After finishing your move to Newark, DE, you might feel like you can finally relax. However, moving in the U.S. doesn't end with unpacking.

You'll suddenly have a list of tasks to tackle, from electricity and internet to driver's licenses, vehicle registration, and changing your address. It's best to prioritize and handle them one by one.

The first things to take care of are utilities like electricity, water, and gas. In Newark, the provider can vary depending on your address. Especially within the city limits of Newark, some addresses receive services from the city, so don't assume it's a specific company; it's best to check with your new address first.

You should also apply for internet service quickly. In today's world, it's manageable if the refrigerator arrives a day late, but if the internet is down, it can cause chaos for the whole family. If you work from home, it's even more critical. As soon as your moving date is set, check which internet providers are available at your new address and schedule an installation date.

Next, focus on your driver's license and vehicle. If you've moved from another state to Delaware, it's wise not to delay DMV tasks. Delaware has deadlines for new residents to obtain their driver's licenses and register their vehicles, so if you wait until two months after moving, you might feel rushed.

You should also verify your car insurance based on your new address. In the U.S., car insurance rates can vary by location, and you need to meet Delaware's insurance requirements during the vehicle registration process. Just inform your current insurance company about your move and check if you can continue your policy in Delaware.

Make sure to change your address all at once. Submit a mail forwarding request to USPS and update your address with important places like banks, credit cards, car insurance, health insurance, your workplace HR, and your mobile phone provider. Don't forget to change your address with online shopping sites as well. It's easy to accidentally have packages delivered to your old home.

For families with children, school registration is a priority. In the U.S., assigned schools often depend on your address, so it's safest to check with the school district to see which school corresponds to your new address. Preparing necessary documents like vaccination records, previous school transcripts, and proof of residency in advance will make registration much smoother.

After that, you can familiarize yourself with your new neighborhood. It's good to know where the nearest supermarket and pharmacy are, where to find urgent care, and which hospital to go to in case of a major emergency. It's reassuring to know that there's a large hospital called Christiana Hospital nearby in Newark.

It's also a good idea to get a library card. Public libraries in the U.S. are not just for borrowing books; they offer e-books and various online resources, which can be quite useful for families with children.

If you're part of the Korean community, it can be helpful to find local Korean churches or community groups in Delaware. Even if you don't attend church, asking someone who has lived there longer about where to buy Korean groceries or if there are services available in Korean can be the quickest way to get information.

Ultimately, the first month in Newark isn't a time for sightseeing.

Connecting utilities and internet, handling DMV tasks, changing your address, enrolling your child in school, and knowing the locations of hospitals and supermarkets will cover most of the big tasks.

The first week might be hectic, but once you finish these tasks one by one, you'll find yourself sitting on the sofa in your new home, thinking.

"Wow, I really moved in now."