New to Reston and feeling the move-in crunch? Those first 30 days can fly by, especially when you are turning on utilities, learning new rules, and figuring out which passes you actually need. You want a clear plan so your lights, internet, trash pickup, and community access are all set without last-minute surprises. This guide walks you through a simple week-by-week checklist tailored to Reston, with who to contact, what to prepare, and what to expect. Let’s dive in.
Week 1: Set up essentials
Getting your core services running early keeps move day smooth. Line up accounts and appointments now so you can focus on unpacking.
Power, gas, water
Most Reston homes receive electricity from Dominion Energy Virginia and natural gas from Washington Gas. Potable water is provided by Fairfax Water, and wastewater service is managed by Fairfax County. You typically need a government ID, Social Security number or similar identification, your service address, and your move-in date to open accounts. Ask about activation timelines and whether same-day service is possible, and schedule start dates ahead of your move.
- Electricity: Start or transfer service with Dominion Energy Virginia. New-customer deposits may apply depending on credit.
- Natural gas: Contact Washington Gas if your home uses gas for heating, hot water, or cooking. Meter work and conversions can take longer, so ask about lead times.
- Water: Open a Fairfax Water account. Proof of ownership or tenancy and photo ID are commonly required.
Keep confirmation emails and account numbers in a single folder so you can reference them quickly.
Internet and phone
Major options in Reston include Comcast Xfinity and Verizon Fios, but availability is address specific. Use provider address tools to confirm options, then book your installation date as soon as you have a firm move date. Evening and weekend appointments can fill quickly.
Quick speed check before you order:
- Email and web browsing: 50–100 Mbps
- Video calls and streaming: 200–400 Mbps
- Smart home and heavy streaming or gaming: 500 Mbps or higher
Ask if a self-install kit is available to avoid waiting on a technician.
Trash and recycling
Trash and recycling in Fairfax County may be collected by the county or by a private hauler arranged by your HOA or condo association. Rules for yard waste, recycling separation, bulky item pickup, and holiday schedules vary by community. Confirm your specific pickup days and any container requirements so your first week’s trash is collected without a hitch.
Mail and security
Submit a USPS mail forwarding request and update your billing address for banks and credit cards. If your home has a security system, confirm account access and monitoring. Update or replace door codes, remotes, and any smart locks you inherited.
Week 2: Permits and parking
Once the boxes are off the truck, turn to near-term projects and any rules that could affect your plans.
County permits
If you are planning renovations or exterior work, check Fairfax County Land Development Services for building and zoning permit requirements. Many projects require permits and inspections, and larger projects may need plan review. If your project impacts setbacks, drainage, or impervious surfaces, expect additional approvals.
Common projects that often require permits:
- Building a deck or patio
- Installing a fence over certain heights
- Adding a permanent shed or outbuilding
- Pools and hot tubs
- Major HVAC or electrical changes
Always obtain permits before work begins to avoid delays or violations.
RA and HOA checks
Reston Association administers many community amenities and enforces covenants in certain neighborhoods. If your property is part of RA, you may need RA approval for visible exterior changes, and your HOA or condo association may have its own design guidelines and contractor rules. Get your HOA contact information, parking permit procedures, and exterior change approval steps early to avoid project delays.
Moving truck rules
For moving trucks that could block a street or curb, contact local authorities about short-term parking permissions or restrictions. This matters in neighborhoods with narrow streets or controlled parking. Check posted signage and your community rules before your next delivery or renovation dumpster arrives.
Week 3: Registrations and billing
With utilities and rules handled, turn to government registrations and long-term payment setup.
DMV and vehicles
New Virginia residents must obtain a Virginia driver’s license and register vehicles within the state’s published timeframe. Check the Virginia DMV for current deadlines and required documents. Bring proof of identity, Virginia residency, and vehicle title or registration when you go.
School enrollment
If you have children, begin Fairfax County Public Schools enrollment. You will typically need proof of residency, your child’s birth certificate, and immunization records. Starting this process in week 3 gives you time to gather documents and confirm school assignment.
Auto pay and taxes
Set up e-billing and auto-pay for your utilities and any HOA or condo dues. Review your property tax setup through Fairfax County and confirm whether taxes are escrowed with your mortgage or billed directly. Keeping billing paperless and automated helps you avoid missed payments during a busy move.
Week 4: Passes and follow-ups
Use your final week to secure community access and tie off loose ends from your previous address.
RA Resident ID and pools
If you are in a Reston Association community, register as an owner or renter and request a Resident ID for amenity access. Proof of residence or ownership and photo ID are usually required. Check RA for seasonal pool opening dates, guest policies, and any fees for passes or facility rentals.
Renters: Your landlord may need to register you with RA before you can obtain passes. Plan a few days for processing, especially during pool season.
