Moving day can be chaotic.Then you show up at the new house and find that the electricity is not on, the internet doesn’t work for another week, and there is no hot water. More stress!
Setting up utilities is one of those tasks that looks simple to do. But it is not. Some providers require more lead time, and this is what many people often underestimate.
Below is a guide on how to set up your basic services before moving day. Being well prepared will make your new home comfortable right away.
Begin the process sooner
It’s normal for the utility company to need a couple of days to a few weeks to get ready to connect or transfer a utility. In some areas, it might take 2 weeks for a technician to come over.
Read More: From Chaos to Calm: The Art of Organized Moving
Make early contact with providers. At least three to four weeks in advance of your move date, not a week before. This means you have enough lead time to allow for delays, to change your service provider if necessary, and to make sure all is in order long before moving day.
Create a list of all services that require attention
Before you make the first call, make a list of all services that need to be:
- Transferred
- Canceled
- Connected at the new address.
This usually covers:
- Electricity
- Gas
- Water
- Internet
- Cable or streaming services
- Home phone (if provided)
- Any subscription services based on your current address.
A list helps. You won’t end up frustrated because you moved in and forgot to arrange something in 3 days.
Reach out to your current providers first
People often are unaware that their current electricity or gas company can also provide service in new areas. Inquire with your existing providers first to see if they’ll be able to transfer the account instead of shutting it down.
Setting up a new one can save time. It can also help you keep any loyalty advantages or pricing you may already have. If the new address falls outside their service area, they can at least close the account cleanly without any overlap charges.
Plan utility activation with move-in date
You need to plan for the services to be active on or before the moving day. That means you need to inform the providers of the exact moving date.
Luckily, a professional moving company like BRS Moving can provide you with an exact timeframe for moving day. This makes it much easier to coordinate the time to turn on your utilities. That is,before the truck arrives.
So, share your confirmed move-in date with each provider. Request same-day or day-before activation.
The final words
Setting up basic services is one of the most important things to do before your move. Thiscan help you adjust quickly in the new home. So:
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- Start early
- Write a to-do list
- Coordinate activation dates.
This way, your home will be fully functional from the moment you walk through the door. It also makes the entire moving experience feel significantly more manageable.
