11 Things to Know When Moving to Delaware
Delaware is a state in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Its affordable housing, scenic beauty and low taxes make it a wonderful place to reside in. From couples to families and retirees, people have found out a wide range of benefits of residing in Delaware. Delaware is also home to some prestigious schools, stunning beaches, community parks and some of the region’s best outlets. On top of all, Delaware has no sales tax! So, if you are considering moving to Delaware, there are several things you need to know and prepare. Here are 11 things you need to know before moving to Delaware.
What to Know Before your Move to Delaware
1. Before you Arrive in Delaware
Find a reliable moving company, truck rental or moving container
For your move to Delaware, you will need to hire a reliable moving company or take on the move yourself. To find the best moving company in Delaware, look for helpful reviews, a professional-looking website, and years of experience.
Planning a move to Delaware? Have a look at our selection of:
Forward your mail
If you are moving to Delaware permanently and you receive a lot of mail (excluding packages), you may want to sign up with USPS’s mail forwarding service. Mail forwarding will allow your mail to be redirected to the right address for a given period of time. The fee for regular mail forwarding is only a little over a dollar for 6 months. If you want to extend the service, you will have to pay around $20 for 6 months more. You can begin your mail forwarding process by signing up on USPS’s website or directly at your local Post Office.
Sell or donate the items you won’t need in Delaware
Moving to a new place is an opportunity to start afresh. If you’re moving to Delaware, selling, or donating the items you won’t need will go a long way in making your move easier. You can sell out your old household items and personal possessions, and anything that will not be useful. Pick out the items that will not be useful for you in Delaware, then decide if you want to sell them on websites like Craigslist or Facebook MarketPlace or donate them to a non-profit organization.
2. What are the First Steps to Take When Arriving in Delaware?
Change your address
Along with mail forwarding, you will also have to update your new address with the concerned authorities in Delaware like DMV. To exercise your right to vote in Delaware, you can register to vote by mail, in person or over the phone. Delaware provides an online application system that allows you to complete a voter registration form online. You can then submit it to the Delaware DMV office. If you want to register in person, you can do that at your local Delaware DMV office. You can also request for a voter registration application by phone by calling your local Department of Elections. You should also change your address with your employer, bank, doctor, insurer, and service providers so that you can avoid any complications further down the road.
Exchange your driver’s license
Once you move to Delaware and establish residency, you must transfer your out-of-state driver’s license to Delaware within 60 days. In order to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license, you’ll need to visit either the Wilmington, New Castle, Dover, or Georgetown DMV office in person with the required documents. You will also have to surrender your out of state license.
Register your vehicle
If you have just moved to Delaware, you’ll have to register your out-of-state vehicle with the DMV within 60 days. Failure to do so might result in penalties and additional charges. You must title and register your vehicle in person at your local DMV office. Before registering your car, you should have a Proof of Delaware auto insurance, Proof of passing a vehicle inspection, and a completed Certificate of Title application (Form MV-212). You will have the option to register your vehicle for 1 year or 2 years. You can visit the Car Registration Page to check out all the documentation requirements and details.
Consider getting health insurance
Getting health insurance is an excellent way to get peace of mind when it comes to your health. With health insurance, you will not have to worry about spending a ton of money in case of a health-related emergency. The state of Delaware proposes a website to help you with your health insurance search. Simply choose Delaware as your state and create an account.
Consider getting home insurance
Getting home insurance is essential, whichever state you are residing in. It is a financial protection that will cover for your expenses if a natural disaster damages your home. Residents in Delaware are at a risk to floods, tornadoes, thunderstorms, winter storms and hurricanes. Therefore, getting home insurance will prove to be valuable.
3. Best Places to Live in Delaware
If you are a couple, you might want to consider living in Happy Valley. It offers a dense urban feel, a thriving nightlife, a diverse culture, and a lot of amenities.
If you are a family, you might want to consider Pike Creek. Pike Creek offers good housing facilities, some highly rated public schools and it’s a beautiful place to raise a family.
If you are single, you should consider moving to Greenville. It has a booming economy, an exciting nightlife, and a lot of entertainment options.
4. Housing and Renting in Delaware
How to find an apartment in Delaware?
If you are looking for an apartment for rent in Delaware, these websites will help you out.
How to find a house in Delaware?
5. How to Set Up Utilities in Delaware?
Electricity, water, and gas in Delaware
Delaware Public Service Commission is responsible for investor-owned public utilities in Delaware. They ensure that consumers are provided with accessible, safe and reliable telecommunication and energy services at reasonable rates.
You can visit their website and search for electricity, water and gas providers and even reach out to them if you have any inquiry. The main purpose of PSC is to keep the customers well informed regarding the services they are getting from the utility providers.
Internet and cell phone in Delaware
Getting a reliable internet service provider is what everyone desires. The state of Delaware has some of the best internet providers and is the 14th most connected state in the USA with 53 broadband providers and 99% residents having access to 10 Mbps. Internet providers in Delaware offer a wide range of prices, speed, and connection types. When it comes to a high-speed internet connection, there is a wide variety of options to choose from in Delaware, including cable, DSL, Fiber and Satellite. The best internet providers in Delaware will have bundling options, various speeds, and multiple package options at reasonable prices.
6. Cost of Living in Delaware
The average cost of living in Wilmington, Delaware per month is $2500 for a couple.
Cost of living per month for a couple in Wilmington
Expense | USD $ |
Rent – Mortgage | $850 |
Utilities (gas, water, electricity, phone, internet) | $250 |
Groceries | $600 |
Entertainment | $150 |
Insurance (home, car, health) | $500 |
Other (transportation, material goods) | $150 |
Source: Numbeo (Food Price), Numbeo, TheZebra, QuoteWizard