Just closed on your new Arlington home and wondering what to do next? The first few days after settlement can feel busy, but a clear plan will help you avoid service gaps, tickets, and surprise fees. This guide walks you through utility transfers, trash and recycling, residential parking permits, and early projects that often need county permits. You will find a simple timeline and a ready-to-use checklist. Let’s dive in.
Your first 72 hours
Set up the essentials so services continue smoothly and bills are in your name.
Transfer core utilities
- Electricity: Contact Dominion Energy to start or transfer service for your closing date. Request same-day meter readings and keep written confirmation.
- Natural gas: Contact Washington Gas to start service or transfer the account. If your gas was off, schedule any required in-person reconnection well in advance.
- Water and sewer: Set up your account with Arlington County Water Utilities. Confirm initial billing periods and that the meter reading aligns with your settlement date.
Internet and cable
- Availability varies by address. Common providers in Arlington include Comcast Xfinity and Verizon Fios. Book installation 1 to 2 weeks ahead when possible, since appointments fill fast.
Trash and recycling
- Arlington County manages refuse and recycling for most single-family homes. Confirm your pickup day and request county-issued carts if needed. If the previous owner left carts, verify with the county that they are tied to your address.
Mail and billing
- Forward mail with USPS and update your address with the DMV, banks, insurers, subscriptions, and the Arlington County Treasurer’s Office for real estate tax billing.
- Confirm your homeowners insurance coverage begins at closing.
HOA or condo contacts
- If your property is in an HOA or condominium, contact management for move-in rules, trash procedures, parking policies, and any required building permits for unit work.
Trash and recycling basics
Arlington’s Department of Environmental Services manages collection and sets rules for carts, sorting, and special pickups.
Key steps to get set up
- Confirm your trash and recycling pickup day and frequency for your address.
- Request carts if they are missing or damaged. Some homes already have county carts that remain with the property.
- Review what goes in recycling and what belongs in trash. Learn contamination rules so you avoid rejected bins.
Bulky items and yard waste
- Schedule bulky item pickup for appliances, furniture, or mattresses. Ask about any fees and set-out rules.
- Yard waste and leaf collection operate on separate schedules. Follow container, bagging, and branch-size limits.
Hazardous waste and electronics
- Use county drop-off options for hazardous items like chemicals, paint, and electronics. Do not place these in your curbside carts.
Street set-out rules
- Place carts at the curb within the county’s allowed time window and remove them after pickup. Follow placement rules so trucks can access your carts safely.
Residential parking permits
Many Arlington neighborhoods use the Residential Permit Parking program to manage on-street parking. If your block is in an RPP zone, you will need a permit to park during restricted hours.
How to get permits
- Check whether your address is within an RPP zone using the county map or lookup tool.
- Gather documents: proof of residency, vehicle registration showing your Arlington address, and photo ID.
- Apply through the county’s parking portal or in person, as directed by the program. Ask about visitor permits or virtual guest passes.
Moving day tips
- If you need to park a truck or load curbside, request a temporary move-in or loading permission to avoid citations.
- Follow rules for driveways and sidewalks. Do not block curb cuts or sidewalks, even briefly.
- If you need temporary no-parking signs for a moving truck or street work, request the appropriate permit from the county.
Permits for early projects
Planning quick improvements is common right after move-in. Many projects need county review before work begins.
What often needs permits
- Fences: Requirements depend on height and location, especially in front yards or near public rights-of-way. Confirm zoning setbacks.
- Decks and porches: Structural work, size, and elevation often trigger building permits and inspections.
- Sheds and accessory structures: Size thresholds can require a building permit. Smaller sheds may be exempt, but zoning setbacks still apply.
- Driveways and curb work: Any work that affects sidewalks, curbs, or the street typically needs a right-of-way permit and may involve coordination with VDOT if it is a state-maintained road.
- EV chargers: A Level 2 charger typically requires an electrical permit. A licensed electrician usually files it. Service upgrades may require coordination with Dominion Energy.
- Gas lines and appliances: Gas work usually needs a plumbing or gas permit and inspection.
- Tree removal: Certain trees and locations have protection rules that may require approval before removal.
Historic districts and landmarks
- If your property is in a historic district or is individually designated, you may need design approval before permits are issued. Exterior changes such as fences, porches, siding, and windows often require review.
Process, timing, and inspections
- Apply for permits before starting any work. Simple permits can be issued in days, while larger projects may take weeks for plan review.
- Licensed contractors typically handle trade permits and coordinate inspections.
- Expect required inspections at key stages, such as footings, framing, and final.
Fees and enforcement
- Fees vary by project. Always confirm the current fee schedule.
- Work without required permits can lead to stop-work orders, fines, and costly corrections.
Timeline: your first four weeks
- Day 0 (closing): Transfer utilities, confirm meter readings, start homeowners insurance, forward mail.
- Days 1–3: Create online accounts for utilities, confirm trash and recycling pickup, collect keys and mailbox access, test smoke and CO detectors.
- Week 1: Apply for residential parking permits if needed, schedule internet installation, book bulky item pickup for move debris.
- Weeks 1–3: Consult county permit pages for planned projects, hire licensed contractors, submit permit applications.
- Weeks 2–6+: Monitor permit review, schedule inspections, and adjust project timelines as needed.
Quick move-in checklist
- Utilities: Electric, gas, water and sewer, trash, internet and cable. Record account numbers and emergency contacts.
- Mail and records: USPS forwarding, DMV address update, voter registration, banks and insurers, county Treasurer for tax billing.
- Safety: Test smoke and CO detectors; locate your main water shutoff, gas shutoff, and electrical panel.
- Refuse and recycling: Confirm pickup day, set out carts correctly, schedule bulky item pickup if needed.
- Parking: Check for RPP zone, secure permits and visitor passes, request temporary move-in permissions.
- Contractors and permits: Verify permit needs before any work, hire licensed contractors, keep copies of permits and inspection records.
- Neighborhood specifics: Review HOA or condo rules, local covenants, and any historic district requirements.
Avoid common pitfalls
- Skipping meter confirmations on closing day can lead to disputes about prior usage. Get written confirmation.
- Waiting to book internet or cable can create multi-week delays. Schedule early.
- Setting out carts too early or placing the wrong items can trigger warnings or missed pickups. Review the rules.
- Starting a deck, fence, or EV charger installation without a permit can cause stop-work orders. Check requirements first.
- Ignoring RPP rules on move-in day invites tickets. Use temporary permissions and visitor passes.
Need a hand?
If you want a smooth Arlington onboarding with a concierge-style plan, we are happy to be a resource. For tailored guidance on move-in logistics, permits, and trusted local contractors, connect with Unknown Company to schedule a complimentary consultation.
FAQs
Do I need a permit for a fence, deck, shed, or EV charger in Arlington?
- It depends on size, height, location, and scope; many projects require building or trade permits, and historic properties may need design review before permit issuance.
How do I get a residential parking permit for my Arlington street?
- Confirm your address is in an RPP zone, gather proof of residency and updated vehicle registration, then apply through the county’s RPP portal and request visitor passes if needed.
Where do I find trash and recycling pickup information for my new address?
- Check Arlington County’s refuse and recycling resources for your pickup day, cart requests, bulky item scheduling, and rules on what can be recycled.
What should I do with utilities on closing day in Arlington?
- Start or transfer electric, gas, and water and sewer for the settlement date, request same-day meter readings, set up online accounts, and verify your homeowners insurance is active.
How long do Arlington permits take and who should file them?
- Simple permits can be issued in days while more complex projects may take weeks; licensed contractors typically file trade permits and coordinate inspections.
