How to set up utilities: A moving checklist

Key points

• Set up utilities at least 30 days prior to moving to avoid delays in service.

• Even when moving within the same city, you may need to switch utility companies when you move.

• The specific utilities you’re responsible for depend on your home and locale.

Moving to a new home is more than making a space your own and exploring the new area — it entails some chores, too. After scheduling movers and starting to pack up, the next step is finding out how to set up utilities when moving.

The process of setting up utilities may take some time, but it ensures your new home is move-in ready. “Essential services might include electricity, water and natural gas, typically provided by a singular utility in most areas,” said Nils Hagen-Frederiksen, press secretary of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. “Other services like cable, broadband and other services may have multiple providers.”

Here are all the necessary steps to successfully set up utilities at your new address so your home is fully functional when you move in.

What are the steps for setting up utilities when moving?

The key to setting up utilities when moving is to have a plan well before moving. Giving utility companies time to respond to your requests will help avoid delays in service or other setbacks during the moving process.

Compile a list of all current and future utilities

The first step is to compile a list of all your current and future utilities. This can differ from location to location, even within the same city. For example, trash service is complimentary in some communities but not in others. If you are moving within the provider’s service area, you may transfer your account with the same utility company to your new address.

For long-distance moves, you must set up an account with each of your new utility providers rather than transferring your utilities from your current home. Find out which providers you’ll need to contact from your landlord, real estate agent or the previous owner of your new home.

Understand which of these utilities will be staying with the provider you already have and which will need to be new providers.

Pay outstanding bills

To make the process of transferring your utilities as smooth as possible, it helps to be up to date with your utility bills. If you are moving from one utility provider to another, you won’t be able to close out your account at your existing utility until all your bills are paid.

Contact current providers

Let current providers know about your move at least 30 days before your move-in date. You will either ask your provider to transfer service to your new address or end your service. Provide the date you want your service to end at your current address. If you’re keeping the same utility company, provide the date you’d like the service to start at your new address.

You may have some overlap. For example, if the end of your current lease occurs after the closing date on your new home, the shut-off date for your existing residence will differ from the turn-on date for your new one. Set up these dates accurately to avoid a service disruption.

Schedule new utilities

“Contact your new utility providers several weeks before your move to arrange service start dates and set up account details,” said Hagen-Frederiksen. “Anticipate possible delays as some services may require on-site visits by utility crews.”

Starting an account at a new utility might require identification, proof of address and information for a credit score check. You may want to set up automatic payments from your bank account at this time.

Turning on your new utilities — whether or not they are with the same provider — may require you to schedule an in-person visit. The gas company, for example, may need to come to your home to read the gas meter. Your internet service provider may need to install an optical network terminal that provides your WiFi router with an internet connection.

Scheduling these appointments early will ensure that service will not be delayed too far after your move. As long as your utility has availability, you can plan for these appointments on your move-in day.

Set up online accounts

After calling your new utilities, set up online accounts. The customer service representatives you speak with can give you information about this. An online account will allow you to keep track of your bills and understand usage. This service helps with automatic payments or change of payment methods.

Return equipment from a previous provider

Don’t forget to return any rental equipment from a previous provider. A WiFi router is one example. If you are not bringing the router to your new place, you should return this equipment to avoid charges.

What utilities do you need to set up when you move?

The utilities you need to set up when you move will depend on where you’re moving. This is unique to every move as different properties and areas require their own home utilities. For example, some homes have public water, while others use well water. 

Renting and home ownership come with their own responsibilities. If you’re renting, you may only be directly responsible for certain utilities and not others. In some cases, you may pay your landlord a fee for utilities while they deal with the utility company directly. To understand your responsibilities, consult your lease or contact the landlord.

Electric and gas

Homeowners are typically responsible for both electric and natural gas. The electric or power company provides the electricity that runs into your home powering outlets, lights and other electronic devices in your home. This company will measure usage and bill based on that amount.

Your gas company provides the gas that powers large appliances such as your furnace or stove. This utility keeps track of how much natural gas you use and will bill you a variable amount based on usage in a certain period. Many electric and gas companies offer budget billing plans that keep your bill at a more predictable amount throughout the year rather than spiking during certain seasons.

You will have little or no choice when it comes to providers for these utilities. This is because one electric company or gas company owns the lines to your particular address. However, depending on state law, you may be able to choose the supplier of your natural gas or electricity through the utility company. For example, Texas residents can shop around and switch electricity providers to get optimal rates.

Water and sewage

Homes supplied with public water are responsible for paying the local water utility. In addition to delivering clean water to your address, this utility is responsible for removing sewage water from properties without septic systems.

If your home has both public water and public sewage, your bill from the water utility company usually includes charges for both. Most homes supplied by well water will have a septic system and therefore no responsibility to the local water utility.

Trash collection

You’ll need to find out whether you are responsible for hiring a trash company or if your community provides complimentary trash and recycling pick-up services. If you need to hire a trash service yourself, ask your real estate agent, the previous owner or neighbors about which companies they recommend.

Internet and cable

After you get through the mandatory utilities for your property, don’t forget to set up the services that bring entertainment to your home. You may have more of a choice in this area as multiple internet or cable TV providers may have lines to your home. Check with your preferred provider to see if it can service your address.

In addition to scheduling internet and cable at your new address, make sure you have the required equipment, such as a WiFi router.

When should you set up your new utilities for a move?

You should begin the process of setting up your new utilities at least 30 days in advance. It may take some time for your utility providers to process your request to shut off and turn on service. Giving advance notice will give you flexibility when it comes to scheduling any necessary in-person utility service calls. Creating a plan in advance will help you avoid disruption or gaps in service.

How do you find new service providers?

You may be able to find out which providers service your new address with a simple online search. Many cities are limited to a single power company, for example. When there are multiple options for utility companies, you may be able to call the utility to ask if it services your address. 

Often, your landlord or the previous owner of your home will provide a list of service providers.

What are some ways to save on utilities?

The best way to save on utility costs is to be conscious of your choices and usage of that utility. “If your new location offers the choice of utility providers — especially for energy services like electricity and natural gas — consider shopping around for better rates,” Hagen-Frederiksen said. “Also, think about implementing energy-efficient practices to reduce costs.”

To minimize the use of the basic utilities electricity and gas, ensure your home is adequately insulated or consider energy-efficient appliances. You can also turn off or lower heat or air conditioning when you’re not at home. Additionally, turn off lights and unplug electrical appliances that are not being used.

While water will rarely be your most expensive utility bill, keep it low by monitoring water usage — avoid extended showers and don’t let sprinklers water your lawn if it just rained.

For services you can choose, such as internet providers, consider switching companies. Alternate providers may have special promotions that will help you save. Additionally, simply telling your current provider that you want to switch may prompt it to offer you a better rate.

Keep in mind that some utilities may give you a discount for setting up paperless billing or automatic payments.

What’s next?

Taking care of your utilities in advance will ensure that your new home is move-in ready so you can focus on unpacking and settling in once you get there. If you ever have any concerns with your utilities, Hagen-Frederiksen recommended you contact your state’s public utility commission for services such as electricity and natural gas or your local municipality for services such as water.

After you get your utilities sufficiently set up, plan for the other services to maintain your property such as landscaping, HVAC maintenance and pest control.