Moving to The River Club should feel exciting, not overwhelming. You have a lot to juggle — a closing date, movers, utilities, HOA paperwork, and possibly school enrollment — and every missed detail can cost time or money. This guide gives you a clear, practical timeline tailored to Suwanee and Gwinnett County so you can plan with confidence and avoid last‑minute surprises. Let’s dive in.
Plan with the neighborhood in mind
Before you set dates, confirm you have the right community details. Several neighborhoods in Metro Atlanta use “River Club” in their name. Verify the exact community name, boundaries, and whether the property is part of a homeowners association or private club. Ask your agent or the HOA for written documents that outline how the community works.
Request these items in writing:
- CC&Rs, bylaws, and rules and regulations
- Current budget, reserve study, and recent meeting minutes
- Resale certificate or HOA disclosure pack, including any pending special assessments
- Dues amount and schedule, transfer or initiation fees, and amenity access rules
These documents clarify architectural controls, exterior modification approvals, rental policies, pet rules, parking, and closing fees that can affect your timing and costs.
Your relocation timeline
3–6 months out: Research and budget
- Confirm HOA details, dues, transfer fees, and whether club memberships are separate from HOA dues. Ask about guest access, parking rules, and exterior modification approvals.
- Review school attendance zones and enrollment steps with Gwinnett County Public Schools. Note required documents and any relevant deadlines.
- Map typical commutes to work and schools. Test drive routes during your expected travel times.
- Build your budget: moving quotes, homeowners insurance, utility connection fees, and any potential club initiation fees.
- Start decluttering and planning any post‑closing improvements. Book contractors early if you anticipate work right after closing.
1–3 months out: Contracts and scheduling
- Finalize lender, appraisal, and closing timeline with your agent. Confirm inspection and loan contingency dates in writing.
- Order inspections: general home, termite/wood‑destroying organisms, HVAC, roof, plumbing, and electrical. Add septic or well inspections if applicable.
- If the home is near a river or mapped floodplain, pull the property’s status using the FEMA Flood Map Service Center and price a flood insurance quote if needed.
- Request the HOA resale certificate or disclosure packet as early as possible. Review for dues, rules, violations, assessments, and transfer fees.
- Book a licensed, insured moving company. Secure written estimates and reserve your preferred date, especially for weekends.
- Start your change‑of‑address plan for banks, employers, subscriptions, and delivery services.
2–4 weeks out: Utilities and final prep
- Set up utilities at the new address and disconnections at your current home:
- Electric: Georgia Power
- Natural gas distribution: Atlanta Gas Light (select a retail gas provider as required)
- Water and sewer: verify service through Gwinnett County Government or the City of Suwanee, depending on jurisdiction
- Internet/TV: check address‑level availability with major providers and schedule installation
- Trash and recycling: confirm pickup day and bulk/yard‑waste rules with Gwinnett County or the City of Suwanee
- Confirm mover arrival time, loading zones, and any parking permits needed at both homes.
- Gather closing documents: government ID, homeowners insurance binder, proof of funds or wire instructions, HOA transfer paperwork.
- Pack non‑essentials and prepare an essentials box with documents, medications, chargers, and basic tools.
1 week to moving day: Final checks
- Complete your final walkthrough. Verify agreed repairs and contractor punch‑list items.
- Reconfirm utility start dates. Set thermostats appropriately to protect systems during hot or cold weather.
- Review moving‑day logistics with your movers. Share gate codes or access steps.
- At closing, collect keys, garage remotes, gate codes, and amenity access cards. Keep current HOA contacts and copies of all community documents.
First 30 days after move: Settle in
- Register with the HOA or club for community access and updates. Review rules to avoid violations.
- Update your driver’s license with the Georgia Department of Driver Services and vehicle registration with the Gwinnett County Tax Commissioner.
- Enroll children through the GCPS registration portal. Bring proof of residency, immunization records, birth certificate, and any custody documents if required.
- Confirm trash and recycling schedules, and set reminders for pickup days.
