New Resident Setup at Old Orchard: Utilities and Parking

Moving to Old Orchard in Valencia? The first week can feel like a whirlwind of utilities, mail keys, trash days, and parking rules. You want to settle in without surprises or fines, and you don’t want your internet or power delayed. This guide walks you through the essential setup for Old Orchard so you can get connected, park confidently, and enjoy your new home. Let’s dive in.

Your first-week game plan

Start with a simple timeline so nothing slips through the cracks. Use the steps below and keep your escrow documents and HOA packet handy.

Before move day

• Start or transfer electricity, gas, water, and internet.
• File your USPS change of address and confirm mailbox key pickup.
• Contact your HOA management for parking rules and any vehicle registration forms.
• Check with the City about temporary moving or curb permits if you need street space for a truck.

Day 0–1 (move‑in day)

• Locate main shutoffs: water, gas, and electrical panel.
• Confirm electricity and gas are operating safely; call providers if not.
• Retrieve your mailbox key from the local post office or confirm pickup.
• If possible, meet or email the HOA manager for gate codes or amenity access.

Day 2–3

• Complete internet installation or self‑install.
• Confirm trash, recycling, and organics pickup day and cart storage rules.
• Register vehicles with the HOA and get guest permits if required.

Day 4–7

• Update your address with banks, insurance, employer, DMV, and voter registration.
• Set up HOA dues autopay and note the payment cycle.
• Schedule bulky‑item pickup if needed and review organics sorting rules.

Set up essential utilities

Old Orchard is in Valencia within the City of Santa Clarita, and most core utilities are handled by regional providers. Services can vary block by block, so always confirm using your address.

Electricity

• Primary provider: Southern California Edison.
• Start or transfer service online using your new address.
• Be ready to provide ID, lease or escrow documents, and possibly a deposit.
• If the home has solar, notify SCE to confirm interconnection paperwork and meter settings.
• If power is off and you suspect a hazard, call SCE and do not access the meter or panel yourself.

Natural gas

• Provider: Southern California Gas Company.
• Start or transfer service online or by phone. Have ID and proof of residency ready.
• If you smell gas or suspect a leak, leave the area and call SoCalGas immediately. If there is an immediate hazard, call 911.
• If pilot lights need relighting or appliances need assistance, ask SoCalGas or a qualified technician for guidance.

Water and sewer

• Water service in Valencia may be handled by the City or a local district. Verify your provider using your escrow packet, property tax documents, or by contacting the City of Santa Clarita.
• Water bills may include sewer, stormwater, or refuse fees depending on the jurisdiction. Ask about billing cycles and autopay options.
• Check for active drought rules or conservation tiers.

Internet, cable, and phone

• Major options typically include Spectrum and AT&T, with availability varying by address.
• Use provider websites to confirm service, speeds, and install dates. Many new setups need a technician appointment; some allow self‑install.
• Check the home’s wiring and your HOA rules on exterior antennas or satellite dishes before any mounting.

Mail, mailbox keys, and address changes

USPS change of address and forwarding

• File your change of address online through the USPS change‑of‑address portal or at your local post office.
• Forwarding typically covers First‑Class Mail for up to 12 months and magazines for 60 days.

Cluster mailboxes and keys

• Old Orchard neighborhoods commonly use centralized cluster boxes.
• USPS assigns your mailbox and issues keys. If keys are not provided at closing, contact the local post office for pickup or replacement. A small fee may apply for new keys or a lock change.

Package delivery

• USPS, UPS, FedEx, and Amazon may deliver differently. Some packages go to your porch, others to lockers or require a signature. Follow any HOA rules about packages in common areas.

Update your address with key accounts

• Prioritize banks, insurance, employer/payroll, subscriptions, and voter registration.
• Update your California driver’s license and vehicle registration online through the DMV.

Trash, recycling, organics, and bulky items

Trash and recycling service in Santa Clarita may be contracted by the City or managed through your HOA’s selected hauler. Confirm your provider and pickup day using the City of Santa Clarita website or your HOA packet.

Organics collection (SB 1383)

• California law requires jurisdictions to provide organic waste collection. Expect a system for food scraps and green waste.
• Review local guidelines for what goes in each cart. To understand the statewide program, see CalRecycle’s SB 1383 overview.

Pickup days and rules

• Find your pickup schedule by entering your address on the City or hauler website.
• Learn accepted materials and contamination rules to avoid fines or service issues.
• Ask whether trash costs appear on your water or HOA bill, or as a separate invoice.

Bulky‑item and hazardous waste

• Bulky items usually require scheduling and may have limits or fees. Some HOAs offer periodic bulky pickup.
• Hazardous waste like paint, batteries, and electronics cannot go in regular trash. Check City or County resources for drop‑off options.

