When you are preparing to move to a new home, you may feel overwhelmed by your to-do list. One of the most important items on your checklist is to set up utilities at your new house and discontinue services at the house you are leaving. This article walks you through the process.
Types of Utilities to Set Up
Electricity and Gas
Power is essential for your home, so plan to set up these utilities at least 2 weeks in advance. Depending on if you have a regulated or deregulated market, you may need to first compare prices and choose a provider. Have both services turned on a day or two before you begin moving in so that they’re active on the day of the move. You may have to pay a deposit if you are opening an account with a company you haven’t used before.
Water
Water is another essential utility that is helpful to have on while you are moving in. Contact the water company before your moving day and ask them to start service the day before your move. The fee for trash and recycling pickup is often combined with your water bill.
TV, Internet, and Phone
There are many options for TV, internet, and phone providers. Many companies offer bundled packages of all three services that will save you money each month, so shop around ahead of time for the best deal.
Create a Checklist to Set Up Utilities
Make a list of all the utilities you’ll need to set up at your new house and discontinue at your old house. Include dates to contact each company and the date that you want utilities turned on and off. A checklist will help you remember to do everything.
Notify Current Utility Companies
It’s a good idea to notify your current utility companies that you will be discontinuing service on a specific date rather than waiting until moving day to contact them. Planning ahead makes the process more smooth for the new occupants, and you are less likely to pay for utilities you don’t need.
Set Up Utilities with New Providers
Contact your new providers anywhere from 2 weeks to a month in advance. For some services, like internet and satellite TV, a professional installer will have to visit the home to add and configure equipment before the service is usable. This initial setup often incurs an additional one-time fee.
Esham Inspections provides home inspection services to Maryland and Delaware. Contact us to schedule an appointment.