Moving Utilities Made Easy: A Step-by-Step Guide to Transferring Your Services

Remember to transfer those utilities when you’re moving soon! Transferring utilities may not be enjoyable, but it’s unquestionably crucial. After all, no one wants to spend their first night (or first week) in a new home without hot water, electricity, or internet. We certainly don’t.

You must contact your utility service providers before the move and schedule a transfer or installation date. If you need help with setting up your utilities, take a look at these ten simple tips for transferring your utilities when you move before you start packing boxes.

Get organized

The first step is to familiarize yourself with all your current utility service providers before you move. Create a general list and write down their phone numbers and contact information. Record the new contact information if you intend to switch providers when you move.

Research new utility service providers

This will help you explore your options, as moving to a different location often requires using a different utility company. In many cities, there might only be one utility service provider for certain utilities, leaving you with no choice. To gather information, check the websites of your local government and city, and seek recommendations from Realtors and local experts regarding utility providers. Then, moving within the same city or state, you can continue using the same providers.

Notify utilities of your move a few weeks in advance

Once you have organized all your utility information, take the initiative to contact each provider separately and inform them about your upcoming move. It is advisable to contact most providers at least two to three weeks in advance. For utility services that require an installation appointment, it’s a good practice to call a month ahead. These services typically include cable, internet, and security providers like ADT. When scheduling the disconnect and reconnect dates for gas and electricity, consider setting the disconnect date for the day after you move or, if you are selling the home, on closing day. This ensures that the lights and HVAC will still be functional if you need to return to the property to collect any remaining items.

Arrange your water and sewer service through the city

When dealing with water and sewer services, it’s important to note that your new city or town typically manages these. To ensure a smooth transition, contact your city’s public utilities office a few weeks before the closing day (or moving day if you’re renting) to arrange for the service to begin. If you’re moving to a new city with a different water/sewer service, consult your real estate agent and the previous homeowners to estimate the costs.

Check if the HOA covers utilities

If you’re moving to a community with a homeowners’ association (HOA), your HOA fees may include coverage for essential utilities such as water and sewer, gas, and trash pickup. Instead of managing multiple bills from different utility companies, you’ll only need to pay one monthly bill to the HOA. This streamlined approach to paying your monthly bills will make the process easier and more seamless.

Update your address

When you call the utility service providers, provide them with your new address to ensure you receive all future bills at the correct location. It’s also essential to change your mailing address with USPS. You can easily accomplish this by visiting USPS.com and selecting the date you want to begin forwarding your mail. Here is your change of address checklist.

Pay overdue bills before moving

Ensure you pay all overdue bills before you move by paying them. When you call the utility service providers, inquire about any outstanding balances you may have. In addition, clearing these balances will give you a clean slate and a fresh start in your new home.

Do a final meter reading

Before your move, arrange for your utility service providers to visit your house and perform a final reading of the gas, electric, and water meters. It’s advisable to have a copy of the meter reading reports for your records in case you receive any unforeseen bills after the move.

Double-check that all utility services are ready to go

Double-check that all your stop/start dates are to ensure a smooth transition. This will prevent you from moving into a house without electricity or heating, ensuring it’s ready for occupancy. Additionally, it will help you avoid paying for utilities in your old home after you have moved out. While confirming the stop/start dates, ensure your contact and billing information is accurate.

Conduct a home energy audit of your new home

After moving into your new home, it’s advisable to schedule a technician to come and conduct a home energy audit. This audit will assess if there is a need for improvements in insulation, ductwork, or the furnace in your new house. In addition, it provides valuable information to homeowners about the areas and ways air may leak into the home.

Other Important Tasks to Complete Before Moving

In addition to transferring and setting up your utilities, you should complete several other essential tasks before moving. Ensure to include the following vital items on your moving checklist:

Scheduling movers – A few months before your move, begin researching moving companies in your area. Ensure that these moving companies possess the necessary licenses and Insurance. Check their reviews and complaint history through reputable sources like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Moving.com’s moving company directory, and the FMCSA’s lookup system.

Selling and donating belongings – Luckily, there are several ways to declutter and remove unnecessary belongings. Also, remember to keep your receipts for potential tax deductions during the upcoming tax season. Another option is to sell items through online marketplaces such as Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, Craigslist, or eBay. Mobile apps like LetGo, Gone, and OfferUp also offer platforms for selling your belongings. These companies will collect and pack unwanted canned goods, delivering them to local food banks.

Gather moving boxes and supplies –  Additionally, you can search for free moving supplies on various online marketplaces such as Craigslist, Freecycle, and Facebook Marketplace.

Pack – Once you have collected your supplies, begin packing by boxing up items you won’t need in the immediate future. Remember to pack an overnight bag with essential items for your first night in the new home, such as pajamas, toothbrushes, and toiletries.

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