The Only Maine Moving Checklist You Actually Need
Moving to a new state is a logistics problem. Maine has its own quirks — rural addressing, two different electric companies depending on where you live, vehicle inspection requirements, homestead exemptions — and nobody tells you about any of it until you're already frustrated. Here's the real checklist, grouped by timeline.
30 Days Before the Move
- Confirm your new address and check utility territories. Maine has two major electric utilities: Central Maine Power (CMP) covers most of southern, central, and midcoast Maine, and Versant Power covers most of eastern and northern Maine. Your address determines which one you get — there is no choice.
- Schedule movers or reserve a truck. Summer is peak moving season — book early.
- Start forwarding mail through USPS. You can schedule it to activate on move day.
- Research your new town's school enrollment process. Most Maine districts require proof of residency, birth certificates, and immunization records. Start gathering now.
- Get copies of medical records from your current providers and any specialist records.
- Research healthcare options. Maine's ACA exchange is CoverME.gov if you'll be buying your own insurance. MaineCare is the state's Medicaid program. If you have employer coverage, confirm the new provider network includes Maine facilities.
14 Days Before
- Call CMP or Versant to schedule electric service start. You usually need the new address and a move-in date. A deposit may be required if you're new to Maine.
- Schedule internet install. This is the one most people wait too long on. In fiber towns, GWI, Consolidated, Spectrum, and Fidium are the main players. Install slots book out 1-3 weeks.
- Set up trash and recycling. Some Maine towns handle it through the town, some contract to Casella or Pine Tree Waste, some require you to buy transfer station stickers. Call the town office.
- Call the town office for heating oil delivery or propane setup. Most Maine homes heat with oil, propane, or pellets — not natural gas, which is only available in select areas.
- Notify your current DMV and insurance company of the move.
Moving Day
- Take photos of every utility meter (electric, oil tank level, propane gauge) the day you move in
- Confirm water is working (public or well) — if you're on a well, locate the pump breaker and pressure tank
- Confirm septic system documentation if you're not on town sewer — know where the tank is and when it was last pumped
- Test smoke and CO detectors. Maine requires working detectors in all residences.
Week 1
- Register your vehicle. Maine requires you to register vehicles within 30 days of establishing residency. You register at your new town office first (excise tax), then at the Maine BMV for plates and title. Bring your title, proof of insurance, and prior registration.
- Get a Maine driver's license. Also required within 30 days. Bring proof of identity, residency, and Social Security. Check maine.gov/bmv for the current document list — it updates.
- Get your vehicle inspected. Maine requires an annual vehicle inspection at a licensed inspection station. Any garage with the inspection sticker can do it.
- Visit the town office. Introduce yourself, ask about voter registration, and ask about the homestead exemption — if this is your primary residence, you qualify for a reduction in assessed value on your property taxes.
- Set up a local bank or credit union account if you don't have a national bank. Maine has several strong credit unions.
Weeks 2-4
- Enroll kids in school. Bring proof of residency (lease or deed), birth certificate, immunization records, and prior school records. Maine requires specific immunizations — check the Maine DOE site for current requirements.
- Find a primary care provider. Maine has a primary care shortage in many areas — don't wait until you need care. Call early and expect a wait for new patient appointments.
- Register to vote. Maine allows same-day voter registration, but doing it early means one less thing on election day.
- Update your address with the IRS, Social Security, employer, banks, and subscriptions.
- File for homestead exemption at the town office before April 1 of the year you want it to take effect.
- Meet your neighbors. In Maine, this matters more than in most states. Knock on doors, introduce yourself, and don't be surprised if you end up with a pie.
Stuff That Will Catch You Off Guard
- Many rural Maine addresses don't have cell coverage — check before you commit
- Heating oil runs out faster than you think in January. Set up automatic delivery.
- Winter tires are a good idea if you're coming from anywhere south of New Hampshire
- Many towns only plow main roads — your private road may be your responsibility
- Mud season (late March through April) is real and will destroy dirt roads