Moving to The Village of Providence on a tight timeline? You can feel settled in 30 days with a clear plan and the right local steps. Whether you are relocating for work near Redstone Arsenal or choosing a walkable, mixed-use neighborhood inside Madison city limits, a focused checklist removes stress. In this guide, you will get a week-by-week plan that covers utilities, schools, licenses, HOA, routines, and community connections. Let’s dive in.
How this 30-day plan works
This plan starts before moving day and guides you through your first month. You will handle utilities and records first, then tackle school and healthcare, followed by commuting and home services. In the final week, you will complete taxes and HOA items and connect with the community. Keep your documents in one folder so you can move quickly.
Pre-move checklist
Confirm closing and HOA details
- Get HOA contacts, covenants, rules, and amenity access instructions from your closing packet.
- Ask about move-in policies, parking, staging areas, and debris disposal.
- Clarify architectural review procedures for any exterior changes.
Set up utilities and internet
- Order activation for water and sewer, electric, gas if applicable, trash and recycling, and internet for your move-in date.
- Provider coverage can vary by street. Confirm with the City of Madison for water and sewer, and check electric, gas, and internet availability by your exact address.
Arrange mail and moving logistics
- Set up USPS mail forwarding and update your address with banks, insurers, subscriptions, and your employer.
- Book your moving company or rental truck. If your home type or street needs it, request any HOA move-day permits.
Gather essential records
- Proof of residency: closing or lease and a utility bill when available.
- School: immunization records, birth certificates, and past school records.
- Government: driver’s license or passport, Social Security numbers.
- Vehicles: titles, current registration, and insurance.
- Pets: vaccination and microchip records.
- Insurance: homeowner’s policy details.
Week 1 essentials: days 0 to 7
First 72 hours: safety and setup
- Move in and inspect the property. Note any issues and submit a punch list as needed.
- Confirm that electric, water, gas, and internet are live. Call providers and your HOA if something is not working.
- Change your address with USPS if you did not pre-set it, and update banks, employer, and insurers.
- Secure the home: find the main water shutoff, circuit breakers, garage opener, and HVAC filters. Post emergency numbers in a visible spot.
- Register with your HOA or management to receive access cards, pool badges, rules, and trash schedules.
Days 4 to 7: early routines
- Unpack priority areas first: kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, meds, and chargers.
- Assemble safety basics: smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguisher, first aid kit.
- Walk or drive the neighborhood to map parks, trails, and retail areas. Note closest pharmacies and grocery stores.
- Confirm trash, recycling, and yard waste pickup rules and days for your address.
Week 2 registrations: days 8 to 14
School enrollment and childcare
- If you have not enrolled yet, contact Madison City Schools. Bring proof of residency, immunization records, birth certificate, and prior school records.
- Verify your address-based school assignment with the district. Ask about transportation and special programs that fit your student’s interests.
- Start childcare or daycare tours early. High-demand centers may have waitlists.
Healthcare setup
- Choose a primary care physician, pediatrician, dentist, and nearby urgent care or ER. The Huntsville Hospital system and other local clinics serve the area. Confirm in-network providers with your insurance plan.
- Request medical records transfers and move prescriptions to a local pharmacy.
Driver’s license, vehicle registration, and voting
- Update your Alabama driver’s license address and transfer vehicle registration through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Bring proof of residency and your vehicle title if needed. Timelines can change, so check current requirements and update promptly.
- Register to vote or update your registration through local county offices.
Neighborhood connections and services
- Introduce yourself to immediate neighbors and your HOA board or representative.
- Verify trash, recycling, and bulk pickup rules with the City of Madison or the designated hauler for your street.
Week 3 routines: days 15 to 21
Home services and maintenance
- Line up recurring services such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC tune-up. Schedule chimney or duct cleaning if your home needs it.
- Locate a trusted mechanic, car wash, and gas stations you prefer.
Daily life and activities
- Explore close-by grocery stores, pharmacies, banks or credit unions, fitness options, and places of worship.
- Visit parks, lakes, and walking trails in and around the community to learn the best spots for exercise and fresh air.
