Savannah Moving Checklist for Buyers: Everything You Need Before, During, and After Your Move (2026)

Bare Real Estate  |  Savannah, GA  |  New Homeowner Guide  |  September 2026

Closing day is the finish line of the purchase process — and the starting line of everything else. The weeks before and after you take possession of a Savannah home involve a specific sequence of time-sensitive tasks, Georgia-specific deadlines, and local logistics that most buyer guides either skip or bury in generic advice. This checklist is organized by phase: what to do before closing, what to handle in the first 72 hours, what needs to happen within 30 days, and the Savannah-specific things that only locals know until someone tells you about them.

Critical Georgia Deadlines at a Glance

Several post-move tasks in Georgia have hard deadlines with real financial or legal consequences. These are the dates most new Savannah homeowners miss — knowing them in advance is the entire point.

April 1 Chatham County homestead exemption deadline — no exceptions, no extensions, no backdating
30 days Georgia deadline for new residents to obtain a Georgia driver's license after establishing residency
30 days Georgia deadline to register your vehicle in Chatham County after moving to Georgia
Deadline Task Consequence of Missing It Where to Go
April 1 annually File homestead exemption with Chatham County Board of Assessors Lose the exemption benefit for the entire tax year — cannot be backdated or appealed chathamcountyga.gov or 912-652-7275
Within 30 days of residency Obtain Georgia driver's license Out-of-state license technically invalid for Georgia use; enforcement varies but the obligation is real dds.georgia.gov — schedule appointment
Within 30 days of residency Register vehicle in Georgia / Chatham County Driving an unregistered Georgia vehicle after 30 days; potential fines Chatham County Tag Office, 222 W. Oglethorpe Ave
December 31 annually Pay Chatham County property tax bill Interest and penalties begin January 1 — bills arrive in fall chathamcountyga.gov/property-tax
Closing day Confirm flood insurance active (flood zone properties) Uninsured gap in coverage; lender may force-place insurance at higher cost Your insurance agent

Phase 1: Before Closing (2–4 Weeks Out)

The two to four weeks before your Savannah closing date are the last window to handle the logistics that need to be in place when you take possession. Compressed timelines in fast-moving transactions can make this feel rushed — starting early is the only way to avoid the last-minute scramble that leaves new homeowners scrambling on closing day.

Pre-Closing Checklist 2–4 weeks before your Savannah closing date
Insurance (confirm before closing day)
  • Bind homeowner's insurance effective on your closing date — your lender requires proof of coverage at closing and the policy must be active before keys change hands Required at closing
  • Obtain flood insurance if your property is in a FEMA flood zone (Zone AE, VE, or other Special Flood Hazard Area) — flood coverage must be active at closing and cannot have a gap; allow at least 30 days for NFIP policy initiation (exceptions for purchase transactions, but don't cut it close) Required at closing for flood zones
  • Confirm coverage amounts are adequate for the property's replacement cost — not the purchase price, not the appraised value, but the actual cost to rebuild the structure
  • Get documentation of both policies in a format your closing attorney can confirm on closing day
Utilities — initiate transfers now
  • Georgia Power (electricity) — initiate service transfer to begin on your closing date at georgiapower.com or 1-888-660-5890; allow 1–2 weeks for scheduling
  • Natural gas — choose a provider at georgiagasmarketplace.com and initiate service to begin on your closing date (Atlanta Gas Light handles distribution; customers choose supplier)
  • Water and sewer — City of Savannah addresses: savannahga.gov; contact 2–3 weeks before closing; unincorporated Chatham County properties: verify provider with your agent
  • Internet and cable — Comcast/Xfinity and AT&T are primary providers in Savannah; schedule installation for day of or day after closing (installers are often booked 1–2 weeks out)
  • Trash and recycling — City of Savannah addresses receive city sanitation services automatically; unincorporated county addresses may need private hauler setup
Moving logistics
  • Book your moving company — in Savannah, reputable movers get booked quickly; secure your date with a deposit and confirm the details
  • Request time off work for closing day and move day — give yourself buffer; closings sometimes shift by a day due to lender or document delays
  • Arrange childcare and pet care for moving day — reduces stress significantly
  • Obtain boxes and packing supplies — start packing non-essential items early
  • Change your address with USPS at usps.com/move — do this 2 weeks before the move so mail forwarding is active; update bank accounts, subscriptions, and important contacts simultaneously
Final walkthrough prep
  • Review your purchase agreement's included items list — appliances, fixtures, and items that should remain in the property
  • Prepare a list of agreed-upon repairs to verify completion during the walkthrough
  • Bring your inspection report to the final walkthrough — use it as a reference to confirm repair completion
  • Plan to test all appliances, HVAC, water pressure, and electrical during the walkthrough — not after closing

