Newcomers Guide to Raleigh

For most people, getting settled into a new home and discovering a new city all happens by trial and error. After all, how else are you supposed to figure out what to do and where to go?

Luckily, your Raleigh moving company has over 20 years' experience relocating families, and as a result we have picked up some tips on how to get settled quickly into your new home; simply check out this Newcomers Guide to Raleigh so you can become a part of the Raleigh community that much quicker.

Register your vehicle. Within 30 days of your Raleigh movers getting you settled into your new home, you must get a driver's license, title, and registration. New residents are exempt from an initial vehicle inspection, but will be required to have your vehicle inspected when your renewal date arrives. In order to register your vehicle for the first time, visit your local DMV office and present the following: your new North Carolina driver's license, acceptable proof of insurance, a notarized vehicle title, a completed title application (Form MVR-1) and Declaration of Eligible Risk, and the $36 plate fee.

Start your utility service. In order to open a utility services account, you must complete a new account application from the city of Raleigh anytime on a weekday during normal business hours. You will most likely want to do this before your Raleigh moving company gets to your new home, so that way all services will be set up by the time you get there. Before your service is connected, make sure all faucets are turned off and sink/tub stoppers are open to prevent accidental flooding.

Get a library card. One of the bonuses of moving to Raleigh is that all Wake County residents are issued cards free of charge. While your Raleigh movers are finishing unloading all of your moving boxes, you and your family can head over to any one of the Wake County Libraries in order to get your library card. You can apply for a library card by presenting any one of the following: a photo ID with current Wake County address, a photo ID and an item that verifies the current Wake County address (such as a bill, lease, or checkbook), or a parent/guardian photo ID with verification of the current Wake County address.

Register to vote. Make sure you are eligible to vote by Election Day by registering to vote in Raleigh. In order to register to vote in North Carolina, you must be a citizen of the United States, a North Carolina resident, and at least 18 years old by the date of the next general election. You won't even have to take any time out from helping your Raleigh moving company unpack all of your belongings because you can register to vote right from your new home; simply send your registration in by mail, by email, or by fax.