Moving day in a new town can feel like a juggling act. You are managing boxes, keys, and a dozen phone calls at once. If Greenwood, Nebraska is your new home, a clear checklist will save you time and stress. In this guide, you will find who to call first, what documents to have ready, the permits to double-check, and a simple timeline that keeps day one smooth. Let’s dive in.
Start with the Village Office
Your fastest path to the right utility providers is the Village Office or Clerk. In many small Nebraska villages, the clerk can confirm who handles water, sewer, public works, and local trash service. Start here to avoid runaround and delays.
What to ask the Village Clerk
- Does the village manage water and sewer, and how do I open or transfer the account?
- Who is the electric provider for my exact address?
- Who handles trash and recycling pickup, and what day is collection?
- Is there a local occupancy or transfer notice I need to file?
- Who do I call for after-hours water or sewer emergencies?
Quick call script: “Hello, I’m moving to [your Greenwood address] on [date]. Can you confirm who provides water, sewer, electric, and trash service at this address, and what I need to set up each account?”
Documents to have ready
- Photo ID
- Proof of ownership (deed) or lease agreement
- Social Security number or last 4 digits
- Mailing address and preferred billing email
- Bank info if you want autopay
Tip: Ask about any deposits, connection or transfer fees, and the earliest turn-on date. Keep confirmation numbers in one place.
Set up essential utilities
Provider territories can vary by street, so confirm each one for your address through the village office or recent seller utility bills.
Electricity
- Likely served by a public power district or cooperative. Confirm the exact provider and account setup steps.
- Ask about deposit policies, new service applications, and meter reading schedules.
- Request the emergency or after-hours outage number.
Questions to ask:
- “What documents do you need to open my account?”
- “When is the soonest service start date?”
- “Is there a refundable deposit, and when is it returned?”
Water and sewer
- Many villages manage these services directly. Confirm if you need to complete a village form to open or transfer service.
- Ask how to report water leaks or sewer backups after hours.
- Confirm billing frequency and payment options.
Trash and recycling
- Some villages contract curbside pickup, others ask residents to choose a private hauler. Confirm which applies to your address.
- Ask your pickup day, container rules, bulk item procedures, and how to handle yard waste or hazardous materials.
Internet and phone
- Availability is address-specific. Rural Nebraska homes may see fiber, DSL, fixed wireless, satellite, or cellular options.
- Check availability by address as early as possible. Appointments can book out days to weeks.
- If you work from home, ask about speeds, data caps, and installation lead times.
Call script: “Hi, I’m moving to [Greenwood address]. Can you check availability and installation timelines for internet at this location?”
Natural gas or propane
- Many rural homes use propane delivered by private vendors. Confirm whether your property has a buried tank, leased tank, or piped natural gas.
- If propane, ask about safety checks, tank ownership, and delivery schedules.
Cable and TV
- Often bundled with internet providers. Confirm local options and whether you need a separate install.
Permits and who handles them
Before you add a deck, bring in a shed, or change a driveway, verify permit needs. In Cass County, several offices may be involved depending on the work.
Cass County offices to know
- Planning, Zoning, and Building: permits for new construction, additions, accessory buildings, decks, and structural changes.
- Environmental Health or County Sanitarian: permits and inspections for onsite wastewater systems (septic) and related health concerns.
- County Road Department: driveway or right-of-way access permits on county roads.
- Floodplain Administrator or Zoning Official: floodplain checks and development permits in regulated areas.
State agencies to reference, depending on your project:
- Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE): guidance and rules for private wells and septic systems.
- Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services: environmental health regulations and guidance.
- Nebraska Department of Transportation: access permits if your driveway connects to a state highway.
- Nebraska Game and Parks: conservation-related questions for unique sites.
Common permits to check
- Building permit: structural changes, new builds, additions, decks, and major remodels.
- Electrical permit/inspection: any new wiring or service change.
- Plumbing permit/inspection: new plumbing or changes to existing systems.
- Septic permit: new onsite systems, repairs, or changes in use.
- Well permit: new private wells and related work.
- Driveway/access permit: work affecting a county or state road access.
- Demolition permit: removal of structures.
- Floodplain development permit: any work in regulated flood zones.
What to prepare for permit applications
- Property deed or sale contract with the address
- A simple site plan and contractor plans, if applicable
- Contractor contact information
- Any past permit records the seller provided
Tip: Verify permit requirements and fees with county offices before you start work. Fee schedules can change, and small projects still need approval.
Emergency and civic services
Know how to reach help and where to go before you need it. Program these into your phone and place a printed list on the fridge.