Phase 2: Closing Week and Closing Day

Wire fraud — the most important closing day warning

Real estate wire fraud is among the fastest-growing financial crimes in the country. Before wiring any funds to your closing attorney, call the attorney's office at a phone number you've independently verified — from their website, not from an email — to verbally confirm the wiring instructions. Never wire funds based solely on email instructions, even if the email appears to come from your attorney's own address. Once funds are wired fraudulently, recovery is extremely difficult. The three-minute phone call is non-negotiable.

Closing Week and Closing Day Checklist 3 days before through closing day
3 days before closing
  • Review the Closing Disclosure — compare it line by line against your Loan Estimate; unexplained fee increases should be questioned in writing before closing day
  • Confirm your wire transfer amount with your closing attorney by phone (not by email alone) and initiate the wire — most wires need to be sent 24–48 hours before closing
  • Confirm all parties are ready — lender, seller, closing attorney; last-minute complications are not uncommon and you want advance notice rather than a surprise at the table
Day before closing
  • Conduct the final walkthrough of the property — verify agreed repairs are complete, all included items are present, property is in the same condition as at contract, utilities are operational
  • Confirm closing time and location with your closing attorney — Georgia closings happen at the attorney's office
  • Prepare identification — you'll need valid government-issued photo ID at closing
  • Confirm your wire has been received by the closing attorney's trust account
Closing day
  • Arrive on time — closing attorneys often have consecutive closings scheduled; late arrivals can cascade
  • Bring valid government-issued photo ID for all buyers
  • Read before you sign — you'll sign many documents; don't hesitate to ask the closing attorney to explain anything you don't understand
  • Confirm deed recording — the closing attorney will handle deed recording with Chatham County; confirm the timeline and that you'll receive a copy of the recorded deed
  • Receive all keys, remotes, and access codes — front door, back door, garage, gate, mailbox; test each one before leaving the attorney's office or immediately upon arrival at the property
  • Get seller contact information (through your agent if preferred) — sellers often have helpful information about the property that doesn't make it into any document; a brief conversation about quirks, maintenance history, and local contacts can be valuable

Phase 3: First 72 Hours in Your New Savannah Home

The first three days in a new Savannah home have their own priority list — tasks that need to happen immediately rather than eventually. Security, safety, and basic orientation of the property should happen before the moving truck arrives if possible.