- Identify local medical providers, pharmacies, and pet care. Attend any new‑resident or HOA welcome sessions.
HOA and club due diligence checklist
Use this quick list to prevent delays and surprise costs:
- Governance: CC&Rs, bylaws, rules and regulations, architectural review process, approval timelines.
- Financial health: current budget, reserve study, recent meeting minutes, any pending special assessments.
- Fees: dues amount and schedule, transfer or initiation fees, amenity or club membership costs if separate from HOA dues.
- Use rules: rental restrictions, pet policies, parking and street parking guidelines, guest access for amenities.
- Resale certificate or disclosure pack: verify account status, violations, and any outstanding fines prior to closing.
Inspections and risk checks for Suwanee addresses
- Standard Georgia priorities: general home inspection and termite/WDO inspection.
- Systems and structure: HVAC, roof, plumbing, electrical, and a sewer scope for older lines if advised by your inspector.
- Environmental and site factors: consider a radon test and check drainage or erosion if the lot slopes or sits near natural areas.
- Flood awareness: confirm the address on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center. If mapped in a higher‑risk zone, a lender may require flood insurance.
Utilities and local services to confirm
Many services depend on whether your address falls within Suwanee city limits or unincorporated Gwinnett County. Verify by address and schedule in advance.
- Electric: start or transfer service with Georgia Power.
- Natural gas: distribution by Atlanta Gas Light. Select a retail gas supplier as required.
- Water and sewer: confirm service area through Gwinnett County Government or the City of Suwanee.
- Trash and recycling: check pickup day, cart sizes, bulk and yard‑waste rules with the county or city.
- Internet and TV: confirm address‑level availability and installation lead times.
What to bring to closing
- Government‑issued photo ID
- Certified funds or wire confirmation per your settlement statement
- Homeowners insurance binder or proof of coverage
- Executed HOA transfer or acknowledgement forms as required
- Proof of utility setup if requested by your lender
- A checklist of keys, remotes, gate and alarm codes you expect to receive
- Final walkthrough notes and contact information for the HOA or property manager
How we help
Relocating to a gated or club community requires careful timing and detail management. As a boutique, founder‑led team, we specialize in North Atlanta’s luxury neighborhoods and handle the moving pieces so you can focus on your transition. If you are selling, we can package pre‑listing preparation through Compass Concierge or explore private exposure with Compass Exclusives. If you are buying, we manage inspections, HOA due diligence, and vendor referrals on your schedule.
Ready to build a plan that fits your timeline? Book a Private Consultation with the Floyd Real Estate Group.
FAQs
What is a realistic timeline to relocate to The River Club in Suwanee?
- Many buyers plan 60 to 90 days from contract to move‑in, allowing time for inspections, appraisal, HOA review, utility scheduling, and a comfortable packing window.
How do I confirm school assignments for a River Club address in Gwinnett?
- Use the Gwinnett County Public Schools locator and registration guidance, and verify enrollment documents and any deadlines before you schedule a start date.
Who provides water, sewer, and trash service for River Club homes?
- It depends on jurisdiction; verify by address with Gwinnett County Government or the City of Suwanee, and confirm pickup day and any bulk or yard‑waste rules.
Do I need flood insurance for a home near a river or green space in Suwanee?
- Check the property’s FEMA flood map status using the Flood Map Service Center; if the home is in a higher‑risk zone, your lender may require flood insurance.
Which inspections are most important for Suwanee luxury homes?
- A general home inspection and termite/WDO are common in Georgia, with HVAC, roof, plumbing, electrical, and optional tests like radon or a sewer scope based on the home’s age and condition.
When should I schedule internet and utilities for a River Club move?
- Book internet installation 2 to 4 weeks in advance and plan 3 to 7 business days for electric, gas, and water setup through Georgia Power, Atlanta Gas Light, and your local provider.
Where do I update my driver’s license and vehicle registration after moving to Suwanee?
- Update your license with the Georgia Department of Driver Services and complete registration at the Gwinnett County Tax Commissioner tag office within a recommended 30 to 60 days.
