Fayetteville Newcomer Checklist
Fayetteville Newcomer Checklist
Moving to a new city involves many tasks. This comprehensive checklist ensures you don't miss important steps when relocating to Fayetteville, NC.
Before You Move (2-4 Weeks)
Housing
- [ ] Secure housing (rental or purchase)
- [ ] Schedule move-in date
- [ ] Arrange moving services or truck rental
- [ ] Transfer or cancel current utilities
- [ ] Update mailing address with USPS
Documents & Records
- [ ] Gather important documents (birth certificates, medical records, etc.)
- [ ] Request school records if you have children
- [ ] Obtain vehicle title and registration
- [ ] Notify current employers if relocating
- [ ] Update insurance policies (auto, home, health)
Financial
- [ ] Research local banks or credit unions
- [ ] Notify current bank of address change
- [ ] Research NC state income tax requirements
- [ ] Budget for moving expenses
Move-In Week
Utilities Setup
- [ ] Electric: Duke Energy (910-452-2222)
- [ ] Water: PWC (910-483-1382)
- [ ] Gas: Piedmont Natural Gas (800-752-7504)
- [ ] Internet: Schedule installation
- [ ] Verify trash pickup schedule
Home Essentials
- [ ] Change locks or get keys
- [ ] Test all appliances
- [ ] Locate water shut-off valve
- [ ] Locate electrical panel
- [ ] Test smoke/carbon monoxide detectors
- [ ] Note any maintenance issues
First Week in Fayetteville
Transportation
- [ ] NC driver's license (within 60 days)
- [ ] Vehicle registration (within 60 days)
- [ ] Vehicle inspection (within 30 days of registration)
- [ ] Update vehicle insurance to NC
- [ ] Explore area and plan regular routes
Services & Accounts
- [ ] Register to vote (if applicable)
- [ ] Find primary care physician
- [ ] Find dentist
- [ ] Transfer prescriptions to local pharmacy
- [ ] Locate nearest urgent care/hospital
Schools & Childcare
- [ ] Register children for school
- [ ] Arrange transportation (bus or carpool)
- [ ] Apply for childcare if needed
- [ ] Meet teachers and staff
First Month
Community Integration
- [ ] Explore downtown Fayetteville
- [ ] Visit local attractions (Airborne Museum, botanical garden)
- [ ] Find grocery stores and shopping
- [ ] Locate post office and mail services
- [ ] Join community groups or churches if desired
- [ ] Connect on local Facebook groups
Professional & Financial
- [ ] Update employer with new address
- [ ] File NC state tax forms if working
- [ ] Update professional licenses if required
- [ ] Set up local bank account if desired
Healthcare
- [ ] Complete provider intake appointments
- [ ] Establish care for chronic conditions
- [ ] Locate preferred pharmacies
- [ ] Update health insurance information
Pet Services (if applicable)
- [ ] Register pets with city if required
- [ ] Find veterinarian
- [ ] Update pet microchip information
- [ ] Locate dog parks and pet services
- [ ] Research Cumberland County pet regulations
Military-Specific (If Applicable)
Fort Liberty In-Processing
- [ ] Check in at Reception Company (910-396-4250)
- [ ] Complete unit in-processing
- [ ] Obtain post access (ID card, vehicle pass)
- [ ] Connect with Family Readiness Group
- [ ] Attend Newcomer's Orientation (1st Tuesday monthly)
Benefits & Services
- [ ] Update DEERS enrollment
- [ ] Enroll in TRICARE
- [ ] Register at Womack Army Medical Center
- [ ] Apply for on-post housing (if desired)
- [ ] Register children for DoDEA schools (if living on-post)
- [ ] Set up MilitaryChildCare.com account
Important Contacts Checklist
Create a quick reference list of essential contacts:
| Service | Provider | Phone | Account # | |---------|----------|-------|-----------| | Electric | Duke Energy | 910-452-2222 | ______ | | Water | PWC | 910-483-1382 | ______ | | Gas | Piedmont | 800-752-7504 | ______ | | Internet | _____ | _____ | ______ | | Insurance | _____ | _____ | ______ | | Doctor | _____ | _____ | ______ | | Vet | _____ | _____ | ______ |
Downloadable Checklists
Moving Day Essentials Box:
- Toilet paper
- Paper towels
- Hand soap
- Trash bags
- Basic tools
- Phone chargers
- Important documents
- Medications
- Pet supplies
- Snacks and drinks
- First aid kit
First Month Supplies:
- Cleaning supplies
- Basic pantry items
- Light bulbs
- Batteries
- Extension cords
- Basic hardware (screws, nails, etc.)
Resources
City Services:
- Fayetteville Government: fayettevillenc.gov
- PWC: faypwc.com
- Cumberland County: cumberlandcountync.gov
Utilities:
- Duke Energy: duke-energy.com
- Piedmont Gas: piedmontng.com
DMV:
- NC DMV: ncdot.gov/dmv
- Schedule appointment: ncdot.gov/dmv/appointment-scheduler
Moving Guides:
- Our Fayetteville Moving Guide: /guides/moving-to-fayetteville
- Utilities Setup Guide: /guides/utilities-setup-guide
- DMV Guide: /guides/dmv-registration
Helpful Tips
- Make appointments for DMV - walk-in waits can be hours
- Set up utilities 2-3 days early for guaranteed service
- Join local Facebook groups for real-time community info
- Attend community events to meet neighbors
- Keep this checklist handy and check off items as you complete them
Moving to Fayetteville is manageable with proper planning. Use this checklist to ensure a smooth transition!
Related Guides
Moving to Fayetteville NC: Complete Guide
Complete guide to moving to Fayetteville, NC covering cost of living, neighborhoods, schools, utilities setup, and everything newcomers need for a successful relocation.
NC DMV & Vehicle Registration Guide
Complete guide to NC DMV and vehicle registration in Fayetteville including driver's license requirements, vehicle registration process, inspection requirements, and military exemptions.
Utilities Setup Guide for New Residents
Step-by-step guide to setting up utilities in Fayetteville, NC including electric, water, gas, internet, and trash services with provider contacts and setup timelines.
Best Neighborhoods in Fayetteville
Comprehensive guide to the best neighborhoods in Fayetteville NC including Haymount, Jack Britt, Gray's Creek, Hope Mills, and military-friendly communities.
Eastover: Rural Charm on Fayetteville's Edge
Eastover offers rural charm, open space, and easy I 95 access for families and retirees who want farmland and quiet roads within a short drive of Fayetteville and Fort Liberty.