Thinking about moving to Livingston and not sure where to start? Relocating to a small county seat like Livingston in Overton County can feel different from a big-city move, especially if you’re coming from out of state. You want a clear, realistic plan that covers utilities, IDs, schools, and those small but critical local details. This 90-day checklist walks you through each step so you can arrive confident, connected, and ready to enjoy your new community. Let’s dive in.
Your 90-day move plan
90–61 days out: Set your foundation
- Choose your moving date and book movers or a rental truck. Get written estimates and confirm insurance coverage for your belongings.
- Create a home inventory for insurance. Photos and a simple spreadsheet help if you ever need to file a claim.
- Confirm home logistics. Double-check your closing or lease dates, key handoff, and any inspection follow-ups.
- Research utilities by your exact Livingston address:
- Electricity provider (cooperative or municipal; it varies by location).
- Water and sewer or private well and septic.
- Natural gas or propane options, if applicable.
- Trash and recycling details, whether municipal or a private hauler.
- Internet and phone providers; rural availability can vary by street.
- If you have children, contact Overton County Schools to learn about enrollment steps and documents you’ll need, like proof of residency, birth certificates, and immunization records.
Why now: Livingston and Overton County blend municipal and county services, and coverage can differ even within short distances. Verifying providers early helps you avoid gaps on move-in day.
60–31 days out: Start address and ID updates
- Submit your USPS Change of Address to begin on your move-in date.
- Update your employer, banks, credit cards, insurance carriers, and subscriptions with your new address.
- Prepare for Tennessee residency tasks:
- New residents are commonly expected to obtain a Tennessee driver license and register vehicles within about 30 days of establishing residency. Confirm current deadlines and required documents with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security and the Tennessee Department of Revenue or local County Clerk motor vehicle office.
- Gather proofs of identity, Tennessee residency, and vehicle insurance.
- Call your auto insurance provider to update your address and confirm coverage in Tennessee.
- Health care planning: request medical and dental records, and identify local clinics and the nearest hospital for emergencies.
- For school-age children, request the enrollment packet from Overton County Schools and confirm registration timelines.
- Contact Overton County offices about property tax timelines and procedures if you’re buying a home.
- Pet prep: obtain vaccination records and check county rules on rabies shots and any local pet registrations.
30–15 days out: Lock in logistics
- Finalize your closing or lease details and schedule utilities to start on move-in day.
- If you’re new to Tennessee, schedule your driver license appointment and prepare for title and registration transfers. Typical documents include your out-of-state title or registration, proof of insurance that meets Tennessee minimums, proof of identity, and proof of residency.
- Register to vote through the Overton County election commission, keeping an eye on deadlines for upcoming elections.
- If you’re transporting firearms, review Tennessee laws for safe transport and storage.
- Schedule disconnection of your old utilities and return any rented equipment.
- Confirm moving truck access and any parking requirements with the Town of Livingston if your new home is inside town limits.
14–7 days out: Prep for moving week
- Reconfirm mover details, contacts, and arrival windows.
- Pack an essentials kit with medications, chargers, toiletries, changes of clothes, basic tools, and cleaning supplies.
- Make paper copies of vital documents: birth certificates, Social Security cards, passports, medical records, immunization records, vehicle titles, and closing or lease paperwork.
- If traveling with pets, organize carriers, food, water, and a quiet plan for moving day.
- Verify your USPS forwarding start date.
3–1 days out and moving day: Arrive ready
- Walk through your old home, photograph its condition, and record final meter readings.
- Turn on core utilities at your Livingston address on move-in day, including electricity, water, gas if applicable, and basic internet if available.
- Keep vital documents and valuables with you during transit.
- On arrival, do a quick safety check: test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, find the main water shutoff and breaker box, test HVAC, and run water through sinks and toilets to check for leaks.
First 30 days after arrival: Settle in
- Obtain your Tennessee driver license and complete vehicle registration within the state’s timeline for new residents. Confirm the 30-day window and documents with the Tennessee Department of Safety and local County Clerk.
- Update your voter registration with the Overton County election commission.
- Update addresses with the IRS (Form 8822), Social Security Administration if needed, banks, credit cards, insurance, and any professional licenses.
- Complete school enrollment with Overton County Schools. Follow up on any required immunizations or school physicals.
