What should you do in your first 30 days after moving to Chandler, AZ?

Just moved to Chandler? Here's a practical checklist for your first 30 days, the small logistical steps that help a new house actually start to feel like home.

Week one: the essentials

Task	Why it matters
Change the locks or rekey	You don't know who has old keys
Find the water shutoff and electrical panel	You'll want them fast in an emergency
Change the AC filters	Arizona AC works hard, and filters matter
Confirm electric, water, sewer, trash and gas	No gaps in service
Learn your pool equipment, if you have one	Timer, pump, and who services it

Update your address everywhere

Beyond the post office, update your address with your bank, employer, insurance providers, and voter registration, an easily overlooked task that's worth knocking out early.

Arizona driver license and vehicle registration

Arizona generally requires new residents to get an Arizona driver license and register vehicles after becoming residents, so handle it early rather than letting it slip. Check Arizona MVD's current rules for exact timing and what to bring.

Property taxes and your primary residence

Make sure the county has your home classified as your primary residence, since Arizona treats owner occupied homes more favorably than rentals and second homes. See How do Arizona property taxes work for Chandler homeowners?

Learn your trash schedule and HOA rules

Chandler's collection schedules and, if applicable, your specific HOA's rules and community calendar are worth understanding early to avoid missteps or fines. Read the rules on parking, trash can storage, holiday decorations and exterior changes before you start any project.

Your home's systems

Note the age of the roof, AC and water heater from your inspection report, and put the maintenance on a calendar. Get the AC serviced before your first summer, and the roof checked before monsoon season. More in How do you prepare a Chandler home for monsoon season?

Find your local providers

Research and establish care with a local primary care physician, dentist, and any specialists you need, rather than waiting until you have an urgent need to figure this out.

Week two and three: settle in with the city

Set up your City of Chandler utility account online so you can see your water, sewer and trash bills in one place. Find your trash and recycling days, and look up the schedule for bulk item pickup, which is handy after a move when you have boxes and old furniture to get rid of. If you have a dog, Maricopa County requires a dog license. And sign up for the city's emergency and weather alerts so you hear about storms and closures right away.

Register to vote and get a library card

Register to vote at your new address through the Maricopa County Recorder's office or the Arizona Secretary of State's website. While you're at it, get a Chandler Public Library card. It's free for residents and gives you access to books, online services and community programs, and it's an easy way to start feeling local.

Arizona water and your home

Valley water is hard, meaning it carries a lot of minerals. You'll notice white spots on faucets, shower doors and dishes. Some homes have a water softener or a reverse osmosis system under the kitchen sink. If yours does, find out how it works, when the filters were last changed and whether the softener needs salt. If you're not sure, a water treatment company can check it in one visit.

Pest control

Scorpions, ants and other desert pests are a normal part of Arizona life, especially near open desert or after summer rain. Many homeowners keep a regular pest control service. Ask the seller who they used, and seal gaps around doors and weather stripping, which helps keep pests out and cool air in.

Get to know your neighborhood

Take time to actually walk or drive your new neighborhood, find the closest grocery store, coffee shop, and pharmacy, and start building the everyday rhythm that makes a new place feel familiar. HOA events, local online groups, or simply introducing yourself to neighbors help the adjustment go faster.

Your first summer

If you're new to Arizona, plan for your first summer. Keep the AC maintained, park in shade, carry water and learn which hours are best for being outside. It's a different rhythm, and it gets easier.

Paperwork to put away

Put your closing statement, deed, title policy, home warranty and inspection report in one folder, and keep a scanned copy somewhere secure. If your home came with a home warranty, register it and save the phone number. You'll want all of it at tax time and when you sell someday.

The bottom line

Welcome to Chandler. I'm here well beyond closing day if you need anything as you settle in.

Send me a message anytime.