First 72 Hours Checklist Immediately upon taking possession
Security — do this before anything else
  • Change all exterior door locks — you have no way to know how many copies of the existing keys exist; this is the single most important first action Day 1
  • Rekey or replace smart locks and reprogram any keypad codes you received at closing
  • Reprogram garage door codes and remotes — clear all existing codes and create new ones
  • Check and test all smoke detectors — Georgia law requires working smoke detectors; replace batteries in all units regardless of apparent battery status
  • Check for CO detectors — replace batteries or install new units if absent near gas appliances and sleeping areas
Property orientation — know where everything is
  • Locate the main water shutoff valve — typically in a utility area, near the water heater, or outside near the foundation; know how to operate it before you need it
  • Locate and label the electrical panel — identify which breakers control which areas; if breakers are unlabeled, spend 30 minutes labeling them now rather than guessing during a problem
  • Locate the gas shutoff valve (if applicable) — typically near the meter; know where it is and how to operate it
  • Test the HVAC system — run both heating and cooling functions; listen for unusual sounds; check that air flows properly from all vents; check and replace the filter if needed
  • Check water pressure and run all faucets — verify hot and cold water at every fixture
  • Identify any crawl space or attic access — know where these are and do a quick visual inspection
  • Check the sump pump if the home has one — confirm it's operational
Moisture and climate management — especially important in Savannah
  • Check for dehumidifiers in any lower-level or enclosed spaces — Savannah's humidity makes dehumidification important in many properties, particularly older ones; start them running immediately if present
  • Check under sinks and around appliances for any active leaks or water damage signs before moving belongings in
  • Note any musty odors — in Savannah's climate, musty smells indicate moisture issues that need attention, not just airing out
  • Confirm the HVAC is set to dehumidify properly — Savannah's humidity means HVAC systems should maintain 40–50% indoor relative humidity; get a basic hygrometer to verify
Basic setup
  • Confirm utilities are active — electricity, gas, water should be on and working
  • Get the internet operational — if installation was scheduled, confirm it happens as planned
  • Set up a basic first-night kit before the rest of your belongings arrive: bedding, toiletries, phone charger, essential medications, and a change of clothes in an accessible bag
  • Locate nearby emergency services — your nearest hospital, urgent care, pharmacy, and hardware store; know these before you need them

Savannah-specific first-day reality: pest control

Savannah's warm, humid coastal climate is hospitable to a range of insects and pests — and a home that has been vacant for any period before your closing is more likely than usual to have discovered unwanted visitors. Before your furniture arrives is the best time to do a thorough visual inspection for any evidence of pest activity: cockroaches (common in older Savannah homes), silverfish (in damp areas), and any evidence of termite activity. If your purchase included a pest control bond, locate that documentation and contact the pest control company to introduce yourself as the new owner and schedule your first inspection under the new account.

Phase 4: First 30 Days — Georgia Deadlines and Setup

The first month in your Savannah home is when the Georgia-specific legal and administrative requirements kick in. Missing any of these has real consequences — some financial, some legal. None of them are complicated, but all of them require action on your part.

First 30 Days Checklist Georgia deadlines and new homeowner setup
Georgia legal requirements (30-day deadlines)
  • Obtain your Georgia driver's license — Georgia law requires new residents to get a Georgia DL within 30 days of establishing residency; schedule at dds.georgia.gov; bring your out-of-state license, proof of Georgia residency (your closing documents work), and Social Security card 30-day deadline
  • Register your vehicle in Georgia — Chatham County Tag Office, 222 W. Oglethorpe Avenue; bring your out-of-state title or lien documents, Georgia insurance proof, new Georgia driver's license, and payment for TAVT (Title Ad Valorem Tax) 30-day deadline
  • Register to vote in Georgia if desired — Georgia voter registration can be completed at mvp.sos.ga.gov or at the DMV when you get your license; registration deadlines exist for specific elections, so don't wait if an election is approaching
Homestead exemption (time-sensitive around April 1)
  • File the Chatham County homestead exemption — contact the Board of Assessors at 912-652-7275 or chathamcountyga.gov; you need your Georgia driver's license showing the property address and your closing documents confirming ownership April 1 annual deadline
  • Ask about enhanced exemptions when you file — senior exemptions (age 65+), disabled veteran exemptions (up to full exemption for 100% service-connected disability), and surviving military spouse exemptions provide substantially larger savings for qualifying homeowners
  • If you close after April 1, file the exemption immediately anyway — it will apply starting the following tax year and every year thereafter as long as the property remains your primary residence
Home maintenance setup
  • Schedule an HVAC service — Savannah's climate runs HVAC systems hard; knowing the system's condition and establishing a relationship with a local HVAC company before a summer heat emergency matters
  • Schedule a pest control service if the property doesn't already have an active bond; establish the bond as soon as possible in Savannah's termite-active climate
  • Locate and test the exterior hose bibs — Savannah's summer requires outdoor watering; confirm these are functional and know how to shut off water to them if needed
  • Check gutters and downspouts — Savannah's rainfall can be intense; gutters should be clear and downspouts should be directing water at least 6 feet from the foundation
  • Establish a relationship with a local plumber and electrician — knowing who to call before you need emergency service is better than finding someone while water is coming through the ceiling
Financial and administrative setup
  • Update your address with your employer, bank, and financial institutions if you haven't already
  • Update your health insurance and other insurance policies with your new address
  • Research and update your tax withholding — Georgia has a flat income tax rate (5.39% in 2026); if you're moving from a no-income-tax or lower-rate state, adjust your withholding to avoid an April surprise
  • Set up your property tax monitoring — Chatham County tax bills arrive in fall; mark December 31 as a recurring annual calendar reminder for property tax payment to avoid penalties
  • File change of address with important contacts: doctors, dentists, insurance agents, professional licenses, subscriptions
Neighborhood orientation
  • Locate your nearest emergency room — Memorial Health and St. Joseph's Candler Hospital are the primary Savannah hospital systems; know which is closer to your home
  • Find your nearest urgent care for non-emergency medical needs — Savannah has several options throughout the metro area
  • Establish a relationship with a primary care physician — scheduling can take weeks to months; start this process early
  • Locate your nearest pharmacy — transfer existing prescriptions to a conveniently located Savannah pharmacy
  • Visit the Forsyth Park Farmers Market (if you're in the Historic District or Midtown) on a Saturday morning — this is how you meet your neighborhood

