How to Plan for Utilities Before a Residential Move

Managing a residential move involves many lists and details to tend to, but one thing you don’t want to overlook is forgetting to turn off utilities in your old home and arranging to get them turned on in your new one. The following utility planning tips can help ensure you don’t end up paying extra or losing access to utilities.

 Current Home

Start arranging to shut off or transfer utility services around a month before your move. You don’t want to end up paying for essential services you aren’t using. In addition, you could damage your credit standing if you forget to close out utilities and miss payments. To achieve closed accounts, take these steps.

• Make a list of all utilities and recurring services (don’t forget newspapers, magazines, etc.)
• Contact each company to cancel or transfer (often you can do this online); be prepared to have the account number, account holders’ name, and stop/transfer date available.
• Send companies your new address, so you receive their final bill or get your deposit returned.
• Pay off any balances and return any equipment you may have rented from the company. 
• Get confirmation of termination or transfer of services to ensure you completed it.

As you’re closing accounts and settling with utility companies, you’ll also want to start planning for utilities for your new place.

New Home

Starting well ahead ensures you don’t find yourself without electricity, gas, internet, water, and other necessary services. To make sure you don’t overlook any details, take these steps.

• Research new utility companies to see which vendors cover your new neighborhood.
• See if any companies overlap with your existing accounts—if so, you can transfer services.
• If renting or owning a property with an HOA, speak to your landlord or HOA about which services they include with your rent or monthly fees.
• Upon arrival, as soon as possible, check to ensure utilities have been activated per your scheduling agreement.

Like closing out accounts, plan to start opening new utility accounts roughly a month before your move, so the companies have sufficient time to run a credit check or schedule timely appointments if a technician needs to be on site.

What Utilities and Services Should You Account for When Planning?

This will vary, of course, but most people find they need to contact the following types of companies. Doing so will ensure you receive timely service for either closing, opening, or transferring your accounts.

• Electricity
• Fuel (oil or gas)
• Internet/TV/telephone
• Cellular service (change of address)
• Water and sewer
• Waste removal
• Amazon deliveries
• Medication subscriptions
• Magazine and newspaper subscriptions
• Prepared meals

As you prepare to move, consider any recurring deliveries you may receive. One way to ensure you don’t miss anything is to look over your credit card bill, automatic withdrawals, and checkbook to pinpoint recurring payments you make.

Moving Made Easy

Moving is a massive undertaking with many details to juggle. Contact us today if you’re interested in hiring a professional moving company to remove some of the burdens and do the heavy lifting. We’re happy to provide you with a free quote or answer any questions you may have.