- Confirm trash and recycling pickup, yard waste rules, and any burn permit requirements. Check with Overton County or the Town of Livingston for building permits if you’re planning renovations.
- Register pets if required by local rules and update microchip info with your new address.
- Get oriented: locate your nearest grocery, pharmacy, and fuel station. Introduce yourself to neighbors and local businesses.
- Review the Overton County property tax calendar and ask about any exemptions you may qualify for, such as for seniors, veterans, or disability.
- If your property might be in a flood-prone area, review FEMA flood maps and discuss flood insurance with your insurer.
Local essentials and where to verify
You’ll interact with a mix of county and town offices plus state agencies. Use official sites and phone numbers to confirm current requirements:
- Overton County Government, including the County Clerk, Trustee, and Assessor, for property taxes, tax calendars, and motor vehicle services.
- Town of Livingston offices for local ordinances, municipal utilities, trash service details, and permits if your home is inside town limits.
- Overton County Schools for enrollment requirements, zoned schools, and transportation.
- Overton County Health Department for immunizations and public health services.
- Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security for driver license and REAL ID information.
- Tennessee Department of Revenue and the County Clerk motor vehicle office for vehicle titling and registration.
- USPS for Change of Address services and local post office details.
- Tennessee State Parks for information on nearby recreation like Standing Stone State Park.
- FEMA Flood Map Service Center to review flood risk by property.
- FCC Broadband Map and local ISPs to confirm internet availability at your exact address.
Livingston lifestyle snapshot
- Small-town feel: As the Overton County seat, Livingston offers a friendly pace, local shops, and community events.
- Outdoor access: Residents enjoy regional attractions like Standing Stone State Park for hiking, fishing, and boating.
- Climate planning: Middle Tennessee summers are hot and humid, winters are mild to cool, and severe weather is possible. Plan move dates and utilities with the season in mind.
- Services mix: Expect a blend of municipal, county, and private providers. Some rural addresses use well and septic systems, and electricity may be served by a cooperative.
Pro tips for rural moves
- Verify utilities by address. Availability can change within a short distance. Confirm water, sewer or septic, electric provider, gas or propane, and trash service before closing.
- Check broadband early. Confirm internet and cellular coverage at your exact address so you can work and stream on day one.
- Know your deadlines. Tennessee residency tasks, like driver licenses and vehicle registration, are commonly due within about 30 days of establishing residency. Confirm current timelines with state and county offices.
- Keep a document binder. Store IDs, titles, medical and school records, and home contracts in one place you can carry with you.
- Walk your property. Learn shutoff locations, test detectors, and note drainage after the first rain so you can plan any improvements.
How we can help
Relocating is easier when you have a steady, knowledgeable partner. Our team pairs a concierge approach with local know-how across East and Middle Tennessee to keep your timeline on track and your move low stress. Whether you’re coordinating from out of state, comparing neighborhoods, or lining up the right service providers, we help you anticipate the details that matter.
If you’re planning a move to Livingston, reach out to April Blankinship for a confidential, no-pressure consultation. We’re here to help you arrive confident, get settled faster, and feel at home.
FAQs
How soon do new residents need a Tennessee driver license?
- Tennessee commonly requires new residents to obtain a state driver license within about 30 days of establishing residency. Confirm current deadlines and required documents with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
What do I need to register my car in Overton County?
- You’ll typically need your out-of-state title or registration, proof of Tennessee-compliant insurance, proof of identity, and proof of residency. Confirm exact requirements and timelines with the County Clerk motor vehicle office and the Tennessee Department of Revenue.
How do I enroll children in Overton County Schools?
- Contact the district for enrollment steps. Expect to provide proof of residency, your child’s birth certificate, up-to-date immunizations, and prior school records.
Which utilities serve my Livingston address?
- It depends on location. Some homes are on municipal water and sewer, others use private well and septic. Electricity may be through a cooperative, and internet availability varies. Confirm each service by the exact address before closing.
Where can I find property tax rates and due dates?
- The Overton County Assessor and Trustee publish local tax rates, assessments, and payment calendars. Contact those offices to verify current details for your property.
Do I need a permit for renovations on my new home?
- Many projects require permits and inspections. Check with Overton County or the Town of Livingston building and planning offices before starting any significant work.