Savannah Utilities — Who to Call and What to Expect

Setting up utilities in Savannah requires knowing which providers serve your specific address — which varies more than in many cities because of the mix of city-limit, unincorporated county, and island community properties across the metro.

Electricity

Georgia Power · georgiapower.com · 1-888-660-5890

Georgia Power serves most Savannah and Chatham County addresses. Some island communities and rural areas may be served by local EMCs (Electric Membership Cooperatives) — verify your provider with your agent or at the address lookup on georgiapower.com. Allow 1–2 weeks to schedule service transfer; initiate before your closing date to ensure coverage begins on day one.

Natural Gas

Atlanta Gas Light (distribution) · Choose supplier at georgiagasmarketplace.com

Georgia's natural gas market is deregulated — Atlanta Gas Light handles physical distribution and pipelines, but customers choose their natural gas supplier from a competitive marketplace. Visit georgiagasmarketplace.com to compare rates and choose a supplier. Initiate service before your closing date. Not all Savannah properties have natural gas — verify whether your home has gas service.

Water and Sewer

City of Savannah (city addresses) · savannahga.gov · 912-651-6460

City of Savannah addresses use city water and sewer services. Unincorporated Chatham County properties may use Chatham County utilities, well water, or septic systems — verify your setup with your real estate agent or review the property's disclosure documents. Initiate transfer 2–3 weeks before closing. For island communities (Tybee Island, Wilmington Island), utility providers vary — confirm with your agent.

Internet and Cable

Comcast/Xfinity (primary) · AT&T (available most areas)

Comcast/Xfinity has the strongest coverage footprint in Savannah's Historic District, Midtown, and established neighborhoods. AT&T is available in most areas with fiber options expanding. Schedule installation 2–3 weeks before your move — installation appointments are often booked 1–2 weeks out in Savannah. For newer construction in Pooler and suburban areas, verify which provider has infrastructure at the specific address before assuming availability.

Trash and Recycling

City of Savannah Sanitation (city addresses) · Private haulers (county)

City of Savannah addresses receive sanitation services through the city — these begin automatically for homeowners at your address without separate setup in most cases, though confirming with the city is advisable. Unincorporated Chatham County residential properties typically use private haulers — your neighbors can tell you who serves your street, or contact Chatham County for guidance.

Pest Control / Termite Bond

Licensed Georgia pest control companies — multiple local options

Not a utility in the traditional sense, but essential infrastructure in Savannah's climate. If the property had an active termite bond, contact that company immediately to transfer the bond to your name. If no bond exists, establish one as soon as possible — Savannah's warm, humid coastal climate supports year-round termite activity, and annual inspection plus treatment protection is standard homeownership practice here, not an optional extra.