- Law enforcement: Many small villages are covered by the Cass County Sheriff. Confirm emergency and non-emergency numbers.
- Fire and EMS: Greenwood is often served by a local volunteer fire district and regional ambulance service. Ask the village who responds to your address.
- Medical care: Identify your nearest hospital and urgent care. Save the address and directions.
- Poison control: Save the national poison control number in your phone and post it in the kitchen.
Mail, DMV, voter registration, and schools
A few quick steps will keep your household organized from the start.
- USPS and mailbox: Confirm if your address uses a roadside box, cluster box, or post office pickup. Ask about mailbox keys and mail forwarding.
- Nebraska DMV: New residents should update their driver’s license and vehicle registration according to Nebraska timelines. Find the nearest DMV and plan a visit within your first week.
- Voter registration: Update your registration with the Cass County election office or county clerk.
- Schools: Identify the local school district for your address and ask about enrollment steps, required documents, and boundary maps.
- Library and community centers: Locate the nearest branch for a library card and community calendars.
Day-one to first-month timeline
Stay on track with this simple plan.
Before your move
- Call the Village Office to confirm providers for water, sewer, electric, and trash.
- Schedule internet installation.
- Confirm mailbox location and key pickup.
- Ask the seller for recent utility bills and final meter reads.
Day 0 to Day 1
- Open or transfer utility accounts and confirm activation dates.
- Pick up mailbox keys if needed.
- Save emergency and non-emergency numbers for sheriff, fire, and public works.
- Photograph meter readings for electric, water, and gas or propane.
Days 1 to 7
- Update driver’s license and vehicle registration with the Nebraska DMV.
- Update voter registration.
- Set trash and recycling pickup reminders.
- Start any needed school enrollment.
First month
- Confirm any permit needs for planned projects, then schedule inspections.
- Register for local library and community alerts.
- Review first utility bills for correct meter reads and prorated charges.
Ongoing
- Keep copies of account numbers, confirmation emails, and permit receipts.
- Add reminders for seasonal services like propane fills or bulky trash days.
Quick troubleshooting
If the Village Office is closed or you cannot reach someone, try these steps:
- Check with Cass County offices for utility guidance, permits, or floodplain questions.
- Contact the county assessor for the most recent owner-of-record and parcel details.
- If you cannot confirm an internet provider, start with multiple types: fiber or DSL, fixed wireless, satellite, and cellular hotspots.
- For septic or well records, ask the seller for prior inspections or permits, then contact the county sanitarian.
Tip: When in doubt, ask, “Which office issues this permit, and what is the first step?” It keeps calls short and effective.
Move-in day kit
A small kit on the counter saves time.
- Copies of your ID, deed or lease, and a folder for confirmations
- Phone charger, flashlight, and fresh batteries
- Painter’s tape and a marker for quick labels
- Tool for opening boxes and measuring tape
- Notepad with your account numbers and emergency contacts
Ready to settle in?
If you want a smooth Greenwood transition with a local team in your corner, our agents can help you plan timelines, coordinate inspections, and connect you with trusted local resources. Whether you are buying, selling, relocating, or planning a remodel, Avid Realty is here to help you move with confidence. Schedule a Consultation and let us know your move-in date and priorities.
FAQs
How do I start utilities for a Greenwood address?
- Begin with the Village Office or Clerk to confirm who provides water, sewer, electric, and trash for your exact address, then open accounts with each provider.
Who handles police services in Greenwood?
- Many small villages are covered by the Cass County Sheriff for law enforcement; confirm emergency and non-emergency numbers for your address.
Do I need a permit for a fence, shed, or deck?
- Often yes, depending on size and placement; contact Cass County Planning and Building to confirm rules before you purchase materials or start work.
What should I do if the home has a septic system or well?
- Ask the seller for records and recent inspections, then contact the county sanitarian or the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy for guidance.
How can I check if my property is in a floodplain?
- Contact the county floodplain administrator or zoning office and verify floodplain maps before closing or starting any improvements.
How soon can I get internet installed in Greenwood?
- It depends on the provider and technology available at your address; check availability early and schedule installation as soon as you have your move date.
What documents do utilities usually require to open an account?
- Be ready to provide a photo ID, deed or lease, Social Security number or last 4 digits, and a billing email or mailing address, plus deposit if required.
Where do I update my driver’s license and vehicle registration?
- Visit the Nebraska DMV to update your license and registration as a new resident; find the nearest office and plan your visit within your first week.
