go; progress is saved in your browser.

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2 Weeks Before Move-In

Focus on scheduling and logistics — especially internet, which takes the longest to set up.

  • Schedule internet installation — AT&T Fiber, Spectrum, or check your address. Lead times can be 5–14 days. See providers → Urgent
  • Sign up for electric service — Start Duke Energy service online at duke-energy.com. Set start date 1–2 days before move-in. Utilities
  • Set up natural gas (if your home uses gas) — Contact Piedmont Natural Gas at piedmontng.com or 1-800-752-7504. Utilities
  • Start water & sewer — Call Greenville Water at (864) 241-6000. Allow 1–2 business days lead time. Utilities
  • Confirm moving truck or company — Double-check your reservation, insurance coverage, and reservation fees. Logistics
  • Submit USPS change of address — Do this at usps.com. Takes effect in about 10 days, so don't wait. Admin
  • Update address with your employer — W-2s, direct deposit confirmations, and HR records all need your new address. Admin

1 Week Before Move-In

Notify your key contacts, pack smart, and confirm all utility start dates.

  • Confirm all utility start dates — Call or check online to make sure electric, water, and gas are scheduled correctly. Urgent
  • Update banks and credit card companies — Update your address in each bank's online portal, or call their customer service. Finance
  • Notify insurance providers — Auto, health, renter's/homeowner's insurance. A new address can affect your rates. Finance
  • Update subscriptions & deliveries — Amazon, streaming services, gym memberships, food boxes, medication deliveries. Admin
  • Pack an "open first" essentials box — Toilet paper, soap, towels, phone charger, snacks, medications, and a change of clothes. Packing
  • Begin school enrollment (if applicable) — Contact Greenville County Schools at greenville.k12.sc.us to start enrollment for K–12. Family

Move-In Day

Check that everything is working before the movers leave.

  • Test all utilities — Check every light switch, run water at each faucet, confirm hot water, and test the thermostat before unpacking. Urgent
  • Confirm all keys and access codes — Front door, mailbox, garage, gate code, and any common areas if you're in a complex. Admin
  • Photograph meter readings — Take photos of your electric and gas meters the moment you arrive. This protects you if there's a billing dispute. Urgent
  • Document existing damage — Photograph every scratch, stain, or damage in every room. Email these to your landlord or keep them timestamped. Rentals
  • Test smoke & CO detectors — Press the test button on every unit. Replace batteries if needed. Know where the breaker box is located. Safety
  • Set up internet router — If installed, connect and test. If you're waiting on a tech visit, confirm the appointment time. Utilities
  • Find your trash pickup day — Ask a neighbor, check with the city/county, or use the online lookup tool. Know where bins should be placed. Utilities

First 2 Weeks After Move-In

Get settled officially — update your legal address and explore your new community.

  • Update your SC driver's license — SC requires you to update your address at the SCDMV within 30 days of moving. Visit scdmvonline.com or a local DMV office. Legal
  • Update voter registration — Register or update at scvotes.gov. Deadline is 30 days before an election. It only takes 5 minutes online. Civic
  • Re-register your vehicle in SC — New SC residents must register their vehicle within 45 days. Visit scdmvonline.com to start the process. Legal
  • Find a local doctor and dentist — Use your insurance's provider directory or ask neighbors for recommendations in the Greenville area. Health
  • Register pets (if applicable) — Greenville County requires rabies vaccination and recommends pet registration at the Greenville County Animal Care. Pets
  • Register for trash & recycling — If you haven't already, contact the City or County to get your bins and confirm pickup schedule. Utilities
  • Explore your neighborhood — Find your nearest grocery store, pharmacy, urgent care, and hardware store. Greenville's Swamp Rabbit Trail is a great way to get oriented! Lifestyle
Lessons learned

Common Move-In Mistakes to Avoid

These are the issues we see most often — and all of them are easily preventable.

Waiting too long to schedule internet. Internet installation appointments — especially for fiber — can book out 1–2 weeks. If you don't schedule on day one, you could spend your first week without Wi-Fi. Book it the same day you sign your lease.

Not knowing city vs. county water rules. New residents frequently call the wrong agency for water service. If your address is outside Greenville city limits, Greenville Water may not be your provider. Confirm before you call.

Not photographing meters on arrival. Skipping this step has cost renters and homeowners hundreds of dollars in billing disputes. Take dated photos of electric and gas meters before you unpack a single box.

Setting utility start dates for move-in day itself. If there's any delay or the connection doesn't happen until late in the day, you may arrive to a dark, cold (or blazing hot) home. Set your start date for 1 day before move-in — it costs nothing extra.

Forgetting to forward mail early enough. USPS mail forwarding takes up to 10 days to kick in. Submit your change of address at least 2 weeks before you move, not the day before.

Letting the SC vehicle registration deadline slip. South Carolina requires new residents to register their vehicle within 45 days. Missing this can result in fines. Put a calendar reminder on day one.

Not budgeting for utility deposits. If you're new to an area or have limited credit history, Duke Energy, Greenville Water, and Piedmont Natural Gas may each require a deposit. Budget $100–$300 per utility for potential deposits.

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The Utilities Guide covers every provider, phone number, and step — so you know exactly who to call and what to say.

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