The Complete Guide

Moving to Maine:
Your Setup Checklist

Everything you need to set up your new Maine life โ€” in the right order. From heat to healthcare, we've got you covered.

01

๐ŸŒก๏ธ Heat & Energy

โšก Order before October โ€” heating services book up fast

Maine winters are serious. Your first priority is making sure your home has reliable heat and your fuel or firewood is ordered before fall.

HVAC & Heating

Oil furnace service, heat pump installation, propane systems

Firewood & Pellets

Order seasoned cord wood or pellets before September

Oil & Propane Delivery

Set up automatic delivery before the first cold snap

Insulation

Poorly insulated homes cost a fortune to heat in Maine

02

๐Ÿ”ง Essential Services

โšก Set these up in your first week

Get the essential home services lined up so you have someone to call when things go wrong โ€” and they will.

Plumbing

Know a plumber before a pipe bursts in January

Electrical

Licensed electricians for panel upgrades, generators

Well & Septic

If you have a private well or septic โ€” get it inspected

Snow Removal

Book a plow operator before October โ€” they fill up fast

03

๐Ÿ“ก Internet & Communications

Internet options vary dramatically in Maine. Coverage depends heavily on your specific address โ€” especially in rural areas.

Internet & TV

Compare local providers โ€” fiber, cable, fixed wireless

Cell Phone Service

Check coverage maps before you commit to a carrier

04

๐Ÿฅ Healthcare

โšก Maine has provider shortages โ€” get on waitlists early

Maine faces a healthcare provider shortage, especially in rural areas. Getting established with a doctor early is critical.

Primary Care & Medical

Find a PCP and get on their new patient list immediately

Veterinarians

Vets fill up too โ€” establish care before you need it

Childcare & Schools

Waitlists for quality childcare can be months long

05

๐Ÿ  Home & Property

Get your home and property set up properly for Maine living.

Roofing

Snow loads and ice dams โ€” get your roof inspected

Windows & Doors

Drafty windows cost you in heating bills every winter

Landscaping

Spring cleanup, lawn care, tree removal

Pest Control

Carpenter ants, mice, and wasps are common in Maine

Chimney & Fireplace

Required annual inspection if you burn wood

06

๐Ÿ›’ Daily Life

Find your go-to spots for food, coffee, and everyday needs.

Grocery & Food

Local co-ops, supermarkets, farm stands

Restaurants

Find your new favorite local spots

Coffee Shops

Every Maine town has a great local coffee shop

Auto Repair

Find a trusted mechanic before you need one

07

๐ŸŒฒ Explore Maine

Now that you're settled โ€” get out and explore your new state.

Tours & Attractions

Acadia, Katahdin, lakes, and coastline

Campgrounds

Maine has over 2,000 lakes worth camping near

Marine & Boating

Life on the water is a Maine tradition

Fishing & Hunting

World-class fishing and hunting with local guides

Government & Admin

The boring-but-necessary stuff you need to do when you move to Maine.

๐Ÿชช Get Maine Driver's License ๐Ÿ—ณ๏ธ Register to Vote ๐Ÿฅ MaineCare (Medicaid) โšก Efficiency Maine Rebates ๐ŸŒฒ Maine State Parks