Moving to Gorham soon? The right timeline turns moving-day stress into a calm, organized arrival. Between utilities, trash rules, and town requirements, it is easy to miss a step. Use this week-by-week plan tailored to Gorham so you set up CMP power, internet, trash service, school enrollment, and taxes on time. Let’s dive in.
Your Gorham move timeline
6 to 8 weeks out: big setup
- Call Central Maine Power to start or transfer electric service and confirm if any meter work is needed. Simple transfers are often quick, but new service requires coordination with CMP’s New Service team. Start early via the CMP moving page: Central Maine Power moving.
- Check address-level internet options and schedule installation. Spectrum covers most of Gorham and fiber has been expanding in town. Confirm serviceability and book an appointment through a coverage lookup: Gorham internet providers.
- Book your mover and get a written estimate. If you expect a very large truck or container, note the street occupancy guidance in the permits section below.
- Confirm heating type and supplier. Many homes use oil or propane, while heat pumps are increasingly common. If fuel is delivered, set up or transfer the account so you are not caught short.
3 to 4 weeks out: admin and services
- Set up USPS mail forwarding. Online requests can start in about 3 business days, but allow up to two weeks for full forwarding: USPS mail forwarding.
- Plan your driver’s-license and vehicle updates. Maine law requires you to notify the BMV of an address change within 30 days: Maine BMV address update.
- Get ready for your first curbside pickup. Gorham uses town trash tags and single-stream recycling. New residents can pick up one free recycling bin from Public Works or the Town Clerk. Review rules, pickup timing, and where to buy tags: Gorham trash and recycling.
- If internet is essential for work or school, confirm your install date and equipment. Fiber appointments can fill quickly near new buildouts.
1 to 2 weeks out: confirm details
- Coordinate final meter reads and the electric service handoff with the seller and CMP so power is active on move day.
- If you need to reserve curb space or manage truck staging, contact the Town for guidance on temporary street use. Start with the Town Clerk’s permits page for Police and Public Works contacts: Licenses and permits.
- Enrolling children? Start school registration now so records and proof of residency are in place before the first day: Gorham School Department info.
Move week and day: execution
- Have trash and recycling at the curb by 7:00 a.m. on your pickup day. Attach a town trash tag to each bag.
- Moving in winter? Gorham enforces an overnight public-road parking ban from Nov 1 to May 1 between midnight and 6 a.m. Plan truck parking accordingly and check any storm advisories.
- Do a final walk-through to verify utilities, heating fuel levels, and internet activation. Keep pathways clear for movers and note the first trash day on your block.
1 to 4 weeks after: wrap up
- Update your Maine driver’s license and vehicle registration within 30 days: Maine BMV address update.
- If you have not yet, pick up your free recycling bin from Public Works or the Town Clerk. Buy extra bins if needed.
- If you plan to vote locally or need vital records or licensing, the Town Clerk can help with registrations and forms.
Municipal must-knows
Trash and recycling basics
Gorham’s curbside program uses town trash tags sold at local retailers and municipal offices. Recycling is single-stream. Set carts and tagged bags at the curb by 7:00 a.m. on your collection day. New residents can pick up one free recycling bin from Public Works or the Town Clerk. Get current details and purchase locations here: Gorham trash and recycling.
Parking and street use
If your move requires reserving curb space or affects traffic, contact Gorham Police or Public Works for guidance and any needed permits. Start here: Licenses and permits. From Nov 1 to May 1, there is no parking on public roads between midnight and 6 a.m., which can affect overnight truck staging.
Taxes and closing timing
Gorham’s property tax bills are issued in the fall and typically due in two installments, often mid-November and mid-May. The owner of record as of April 1 receives the bill, so confirm proration and responsibility during your closing. For tax timelines and exemptions, see: Assessing and tax information.
Water, sewer, wells, and septic
Confirm whether your property is on public sewer and water or served by a private well and septic. The Town Clerk provides sewer and billing information for connected areas, while other parts of Gorham rely on private systems. Review local sewer info and who to contact: Town Clerk: tax and sewer.
Utilities and connectivity
Electricity setup with CMP
Start or transfer service early so power is on before you arrive. If you are buying new construction or completing major work, ask CMP if any meter or service coordination is required. Learn how to start, stop, or transfer service: Central Maine Power moving.
Internet and cable
Spectrum cable is widely available in Gorham, and fiber service has been expanding to many addresses. Check your exact address and schedule installation as soon as you have a firm move date: Gorham internet providers.
Heat and delivered fuel
Verify how the home is heated and whether a fuel account exists. If oil or propane is delivered, contact a local supplier to create or transfer the account and schedule a fill if needed. If the home uses heat pumps, confirm service history and filter changes.
Schools and family setup
Gorham Schools outlines enrollment steps, needed documents, and school-year calendars. Gather proof of residency and school health records, including required immunizations for K–12, and start enrollment well before your child’s first day. Begin here: Gorham School Department info.
New build or renovation checks
If you are moving into a newly built or substantially renovated home, confirm that all required inspections are complete and that a certificate of occupancy has been issued when applicable. Contact Code Enforcement to schedule any final inspections or to confirm status: Request inspections.
Quick checklist
- Call CMP to start or transfer electricity and confirm any meter work.
- Check internet availability and book installation for your move date.
- File USPS mail forwarding and notify banks and subscriptions.
- Buy Gorham trash tags and pick up your free recycling bin.
- Coordinate any street occupancy needs with Police/Public Works.
- Confirm final meter reads and utility handoffs with the seller.
- Update your Maine driver’s license and vehicle registration within 30 days.
- Enroll children with Gorham Schools and submit required records.
Settling into Gorham should feel simple and predictable. If you are planning a purchase or sale and want local guidance backed by appraisal-level pricing insight, reach out to The Moulton Group RE for a smooth, well-timed move.
FAQs
How do I start electric service in Gorham before closing?
- Contact CMP to start or transfer service and align activation with your closing date. Simple transfers are often quick; new service or meter work requires coordination: Central Maine Power moving.
How early should I book internet in Gorham?
- Check address availability and reserve an install as soon as your move date is set. Spectrum covers most of Gorham and fiber has been expanding, but schedules fill quickly: Gorham internet providers.
What do I need for my first trash pickup in Gorham?
- Buy town trash tags, attach one to each bag, and place trash and single-stream recycling at the curb by 7:00 a.m. New residents can pick up one free recycling bin: Gorham trash and recycling.
When are Gorham property taxes due and who pays at closing?
- Bills are issued in the fall and typically due mid-November and mid-May. The owner of record as of April 1 receives the bill, so confirm proration and responsibility during closing: Assessing and tax information.
Do I need a permit to park a moving truck on my street in Gorham?
- If your move affects traffic or requires reserving curb space, contact the Town for guidance and any required permits. Start here for contacts: Licenses and permits.