Island community utility note for Tybee Island and Wilmington Island buyers

Utility providers for Tybee Island and Wilmington Island properties can differ from mainland Savannah — some services are provided by the City of Tybee Island, some by unincorporated Chatham County, and some by private providers. Before closing on any island community property, verify each utility provider with your real estate agent or closing attorney so you know exactly who to contact for each service and can initiate transfers accurately. Don't assume your utility contacts from a previous Savannah residence apply to an island address.

The Homestead Exemption — File This Immediately

The homestead exemption is the single most important post-closing administrative task for Savannah home buyers — and the one most likely to be forgotten until it's too late. Here's everything you need to know.

  • What it does. The standard Chatham County homestead exemption reduces the assessed value used for property tax calculations by $15,000 for county taxes and $12,000 for school district taxes. On a $400,000 home (assessed at $160,000 under Georgia's 40% rule), this produces meaningful annual tax savings — several hundred dollars per year that you're otherwise overpaying.
  • It is NOT automatic. Unlike some states where homestead exemptions are applied automatically, Georgia requires you to actively apply. Purchasing the property does not trigger the exemption. You must file a separate application.
  • The April 1 deadline is absolute. There are no exceptions, no hardship extensions, no ability to file retroactively. If you close on March 25 and forget to file before April 1, you pay a full year of taxes without the exemption. There is no appeal or correction mechanism for a missed deadline.
  • What you need to file. A valid Georgia driver's license or state ID showing the property address as your current address, and proof of ownership (your deed or closing documents). This is why getting your Georgia driver's license promptly after moving also enables the homestead exemption filing.
  • Enhanced exemptions to ask about when you file. Age 65+ homeowners qualify for additional school tax exemptions (income limits apply). Veterans with 100% service-connected disability ratings may qualify for a full property tax exemption. Surviving spouses of service members killed in action may also qualify. Ask the Board of Assessors staff specifically about all exemptions you might qualify for — they don't always volunteer this information.
  • Where to file. Chatham County Board of Assessors — in person, by mail, or online at chathamcountyga.gov. Phone: 912-652-7275.

School Enrollment in Savannah and Surrounding Districts

If you're moving to Savannah with school-age children, the school district question — which district serves your address and how enrollment works — should be answered before closing, not after. The district varies by address and is not negotiable based on where you'd prefer your children to attend.

Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS)

  • Serves most Savannah city and Chatham County addresses
  • 57 schools, approximately 34,928 students
  • Enrollment: sccpss.com or district office
  • Documents needed: proof of residence, immunization records, birth certificate, previous school records
  • Your home address determines zone assignment
  • Magnet programs (Garrison Arts, Savannah Arts Academy) have separate application processes with deadlines and waitlists — research early

Surrounding district options by location

  • Bryan County School District — serves Richmond Hill and Bryan County addresses; top 10% in Georgia; bryancountyschools.org
  • Effingham County School System — serves Rincon, Guyton, Springfield addresses; separate system from SCCPSS; effinghamschools.com
  • Private schools — Savannah Country Day, Benedictine Military (boys 9–12), St. Andrew's, Holy Spirit; each has its own admission process and timelines
  • Note: School district is fixed to your address; purchasing in Bryan County specifically for school quality is a documented buyer strategy

Confirm your school zone before closing, not after

If school district quality is a factor in your purchase decision — as it is for many families choosing between Savannah-Chatham and Bryan County schools — confirm the specific school zone assignment for your address before you close, not after. Your agent can help verify zone assignments, or you can contact the school district directly. A property that's described as being "in the Richmond Hill area" may or may not be within Bryan County School District boundaries — verify the specific address with the Bryan County School District at bryancountyschools.org before assuming zone assignment.

What Only Savannah Locals Know

Every city has the information that residents learn over time and that no official checklist includes. Here's the Savannah version — the local knowledge that new residents typically discover in their first year.

