From Licenses to Utilities—Everything You Need to Know to Settle In with Ease

So, you’ve made the decision to move to Myrtle Beach—first of all, welcome! Whether you’re trading snow boots for flip-flops, starting fresh by the sea, or just relocating down the coast, moving to a new place comes with its own set of to-dos.

As someone who helps folks make the Grand Strand their home every single day, I know how overwhelming it can be to get everything squared away. That’s why I’ve put together this handy moving checklist to help you get settled in Myrtle Beach with as little stress as possible.

✅ 1. Update Your Address

Before the beach chairs and boxes even hit the porch, make sure your mail knows where to find you.

• Change your address at USPS.com (you can forward mail for up to 12 months).
  
  

• Update your address with:

  • Banks and credit card companies

  • Insurance providers

  • Subscription services

  • Online shopping accounts (hello, Amazon)

  • Friends and family (yes, your aunt still sends birthday cards)

✅ 2. Get a South Carolina Driver’s License

You’ll need to update your license within 45 days of moving. Here's how to get it done:

• Visit your local SCDMV office. Closest locations include:

  • 1330 Howard Parkway, Myrtle Beach, SC

  • 107 Highway 57 North, Little River, SC
    

• Bring the following:

  • Proof of identity (your current out-of-state license will work in most cases)

  • Proof of social security number

  • Two proofs of South Carolina residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement will do)
    

• Be prepared to take a vision test. (No written or road test if you’re transferring a valid license.)

✅ 3. Register Your Vehicle

South Carolina requires you to register your vehicle within 45 days of establishing residency. Do this after updating your license.

What You’ll Need:

• South Carolina driver’s license

• Proof of ownership (vehicle title)

• Insurance from a SC-licensed insurer

• Payment for title and registration fees (bring your checkbook or card just in case)

• Vehicle property tax receipt (you’ll pay this to the county treasurer before registration—this is where it trips people up!)

Where to Go:

• Horry County Treasurer’s Office – Pay vehicle taxes

• SCDMV – Register your car after paying those taxes

✅ 4. Set Up Utilities

You don’t want to move into your beautiful new home and realize you can’t take a hot shower or charge your phone. Plan ahead by getting your utilities turned on early—ideally a few days before move-in.

Common Utility Providers in the Myrtle Beach Area:

• Electric:

  • Santee Cooper – santeecooper.com

  • Horry Electric Cooperative – horryelectric.com
    

• Water & Sewer:

  • Grand Strand Water & Sewer Authority – gswsa.com
    

• Gas:

  • Dominion Energy – dominionenergy.com
    

• Trash/Recycling:

  • City of Myrtle Beach Solid Waste Services
    

• Internet & Cable:

  • Spectrum, HTC, or AT&T (availability varies by neighborhood)
    

Pro tip: Bundle your internet and TV for better rates, and don’t forget to ask about local promotions for new customers.

✅ 5. Enroll the Kids in School

If you’re moving with children, school enrollment is likely at the top of your list. Myrtle Beach is part of Horry County Schools, one of the largest and most respected districts in the state.

What You’ll Need:

• Birth certificate

• Immunization records

• Proof of residency (lease, mortgage, or utility bill)

• Previous school transcripts/report cards

Visit horrycountyschools.net to find your zoned school and complete enrollment online.

And yes, there are plenty of great charter and private school options too if you’re looking for something a little different.

✅ 6. Get to Know the Area

Once the boxes are unpacked and the Wi-Fi’s working, it’s time to explore!

• Grab a local park pass – Myrtle Beach State Park and Huntington Beach State Park are both gems. You’ll thank me later.

• Bookmark a tide chart – It’ll come in handy whether you’re planning beach days or fishing trips.

• Find your go-tos – From your favorite coffee shop to your go-to grocery store, discovering your local favorites is half the fun.
  

Need help? I’ve got a full list of local recommendations coming soon—from hair salons and dog groomers to sunset spots and seafood joints.

✅ 7. Watch Out for These Common Moving Pitfalls

Let’s be honest—relocation isn’t all sunshine and waves. Here are a few traps to avoid:

• Waiting too long to update vehicle info. It’s easy to put off, but there are penalties if you go past the deadline.

• Underestimating HOA rules. Some neighborhoods have strict guidelines on everything from parking to paint colors—know the rules before you move in.

• Assuming “Myrtle Beach” means one thing. The Grand Strand is made up of many different communities. Where you live within Myrtle Beach can completely shape your experience.

• Forgetting about hurricane season. Get familiar with evacuation routes, sign up for emergency alerts, and review your homeowner’s insurance.

✅ Final Tip: Find a Local You Trust

Whether you’re buying, renting, or still browsing, having someone local to guide you makes a world of difference. I’m here to answer your questions, connect you to the right people, and help you feel at home—because moving to Myrtle Beach shouldn’t be stressful. It should be exciting, freeing, and full of possibility.

If you’re still figuring out your next steps or just want to chat about neighborhoods, give me a call. I’m here for you—turning houses into homes, one sale at a time.

Need help finding a home or planning your move? I’ve got resources, referrals, and real-life advice to help make your transition smooth as a summer wave.

Stay tuned for more local guides coming soon. And again—welcome to the beach. You’re going to love it here.