Parking rules, moving‑day logistics, and permits

Parking in Old Orchard involves a mix of HOA policies and City rules. Review both before you park or bring in a moving truck.

HOA parking basics

• Expect guidelines on where residents park, guest parking limits, and any required decals or hangtags.
• Many HOAs limit long‑term street parking, RVs, boats, trailers, and visibly commercial vehicles. Request guest or temporary permits as needed.
• Find the full policy in your HOA CC&Rs, rules and regulations, or a parking addendum.

Registering vehicles and guest permits

• If the HOA requires it, register your vehicles with the management company and get decals or guest passes.
• Keep the HOA’s after‑hours contact handy in case of parking issues.

Towing and enforcement

• HOAs must follow state and local rules for towing from private property, including signage and notice requirements. For public streets, the City enforces municipal code.
• If your vehicle is towed, contact the HOA manager first to confirm the reason, then local authorities if needed.

Moving trucks, curb space, and street sweeping

• If you need to reserve curb space or set up temporary no‑parking signs for a moving truck, check with the City of Santa Clarita for available permits.
• Always check street‑sweeping signs and posted no‑parking hours to avoid tickets.

Work with your HOA from day one

Your HOA is your best source for community‑specific details. Confirm how to access documents and get quick help.

Documents and contacts to request

• HOA management contact info, portal URL, and emergency line.
• Resale packet with CC&Rs, bylaws, rules and regulations, meeting minutes, financials, and insurance summaries.
• Parking policy, vehicle registration forms, and guest permit procedures.
• Trash/recycling/organics rules, cart storage guidelines, and pickup day.
• Architectural guidelines for any exterior changes or satellite dishes.

Billing and payments

• Ask about dues frequency and how to set up autopay.
• Confirm any transfer fees, special assessments, or upcoming changes.

Communication and records

• Save portal logins and key contacts.
• Keep copies of your transfer certificate and proof of any move‑in fees.

Safety first: utilities and shutoffs

• Locate your main water shutoff, gas valve, and electrical panel.
• Label them and make sure all adults in the home know how to access them.
• For gas leaks, call SoCalGas and 911 if there is an immediate hazard.
• For electrical hazards or outages, contact SCE and do not access equipment you are not trained to handle.

Quick copy‑and‑send messages

Use these short templates to save time during your first week.

To your HOA manager (parking and portal)

Hello [Manager Name], We’ve moved into [Property Address] in Old Orchard. Could you please share the parking policy, vehicle registration process, guest permit details, and HOA portal link so we can set up payments? Thank you.

To the local post office (mailbox keys)

Hello, We’re the new residents at [Property Address], Valencia. Could you confirm our cluster mailbox number and the process to pick up or replace keys? Thank you.

To your trash hauler or City help desk (pickup day)

Hello, We’re confirming trash, recycling, and organics pickup days and cart guidelines for [Property Address] in Old Orchard, Valencia. Please advise. Thank you.

Printable 7‑day checklist

• Utilities: Start/transfer electricity with SCE; gas with SoCalGas; confirm water provider with the City of Santa Clarita; schedule internet with Spectrum or AT&T.
• USPS: File your change of address; pick up cluster mailbox keys.
• HOA: Get CC&Rs, parking rules, portal access, and amenity info; set up dues autopay.
• Trash and organics: Confirm pickup days; review SB 1383 guidelines; schedule bulky pickup if needed.
• Parking: Register vehicles and obtain guest permits; verify street‑sweeping days and any City permits for moving trucks.
• Safety: Locate main shutoffs; save provider and HOA emergency contacts.
• Address updates: Banks, insurance, subscriptions, voter registration, and the DMV.

Ready for a smooth start?

If you want local, step‑by‑step guidance as you settle into Old Orchard or plan your next move in Santa Clarita, reach out. We’re here to simplify the details, connect you with the right resources, and help you feel at home quickly. Schedule a Free Consultation with Premier Real Estate Partners to get personalized support.

FAQs

Who provides electricity and gas in Valencia’s Old Orchard?

• Electricity is typically with Southern California Edison and natural gas with Southern California Gas Company. Confirm by entering your address on each provider’s website.

How do I find my trash and recycling pickup day in Old Orchard?

• Use the City of Santa Clarita website or your HOA’s hauler information to confirm the schedule and accepted materials.

Where do I get my cluster mailbox key after closing?

• Contact the local post office that serves your address. USPS assigns mailbox keys and can replace them if needed, usually for a small fee.

Do I need a permit to park a moving truck on my street?

• Check with the City of Santa Clarita about temporary permits or posted restrictions. Always observe street‑sweeping and no‑parking signs.

What is SB 1383 and how does it affect my trash?

• SB 1383 is California’s organics law that requires food and green waste collection. Expect an organics cart and follow local sorting rules to avoid contamination.