You are finally moving into your new home and starting a fresh life! How exciting! But don’t forget the little things like setting up your utilities.
When it comes to moving, several things get a lot of attention: packing and transporting. However, there’s another stage in the relocation process that is just as essential: determining how to set up utilities at your new home before you move. Whether you’re going into an apartment or have just purchased a house, you’ll want to make sure you have the necessary utilities in place.
The good news is that setting up utilities isn’t as hard as it might seem – you can take care of most tasks online, by phone, or in person. To help make the process as smooth as possible, we’ve compiled a guide on how to set up utilities for your new home.
There are five main home utilities, and you may be responsible for any or all of them depending on where you live and the conditions of your lease or HOA (if applicable) agreement:
In most cases, you’ll need to contact your local electricity provider to set up a service in your new home. The provider will ask for your name, address, and contact information. If you’re moving into a new apartment, your landlord may have already taken care of setting up the electricity – be sure to ask them before assuming anything.
Also Read: Where to Donate Old Electronics Before Moving
Water service is usually provided by the city or municipality in which you live; to set up water service at your new address, you’ll need to provide your name, contact information, and the account number of your new home. If you’re moving into a new apartment complex, the management company will likely take care of water service – again, be sure to ask before assuming.
Like water, gas service is usually provided by your local municipality. If you’re moving into a home that uses gas for heating, cooking, or hot water, you’ll need to set up a service with a provider. In most cases, you can call the gas company and provide them with your new address and contact information; they will then forward the information to the appropriate people.
Sewer service is usually handled by the city or municipality as well. To set up sewer service in your new home, you’ll need to provide your name, contact information, and the account number from your new home.
Most cities and municipalities also offer trash removal services. You can usually set up trash removal by contacting your local waste management company and providing them with your new address and contact information.
Check your lease if you’re renting and don’t know which utilities you’ll be responsible for. If you spot the term “heating,” note that heat is included in your power or natural gas bill. Some landlords may include heating as part of your monthly rent. Inquire with your landlord directly if you have any questions.
Also Read: Tips for Moving into a Newly Built Home
Setting up utilities can be daunting, but with this guide, you’ll be on your way to having the necessary services in place for your new home in no time. Don’t hesitate to contact your local municipality or service provider if you have any questions.
Gas, electricity, water, waste collection, and Internet service are all standard utilities and services. If you’re moving a long way away, your present utility provider may not be able to provide service to your new house. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to transfer your account to a new address simply because you changed addresses.
Inquiring at the local municipal building or city hall is one approach to figure out who your new home’s utility providers are. Inquire with your real estate agent landlord or at the local municipal building or city hall.
Once you’ve figured out who your utility providers are, contact them to arrange service at your new home one day before your planned move-in date.
Taking these steps allows your service providers time to put up the necessary equipment in your new house. It’s important to keep in mind that most companies need a move-in date so that they can set up your house efficiently. Also, see whether they have any discounts or incentives for new homeowners.
Don’t forget to notify the utility about your new location. Set up a forwarding address with the post office to cover you, but do not overlook additional precautions. When you switch utilities, let each company know about your new location and when you plan to have service transferred.
Double-check that all your bills are going to the correct address, and if not, update your mailing address with each company immediately.
Your final bills will be sent to your old home if you don’t notify them of your new address. Ensure they have your current address, so there aren’t any mix-ups or late fees.
If you relocate, your utility bills can become rather perplexing. Some utility companies will charge a transfer fee, while others may charge additional service set-up or processing fees.
Keep in mind that any utility shutoffs might incur a final bill. These should be prorated, which implies that only usage fees will be charged until the day you intend to cancel. You may be eligible for compensation from your utility provider, for example, if you paid for garbage collection during a particular month.
Conclusion
Moving is a busy time, and it’s easy to forget some of the important things you need to do to make your move as smooth as possible. Remember that most providers need a firm move-in date so they can efficiently set up your house, so don’t hesitate to contact them as soon as you know when you’ll be moving. Finally, remember to update your address with all your service providers and double-check that all your bills are going to the correct address.
