Just landed in Traverse City or Leelanau and not sure what to tackle first? Those first few weeks can feel busy, especially with utilities, snow prep, and finding your new go-to spots. You want a smooth start that covers essentials without missing local details. This guide gives you a clear, practical plan for your first 30 days so you can settle in with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Your first 30 days at a glance
Week 1: Arrival and essentials
- Confirm closing or lease paperwork and set your local mailing address. Submit USPS forwarding.
- Set up electricity, gas if applicable, water or well service, sewer or septic maintenance, and trash or recycling.
- Activate internet and phone service. Test speeds inside your home.
- Locate your nearest grocery, pharmacy, urgent care, and the regional hospital.
- If you plan a long-term stay, update your driver’s license and voter registration.
Week 2: Settle basics and services
- Enroll kids in school or research childcare. Gather immunization and prior school records.
- Register vehicles if required. Review local parking rules and permits.
- Secure a driveway plow or snow removal plan. Check HOA requirements if applicable.
- Meet neighbors. Join local Facebook groups, Nextdoor, or parent groups for tips.
Weeks 3–4: Health, work, and seasonal prep
- Choose a primary care provider and dentist. Transfer medical records and prescriptions.
- Fine-tune your home office and confirm VPN or remote-work tools work reliably.
- Winterize your home and vehicle if moving before or during winter. Consider winter tires.
- Book a neighborhood orientation call or hire a relocation concierge if you want tailored help.
Utilities and internet basics
Electricity and natural gas
Traverse City city addresses are commonly served by the municipal utility, Traverse City Light & Power. Many surrounding areas in Grand Traverse and Leelanau counties use regional providers such as Consumers Energy for electric and natural gas. Confirm your exact provider with your seller, landlord, or municipal office.
Action steps:
- Contact the correct utility during Week 1 to activate service and schedule a meter read.
- Ask about outage alerts, billing options, and any time-of-use plans.
- If you want budgeting stability, set up autopay once your first bill posts.
Water, sewer, trash, and recycling
City homes are often on municipal water and sewer. Rural properties in Leelanau and outlying townships may use wells and septic. Trash and recycling vary by municipality or private hauler.
Action steps:
- Check your city or township public works page for collection schedules and recycling rules.
- If you have a well and septic, set up routine maintenance. Ask about pump frequency and inspections.
- Note bulk pickup policies and prohibited items to avoid fines.
Internet and cell service
Internet availability changes by neighborhood. In-town areas often have cable or DSL and some fiber options, while rural addresses may rely on fixed wireless or satellite.
Action steps:
- Before or right after closing, run availability checks and place install orders. Install windows can run 1 to 2 weeks or more.
- Test actual speeds in your home. If your work depends on stable connections, consider a backup like a hotspot or secondary provider.
- Ask about business packages or static IPs if your employer needs them for VPN access.
Billing and support
Most utilities offer online account creation, outage notifications, and autopay. If you need financial assistance, look into county human services or Michigan energy assistance programs. Keep records of account numbers and local contacts in one place.
Healthcare, schools, and childcare
Healthcare and emergency prep
Munson Healthcare is the regional system, and Munson Medical Center in Traverse City is the primary hospital and referral center. You will find urgent care and primary care practices concentrated in Traverse City and larger towns.
Action steps:
- Within two weeks, choose a primary care provider and dentist. For families, add a pediatrician.
- Transfer prescriptions and medical records. Identify pharmacies that carry any specialty meds.
- Save emergency numbers and the addresses for your nearest ER and urgent care. Practice the route for winter conditions.
Schools and childcare
Traverse City Area Public Schools serves many city addresses. Leelanau County has multiple districts by township, including Suttons Bay and Leland, among others. Enrollment typically requires proof of residency, immunizations, and prior records.
Action steps:
- Contact your district during Week 1 to confirm enrollment steps, transportation, and afterschool options.
- Gather required documents and complete intake forms.
- Begin vetting licensed childcare if needed. Infant spots can involve waitlists, so call early.
Mental health, specialists, and telehealth
Specialty care may require a referral and sometimes travel to larger regional centers. Telehealth is widely used for routine follow-ups. Check your insurance for virtual visit coverage.
Action steps:
- If you or a family member has ongoing specialty care, request referrals and transfer records as soon as possible.
- Ask about local support groups and counseling options.
Snow and seasonal living
Build a snow removal plan
Winter brings lake-effect snow and icy roads. Sidewalk clearing requirements vary by municipality, and HOAs may have specific standards.