  • St. Patrick's Day is a bigger deal than you think. If you're in the Historic District, mid-March fundamentally transforms the city — hundreds of thousands of visitors, dramatically reduced parking, noise and crowds in ways that feel extreme if you've never experienced it. Long-time residents either fully embrace it as an annual event or plan their vacation around it. There is no middle ground.
  • Mosquitoes are a serious summer outdoor management issue. Savannah's warm, wet summers produce significant mosquito populations from May through October. Screened porches aren't a luxury — they're the infrastructure that makes outdoor living sustainable. Have your yard treated proactively, drain standing water immediately after rain, and buy a good portable fan for outdoor spaces (mosquitoes don't fly well in moving air).
  • Spanish moss is beautiful but it harbors chiggers. Don't let children play in fallen Spanish moss and don't bring it inside. The moss itself is benign; the red bugs (chiggers) that live in it are not, and they cause intensely itchy welts. This is the local knowledge that newcomers usually learn the hard way.
  • The Forsyth Park Farmers Market on Saturday mornings is how you meet your neighborhood. For Historic District and Midtown residents, showing up consistently on Saturday mornings is the fastest way to develop the community relationships that make Savannah feel like home rather than a place you happened to buy a house.
  • Savannah's streets flood predictably during heavy summer rain. The city's drainage infrastructure can't always handle the intense afternoon thunderstorms that come through from June through September. Certain low-lying intersections become temporarily impassable — locals know which ones and route around them. The Historic District's relatively elevated position handles flooding better than low-lying Eastside and riverfront areas.
  • HVAC is not optional — it's life infrastructure. In Savannah's summers, a failing air conditioning system is a health emergency, not an inconvenience. Establish a relationship with a local HVAC company before you need them urgently. Service demand spikes when summer heat arrives; those without an existing relationship wait longer.
  • Your neighbors know things about your house that aren't in any disclosure. Which window leaks in specific wind directions, where the low spot is in the yard that puddles, which neighbor's dog barks all night, whether the street floods in heavy rain. A conversation with the neighbors on either side of your new home in the first week will be more informative than most official documents.
  • The Savannah Bananas are a local source of pride. The entertainment baseball team at Grayson Stadium has global recognition; locals treat them as their own. Even if you can't get tickets (demand dramatically exceeds supply), knowing about them positions you as someone who has done their Savannah homework.

For more on getting oriented to Savannah's neighborhoods, outdoor activities, dining scene, and what daily life looks like in different parts of the metro, our team is the local resource. Contact us — we've guided buyers through this process across all of Savannah's neighborhoods and can answer the questions that aren't on any official list.

Frequently Asked Questions: Moving to Savannah, GA

What should I do immediately after closing on a home in Savannah?

First 72 hours: (1) Change all locks — you don't know who has existing keys; (2) File the homestead exemption immediately if you've closed before April 1; (3) Confirm homeowner's and flood insurance (if applicable) are active; (4) Confirm utilities are on and working; (5) Locate your water shutoff, electrical panel, and gas shutoff; (6) Check for and start any dehumidifiers in Savannah's humid climate; (7) Test the HVAC system; (8) Reprogram garage codes and smart locks. Security and safety orientation come before unpacking — do these before the moving truck arrives if possible.

What is the homestead exemption deadline in Chatham County?

April 1 annually — with no exceptions, extensions, or ability to apply retroactively. The standard exemption reduces your assessed value by $15,000 for county taxes and $12,000 for school taxes. File with the Chatham County Board of Assessors at 912-652-7275 or chathamcountyga.gov. You need a Georgia driver's license or state ID showing the property address. The exemption is NOT automatic upon purchase — you must actively apply. Missing the April 1 deadline means paying a full year of taxes without the exemption benefit; there is no appeal mechanism for missed filings.

How long do I have to get a Georgia driver's license after moving to Savannah?

Georgia law requires new residents to obtain a Georgia driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency. Schedule at dds.georgia.gov — walk-in wait times are typically long; appointments are strongly recommended. You'll need your out-of-state license (which you surrender), proof of Georgia residency, and Social Security card. Your new Georgia license is also what you'll need for the homestead exemption application, so getting it promptly serves both purposes. Out-of-state licenses technically become invalid for Georgia use after 30 days of establishing Georgia residency.

How do I register my vehicle in Georgia after moving to Savannah?