Also Read: How to Obtain a P.O. Box When You Move
How long before my move-in date should I contact my utility providers?
Most providers need a move-in day so they can plan and set up your service accordingly. Contact them one day before your planned move-in date to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Also Read: Things to Do Before Moving Out of State
Do I have to contact each of my utility providers?
Typically, yes. You’ll need to contact your local municipality as well as your Internet, water, electric, and waste collection providers.
What if I move out before my contract is up?
If you move out before your contract is up with a particular provider, be sure to notify them, so you’re not charged for additional months of service. You may also be eligible for a refund or pro-rated bill for the time you didn’t use the service.
What should I do if I have a problem with my utility service?
If you’re experiencing problems with your utility service, be sure to contact your provider immediately. They may have a customer service line specifically for resolving billing or technical issues.
Can I transfer my account to a new address?
Most providers will not allow you to transfer your account to a new address. You’ll need to set up a new service at your new location. This typically involves contacting the provider, providing them with your new address, and setting up an appointment for them to come out and install the necessary equipment.
Can you set up bills before you move in?
Change your address with your present supplier by directly communicating with them. It’s typical to notify them 48 hours before you move. They’ll need a forwarding address and the date you intend to leave for this to happen. They’ll also require a final meter reading to compute a final bill. You may also want to set up the date you’d like your service to end so they can plan and execute a smooth transition.
What’s the best way to get utility bills after I move in?
The best way to get utility bills after you’ve moved is by contacting your supplier and requesting that they send your bills to your new address. You can also set up automatic billing, so you don’t have to worry about missed or late payments.
What should I do if I move and my bills are sent to my old address?
If your bills are sent to your old address after you’ve moved, it’s important to contact your utility providers as soon as possible. They may have a system to stop sending bills to your old address and have them sent directly to your new address. This typically involves providing them with your new address and setting up an appointment for them to come out and install the necessary equipment.
How do I find out about late fees or shutoffs?
Each utility provider has its own set of policies for late fees and shutoffs. It’s important to contact them directly to learn more about their specific policies. Typically, you can find this information on their website or by contacting their customer service line.
Can I set up my utilities without an appointment?
While most providers require an appointment to set up your service, there may be some exceptions. It’s important to contact your provider to learn more about their specific policies.
What should I do if I’m moving and my provider won’t transfer my account?
If you’re moving and your provider won’t let you transfer your account, you’ll need to set up a new service at your new location. This typically involves contacting the provider, providing them with your new address, and setting up an appointment for them to come out and install the necessary equipment.
Can I change the date that my service starts or ends?
Most providers will not allow you to change your service’s date starts or ends. You’ll need to contact them directly to learn more about their specific policies.
What’s the best way to pay my utility bills?
The best way to pay your utility bills is typically by setting up automatic billing. This will ensure that you never miss a payment and that you’re always up to date on your payments. You can also pay your bills online or by mailing them in.
How can I get a copy of my past utility bills?
If you’d like to get a copy of your past utility bills, you’ll need to contact your provider and request that they send you a copy. You can also find this information on their website or by contacting their customer service line.
What’s the average amount of time it takes for a new utility account to be set up?
The average amount of time for a new utility account to be set up is typically one to two weeks. However, this varies depending on the provider and the specific services you’re requesting. It’s important to contact your provider to learn more about their specific policies.
How do I know what type of utility services are available at my new address?
To find out what type of utility services are available at your new address, you’ll need to contact your provider and request that they send you a list of services that are available at your new location. You can find out more about their return policy, shipping and delivery timelines, and product returns on their website or by calling their customer care line
Alex Sherr is the founder of My Long Distance Movers, a blog that provides moving information and resources for people who are relocating. He has more than two decades of experience in the moving and relocation industry, and he is passionate about helping people relocate smoothly and efficiently. When he's not writing or blogging, Alex enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children.
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