Test commute routes
- Drive your typical commute during rush hours to key hubs like Redstone Arsenal, Cummings Research Park, and downtown Huntsville.
- If you need base access for Redstone Arsenal, review security badge steps with your employer.
- Public transit exists but is more limited than in larger metros. Most residents drive, so plan your routes and timing.
Week 4 finalize and integrate: days 22 to 30
HOA and exterior plans
- Complete any outstanding HOA registrations or forms.
- Submit architectural requests before making exterior changes such as fencing, landscaping, or paint.
Taxes and insurance
- Contact the Madison County Revenue Commission about homestead exemption eligibility and application steps.
- Review your homeowner’s insurance to verify address, coverage amounts, and whether you want flood coverage based on risk tolerance.
Paperwork and accounts
- Update your employer and payroll with your new address.
- Review banking needs and open or update local accounts if helpful.
- Document all account numbers for utilities, internet, and HOA, and store them with your closing documents.
Join the community
- Attend a community event or HOA meeting to meet neighbors and learn about upcoming projects.
- Join neighborhood groups that share event updates and safety alerts.
Quick documents checklist
- Proof of residency: closing disclosure or lease and a utility bill when available
- Government ID: driver’s license or passport and Social Security cards
- Vehicle: title, current registration, and insurance
- School: immunization records, birth certificate, previous school records
- Medical: doctor summaries, vaccination records, insurance cards
- Pets: vaccination and microchip documents
- Insurance: homeowner’s declarations, lender contact if applicable
- HOA: CC&Rs, bylaws, architectural guidelines, amenity rules, and management contacts
Local tips for The Village of Providence
- The Village of Providence is a master-planned, mixed-use neighborhood within Madison city limits near Huntsville. Expect an HOA, community rules, and shared amenities.
- City of Madison provides municipal services. For county-level items such as property taxes and exemptions, contact Madison County.
- Internet options commonly include AT&T and Spectrum in the wider area. Availability depends on the exact address.
- Huntsville International Airport is the nearest major airport and useful for regional and national travel.
- Major local employment centers include Redstone Arsenal and Cummings Research Park. Commute patterns vary by time of day, so test your routes.
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Not confirming utility providers for your exact address before move-in
- Waiting to request school records or childcare tours until after arrival
- Forgetting to update your driver’s license and vehicle registration promptly
- Starting exterior projects before HOA approvals
- Skipping a rush-hour commute test and underestimating travel time
Ready to move with a concierge plan?
You deserve a smooth relocation and a neighborly welcome. If you want help coordinating the steps in this 30-day plan, local introductions, or a customized home search, reach out to Amanda Wasenius. I bring concierge-level service, local expertise, and clear communication to every move. Start the conversation with Amanda Wasenius.
FAQs
What utilities serve homes in The Village of Providence?
- Water and sewer are through the City of Madison. Electric, gas, and internet can vary by street. Confirm each provider for your exact address before closing.
How do I enroll in Madison City Schools after moving?
- Bring proof of residency, immunization records, birth certificate, and previous school records. Verify your school assignment with the district based on your address.
When should I update my Alabama driver’s license and vehicle registration?
- Update promptly after establishing residency. Check the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency for current timelines and bring proof of residency and vehicle documents.
How do HOA rules and amenities work in The Village of Providence?
- Register with the HOA or management to receive access cards, amenity rules, and architectural guidelines. Rules can vary by phase, so follow your closing packet.
What are the main commute routes from Providence to key employers?
- Common routes include I-565 and US-72. Test drives during peak hours help you find the best timing to Redstone Arsenal, Cummings Research Park, and downtown Huntsville.
Does Madison handle trash and recycling pickup for the neighborhood?
- Basic trash and recycling are typically municipal. Confirm your pickup schedule, bulk item rules, and yard waste guidelines for your specific address.
How do I apply for a homestead exemption in Madison County?
- Contact the Madison County Revenue Commission to confirm eligibility, forms, and deadlines. Apply after you occupy the home as your primary residence.