Vehicle registration must be completed within 30 days of establishing Georgia residency. Go to the Chatham County Tag Office at 222 W. Oglethorpe Avenue with: your out-of-state title or lien documents, proof of Georgia insurance, your new Georgia driver's license, and payment for the Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT) — a one-time fee calculated as a percentage of your vehicle's fair market value. Budget for this expense before moving; it can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars depending on vehicle value. This is a one-time fee when first registering in Georgia, not an annual recurring tax.

How do I set up utilities when moving to Savannah, GA?

Key Savannah utility providers: Electricity — Georgia Power (georgiapower.com, most addresses); Natural gas — choose a supplier at georgiagasmarketplace.com; Water/sewer — City of Savannah for city-limit addresses (savannahga.gov, 912-651-6460); Internet — Comcast/Xfinity (primary coverage) or AT&T. Initiate all transfers 2–3 weeks before your closing date to ensure seamless coverage from day one. Island communities (Tybee Island, Wilmington Island) may have different providers — verify with your agent. Pest control with a termite bond is essential infrastructure in Savannah's climate — establish this in the first 30 days if not already in place.

How do I enroll my children in school after moving to Savannah?

Your home address determines which district and school serves your children. SCCPSS (Savannah-Chatham County Public School System) serves most Savannah and Chatham County addresses — enroll at sccpss.com with proof of residence, immunization records, birth certificate, and prior school records. Bryan County School District (top 10% in Georgia) serves Richmond Hill and Bryan County addresses — bryancountyschools.org. Effingham County has its own separate system. Magnet programs within SCCPSS (Garrison Arts, Savannah Arts Academy) have separate application processes with deadlines and waitlists — research these before you close if they're relevant to your plans.

What is the best time of year to move to Savannah?

Fall (October–November) and spring (March–May) are the most comfortable times to physically move to Savannah. Summer moves (June–September) involve 90–95°F heat with high humidity — physically demanding and often expensive due to peak mover demand. Fall moves benefit from cooling temperatures, lower moving company demand (sometimes lower rates), and settling in before the holidays. If moving in summer is unavoidable, schedule physical moving for early morning before 10am to take advantage of the cooler part of the day and ensure adequate hydration for everyone involved.

What should I know about flood insurance when moving to Savannah?

Standard homeowner's insurance does NOT cover flood damage — flood insurance is a separate policy. For properties in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas (Zones AE and VE), flood insurance is required by lenders and must be active on your closing date. Confirm coverage is in place before keys change hands. For Zone X (minimal risk) properties, flood insurance is optional but advisable given Savannah's coastal location. Under FEMA's Risk Rating 2.0 methodology, your premium as a new policyholder may differ significantly from what the seller was paying — get your own independent quote rather than assuming the seller's rate represents your future cost.

What are the biggest mistakes new Savannah homeowners make?

Most common new-homeowner mistakes in Savannah: (1) Missing the April 1 homestead exemption deadline — no exceptions exist; (2) Underestimating pest control urgency in Savannah's termite-active climate; (3) Missing the 30-day Georgia driver's license and vehicle registration deadlines; (4) Not scheduling HVAC service before summer heat arrives; (5) Assuming the prior owner's flood insurance premium represents their own future cost under Risk Rating 2.0; (6) Not locating water shutoff and electrical panel before needing them in an emergency; (7) Underestimating humidity management — running dehumidifiers in older Savannah properties prevents mold issues that are expensive to remediate; (8) Not changing locks immediately after closing.

Where is the Chatham County Tag Office for vehicle registration?

The Chatham County Tag Office is located at 222 W. Oglethorpe Avenue, Savannah, GA 31401. Hours and appointment availability can be verified at chathamcountyga.gov. Bring: your out-of-state vehicle title or lien documents, proof of Georgia insurance coverage, your new Georgia driver's license, and payment for the Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT). The TAVT is a one-time fee calculated as a percentage of the vehicle's fair market value when first registering in Georgia. Budget for this expense before moving, as it can be substantial for newer or higher-value vehicles.

Just closed on a Savannah home — or getting close?

Our team at Bare Real Estate has guided buyers through every step of the Savannah moving process — from choosing the right neighborhood to handling the post-closing logistics that most agents stop caring about once the deal is done. We're at 523 Jackson Blvd in Savannah and available at 912-777-2511.

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