Welcome to Chattanooga! While the moving process is no easy feat, the hard part is over. Now, it’s time to make yourself at home. If you’ve just moved to Chattanooga, this checklist breaks down your first month into manageable weekly steps, mixing essential to-dos with fun ways to explore and things to do in the area. Whether you’re new to Chattanooga for work, school, or a fresh start, this guide will help you settle down in the Scenic City.
Week 1: Take Care of the Essentials
After just moving to Chattanooga, Week 1 is focused on securing the necessities and turning your new place into a functional home base. Start by setting up your essentials: utilities including electricity, water and sewage, and internet. EPB handles power and offers some of the fastest residential internet in the country (there’s a reason we’re called Gig City!), so getting that appointment on the calendar early is a smart move. If your home uses natural gas, make sure the setup for that service is scheduled, too. Lastly, familiarize yourself with your area’s waste and recycling services.
After you’ve handled the utilities, submit a change of address through one of Chattanooga’s USPS locations and update your information with your bank, employer, insurance providers, and any delivery services. At this point, you’ll also want to locate practical places you’ll rely on regularly – your closest grocery store, pharmacy, and an urgent care clinic. Knowing where to go before you actually need something can make those first few weeks feel much less stressful.
Once the basics are covered, it’s time for some fun. Take some time to explore your immediate surroundings. Drive your most common routes – to downtown, Hamilton Place, or Hixson, depending on where you live – so you get a feel for traffic patterns and back roads. Stop by a neighborhood coffee shop like Be Caffeinated, Mad Priest, or Mean Mug and take a short walk afterward at a nearby park. It’s a simple way to start connecting daily routines with the city around you.
Week 2: Make It Official
In Week 2, it’s time to handle the legal and administrative tasks that accompany moving to a new city. For your driver’s license and vehicle registration, head to the Hamilton County Clerk’s Office to update your information. While you’re at it, update your voter registration so you’re ready to participate in local and state elections…