Close old accounts
Verify final utility bills at your previous address and keep records of prorations and deposit returns. Save written proof of account openings, closings, and any deposits paid. These records are helpful if a bill arrives unexpectedly or you need to show move-in documentation later.
Permits and inspections
If you submitted permit applications, check status and schedule inspections as required. Simple trade permits may be issued within days, while larger structural projects often take longer due to plan review. Build extra time into your schedule for contractor coordination.
Documents and deposits
What to have ready
Gather these items before you call providers or visit offices:
- Government photo ID
- Proof of ownership or tenancy, such as a deed, settlement statement, or lease
- Social Security number or other ID for credit checks
- Payment method for deposits or auto pay
- For school enrollment: child’s birth certificate, immunization records, and proof of residency
- For RA passes: lease or deed, photo ID, and any required RA forms
Typical processing times
- Utility account openings: often same day to a few days; meter work or upgrades can take longer
- Internet installation: same day to several weeks depending on appointment availability
- Permits: from a few days for minor or trade permits to several weeks for projects requiring plan review
- RA passes: often within days, but processing can take longer during seasonal peaks
Deposits and fees vary by provider, credit, and project scope. Ask each agency for current amounts and whether deposits can be waived for auto pay or with proof of good payment history.
Project permit checklist
Use this quick reference before you schedule contractors or place orders:
- Fences: Check Fairfax County fence height rules and confirm RA and HOA covenants. County permits may be needed depending on location and height.
- Decks and patios: Many decks require permits and inspections. Confirm site impacts, such as setbacks or stormwater.
- Sheds and outbuildings: Often regulated by size and placement. Permits may be required.
- Pools and hot tubs: Permits and inspections are almost always required.
- Exterior paint and finishes: Typically governed by HOA or RA design review rather than county permits. Get written approval before work begins.
- Trees and landscaping: Large tree removals may need approval, and grading or stormwater changes may require county review.
When in doubt, contact Fairfax County Land Development Services and your HOA or RA to confirm what applies to your address and property type.
Community extras
Round out your first month with a few local must-dos:
- Library cards: Visit Fairfax County Public Library to get your card and access digital resources.
- Parks and trails: Explore Reston’s trail network and community amenities managed by Reston Association.
- Transit and commuting: Review local transit options and passes that fit your commute.
- Recreation centers: Check schedules and memberships for fitness, classes, and swim programs.
These small steps help you settle in and meet neighbors while you learn your new routines.
Save this quick contact list
Use this list when you make your calls or online requests:
- Electric: Dominion Energy Virginia
- Natural gas: Washington Gas
- Water: Fairfax Water; wastewater is managed by Fairfax County
- Trash and recycling: Fairfax County Solid Waste or your HOA/condo hauler
- Permits: Fairfax County Land Development Services
- Schools: Fairfax County Public Schools
- DMV: Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
- Property tax: Fairfax County Department of Tax Administration
- Community amenities and covenants: Reston Association
Keep your notes, confirmation numbers, and appointment dates in one place so you can track what is complete and what is pending.
Your first month, organized
You will feel at home faster when you tackle the essentials in a clear order. Start utilities and internet before move day, confirm trash and parking rules in week 1, and handle permits and approvals in week 2. Use week 3 for DMV tasks, school enrollment, and billing setup, then finish with RA passes and follow-ups in week 4. A little planning goes a long way toward a smooth, low-stress start in Reston.
If you would like local guidance as you settle in or you are planning a future move, the team at Marnie Schaar & Associates is here to help with buyer and seller representation throughout Reston and nearby Northern Virginia communities. Request a complimentary home valuation to plan your next steps with confidence.
FAQs
Who provides utilities in Reston?
- Electricity is typically Dominion Energy Virginia, natural gas is usually Washington Gas, potable water is Fairfax Water, and trash and recycling may be through Fairfax County or a private HOA or condo hauler.
How do I get Reston Association amenity access?
- Confirm your property’s RA status, register as an owner or renter, and bring proof of residence or ownership and photo ID to obtain a Resident ID and any seasonal pool passes.
Which projects need permits in Fairfax County?
- Decks, permanent sheds, pools or spas, major HVAC or electrical changes, and some fences often require permits, with additional RA or HOA approvals for exterior changes.
When must I get a Virginia license and register my car?
- New residents must follow the Virginia DMV’s published timeframe for obtaining a VA driver’s license and vehicle registration, with required proof of identity and residency.
How soon should I schedule internet installation?
- Book as soon as you have a move date because appointment windows can fill quickly, and ask about self-install kits to reduce wait times.
Who do I contact for service emergencies?
- For electric issues contact Dominion Energy; for gas leaks contact Washington Gas and move to a safe location before calling; for water main breaks contact Fairfax Water or Fairfax County, and call 911 for immediate danger.