Getting the keys is only one part of moving. New residents also have to transfer utilities, update IDs and registrations, enroll children in school, arrange waste collection, and learn where essential community resources are.

In this article, we are going to understand the checklist that residents can work through during their first few days/weeks.

1. Set Up Your Utilities Before Moving Day

This comes first because it addresses one of the most immediate relocation needs.

City of Woodbury provides water and sanitary sewer services to most residents. New residents who need to establish or change utility service should contact the city's Finance Division/Utility Billing. Woodbury's city utility bill covers water usage, sanitary sewer, stormwater management, street lighting, and the state water-testing charge.

Woodbury does not assign residents a single waste company. It operates an open-hauling system, meaning residents choose from city-licensed trash haulers, which also provide curbside recycling.

Cottage Grove residents receive monthly city utility bills covering water, sewer, stormwater and street lights. New residents can submit move-in/service requests through the city's utility system.

For private services such as electricity, gas, telephone and internet, residents should confirm which providers serve their specific property.

2. Update Your Driver’s License, Vehicle Registration, and Address

Washington County states that residents who move need to update the address on their driver's license or state ID within 30 days.

For someone becoming a Minnesota resident with an out-of-state license:

●     They need a Minnesota driver's license.

●     A new resident with a valid license from another state or U.S. territory must pass the Minnesota knowledge test before visiting a license center.

●     Out-of-state vehicle registration generally must be transferred to Minnesota within 60 days of becoming a resident.

●     Washington County has a full-service Central Service and License Center in Woodbury at 1261 Woodlane Drive.

Also update your:

●     USPS mailing address

●     banks and insurers

●     employer/payroll records

●     subscriptions and deliveries

●     voter registration

Washington County specifically notes that people who move should update their voter registration.

3. Enroll Your Children in their New School

South Washington County Schools (SoWashCo Schools), District 833, serves many families in Woodbury and Cottage Grove.

Parents must first check their home address against current attendance boundaries, as their location determines which school their child will attend.

SoWashCo provides an enrollment system for new families along with information on school boundaries. Its family tools also provide access to:

●     Student enrollment

●     Bus information

●     Meal information

●     Campus Parent Portal

●     School fees

●     Student records/resources.

Families living within the district can apply to send their child to a school other than their assigned school, depending on available capacity and district rules.

4. Learn Your Trash, Recycling, and Household Disposal Options

In Woodbury, residents choose their own city-licensed waste and recycling hauler. The city generally provides existing homes with a recycling bin, and the bin remains with the property when ownership changes.

Cottage Grove also uses licensed residential trash haulers that provide recycling pickup. The city additionally offers options for food-scrap recycling, yard-waste composting and seasonal cleanup.

Washington County's Environmental Center is located in Woodbury and can be relevant for disposing of household hazardous materials.

5. Find Your Parks, Libraries, and Community Resources

Woodbury has an extensive recreation system with 63 parks, 180 miles of trails and more than 3,600 acres of city-owned land, alongside athletic fields, play structures and recreation facilities. You have a long list of options to choose the best and right one for you and the family.

The city also offers recreation programs, classes, activities and events for children, teens, adults and seniors.

Cottage Grove reports 38 neighborhood parks, nearly 100 miles of trails and sidewalks, sports facilities, outdoor skating rinks and other recreational spaces. Ravine Regional Park is also within the city's park landscape and is maintained by Washington County.

Washington County Library operates seven public libraries and additional Library Locker locations, with services such as meeting rooms, wireless printing and reading resources.

6. Get Connected With Your New Community

Woodbury encourages residents to subscribe to its InTouch email notification system for city news and updates. New residents can also pick up a new-resident information packet from Woodbury City Hall.

The city's new-resident resources cover local events, parks and recreation, public safety, community involvement, permits, utilities and other services. Cottage Grove also publishes its Cottage Grove Reports newsletter for community updates.

Your First-Week Woodbury or Cottage Grove Checklist

Here’s a scannable recap of everything important.

●     Activate water, sewer, electricity, and gas

●     Arrange internet service

●     Select a licensed trash/recycling provider

●     Submit your USPS address change

●     Update your driver's license/state ID

●     Transfer vehicle registration if moving from another state

●     Update voter registration

●     Confirm your child's assigned school and complete enrollment

●     Find your nearest library, park, and recreation facility

●     Subscribe to city alerts/newsletters

●     Locate nearby grocery stores, pharmacies, healthcare and emergency services

Here’s another way, a simpler one - connect with Premium Moving Services who can get everything sorted for you, from downsizing to moving to the new neighbourhood.

Read More: Essential Packing Supplies for Moving Apartments