Action steps:
- Confirm who clears sidewalks and roads in your area. Check city or township ordinances.
- For private driveways, line up a plow contractor now. Ask neighbors for recommendations and confirm insurance.
- Review HOA rules on parking during snow events. For steep or long driveways, ask about appropriate equipment.
Winterize home and vehicle
Cold snaps and freeze-thaw cycles are part of life here. A well-prepared home and car make a big difference.
Action steps:
- Schedule furnace or boiler service and check insulation and weatherstripping.
- Protect exterior pipes and sprinkler systems. Clear gutters before heavy snow.
- Consider a backup generator if you live in a rural area with occasional outages.
- Install winter tires for better performance on snow and ice. Pack an emergency car kit.
Seasonal rhythms and budget
Summer is lively with visitors and events, especially around major holidays. Winter brings added heating and snow removal costs, and some businesses adjust hours off-season.
Action steps:
- Budget for plow contracts, heating, and vehicle maintenance.
- If you own a seasonal home, consider how you will use it in peak months.
Remote work setup and community
Reliable work-from-home
A stable connection is your number one tool. Redundancy helps keep you online during outages or service hiccups.
Action steps:
- Pair a wired service with a mobile hotspot or fixed wireless backup.
- Use a battery backup for your modem and key devices.
- Set up a quiet workspace with proper lighting and ergonomic basics.
Places to work around town
Public libraries in the Traverse Area District Library system often have strong Wi-Fi, study rooms, and quiet spaces. Coworking and shared offices exist in Traverse City and nearby towns, and many cafes welcome remote workers. Check noise levels, outlets, and seating before a long work block.
Neighborhood orientation and concierge support
Orientation call agenda
A 30 to 60 minute orientation can save you weeks of trial and error. You can do this with a local realtor, relocation concierge, or a neighborhood liaison.
What to cover:
- Map the essentials: nearest grocery, pharmacy, parks, and commute times to frequent destinations.
- Utilities cheat sheet: who to call for electric, water, trash, and internet.
- Safety and season notes: winter parking, snow expectations, and key municipal codes.
- Family resources: sports leagues, rec centers, and local parent groups.
- Working logistics: top internet options, where to print, and IT support.
How concierge services help
Relocation concierges can set up utilities, assist with school enrollment, book doctor and dentist appointments, source vetted vendors, arrange snow removal and lawn care, and even stock your home for move-in. They also make introductions that help you feel at home faster.
Vet local vendors with confidence
- Ask for references and proof of insurance.
- Check ratings with recognized review sites and the Better Business Bureau.
- Request a written scope, clear pricing, and cancellation policies.
Documents to organize fast
Keep a simple folder you can access in a hurry.
- Utility account numbers and billing contacts
- School enrollment papers and immunization records
- Home, auto, and umbrella insurance policies
- Emergency contacts: police, fire, hospital, pediatrician, poison control
- Property info: well and septic maintenance records, HOA covenants, warranty documents
Your local rhythm starts here
A thoughtful first month sets you up for a great year in Traverse City and Leelanau. Focus on the essentials, line up your snow plan, confirm your healthcare, and make sure your internet can handle your work. When you are ready for a deeper orientation, a guided neighborhood overview helps connect the dots.
If you want a smooth, supported transition, let’s talk about a personalized relocation plan and neighborhood orientation that fits the way you live. Find Happiness at Home — Schedule a Personalized Consultation with Hillary Voight.
FAQs
What should I set up first when moving to Traverse City or Leelanau?
- In your first week, activate utilities and internet, confirm trash and recycling, locate healthcare and urgent care, and update your mailing address.
How do I know my electric or gas provider for a specific address in Grand Traverse or Leelanau?
- Check your closing or lease documents, then confirm with the city or township; many city addresses use Traverse City Light & Power while regional areas often use Consumers Energy.
What internet speeds can I expect at my new home in northern Michigan?
- Availability varies by neighborhood; schedule installation early and run in-home speed tests, and consider a hotspot or secondary provider as a backup.
Who handles sidewalk snow removal at my new house in Traverse City or Leelanau County?
- Sidewalk rules are set by each municipality; review your city or township ordinance and any HOA requirements to avoid fines.
Where is the main hospital for Traverse City and Leelanau residents?
- Munson Medical Center in Traverse City is the regional referral hospital, with urgent care and primary care options throughout the area.
How do I enroll my child in school after relocating to Traverse City or Leelanau?
- Contact the local district for enrollment steps and bus eligibility, and prepare proof of residency, immunization records, and prior school records.
