Powering Up: A Guide to Setting Up Utilities in Your New Home
One of the most crucial tasks when moving is ensuring all essential utilities are set up at your new home before you arrive. This guide walks you through the process of arranging electricity, gas, water, internet, and trash services to ensure a comfortable and seamless transition to your new life.
Planning Your Utility Setup Timeline
Proper timing is key to avoid being without essential services or paying for utilities in two places.
- 2-4 Weeks Before Move: Research providers in your new area. Some services, especially internet/cable, may require advance booking for installation.
- 1-2 Weeks Before Move: Contact utility companies to schedule service activation at your new home. Aim for services to start on your move-in day or the day before.
- 1 Week Before Move: Confirm all activation appointments and details.
- Moving Day/Day After: Schedule disconnection of services at your old home for the day after you move out.
Electricity Service
Electricity is usually the first utility people think of. Here's how to get it connected:
- Identify the Provider: In many areas, there's a single electric company. Your landlord, realtor, or the previous occupant can provide this information. Some states have deregulated markets allowing you to choose your supplier.
- Contact to Start Service: Reach out via phone or online. You'll need your new address, move-in date, and personal identification (like a Social Security number or driver's license).
- Deposits or Fees: Be prepared for potential security deposits (especially if you have no prior history with the company or poor credit) or connection fees.
Natural Gas Service
If your new home uses natural gas for heating, cooking, or hot water:
- Determine if Applicable: Not all homes use natural gas; some may be all-electric or use propane.
- Find the Gas Company: Similar to electricity, there's often one main provider.
- Schedule Activation: Contact them with your new address and move-in date. An adult may need to be present for the meter to be turned on and appliances checked.
- Safety Check: The gas company may perform a quick safety inspection.
Gas Safety: If you smell gas upon arrival or suspect a leak, leave the premises immediately and call the gas company or 911 from a safe location.
Water and Sewer Services
Access to clean water is fundamental.
- Contact Local Municipality or Water Company: Water and sewer services are often provided by the city or a local water district.
- Provide Move-In Details: Inform them of your new address and desired start date.
- Billing Information: Inquire about billing cycles, payment options, and any required deposits.
- Well Water/Septic Systems: If your new home has a private well or septic system, understand maintenance requirements. You won't set these up with a company but will be responsible for their upkeep.
Internet, Cable, and Phone Services
Staying connected is vital for work, entertainment, and communication.
- Research Providers: Multiple options for internet, cable, and phone services may exist (e.g., cable companies, fiber optic providers, satellite services). Compare plans, speeds, and prices.
- Schedule Installation Early: Technicians may need to visit, and appointments can book up quickly, especially during busy moving seasons.
- Bundle Services: Consider bundling services (internet, TV, phone) for potential discounts.
- Self-Installation Kits: Some providers offer self-install kits, which can save time and money if you're comfortable with basic tech setup.
Check Availability: Not all providers or service tiers (especially high-speed internet) are available at every address. Confirm availability before committing.
Trash and Recycling Services
Proper waste disposal is essential for a clean living environment.
- Municipal or Private Service: Trash and recycling may be handled by the city/county or a private company. Your landlord or realtor should know.
- Set Up Collection: Contact the provider to start service, inquire about bin provision (if they provide them), collection schedules, and recycling guidelines.
- Bulk Waste Pickup: If you have large items to dispose of from the move, ask about special pickup services.
Important Considerations and Tips
- Keep Records: Note down confirmation numbers, appointment times, and contact persons for all utility interactions.
- Budget for Deposits: Factor potential security deposits into your moving budget.
- Be Present if Required: Some activations (like gas or certain internet installations) may require an adult to be present.
- Check Meters: If possible, note meter readings when you move in and out to ensure accurate billing.
- Forwarding Address: Provide your old utility companies with a forwarding address for final bills.
Utility Disconnection at Your Old Home
Don't forget to stop services at your previous residence to avoid paying unnecessary charges.
- Notify Providers: Contact each utility company at your old address.
- Schedule Disconnection: Arrange for services to be turned off the day *after* you've completely moved out. This ensures you have utilities during the final clean-up and loading.
- Final Meter Readings: Confirm final meter readings if possible.
- Settle Final Bills: Ensure all outstanding balances are paid.
