When moving long-distance, many forget to think about how to transfer utilities since relying on them has become as natural as breathing. It was many moons ago when electricity as we know it went from being a luxury to an everyday essential. The power system became “The World’s Greatest Machine,” not only because people depend on it absolutely, but also because the entire societal and economic systems are developed on it.
Whatever you decide to do and wherever you encourage yourself to go – energy, water, gas, waste, and all other utility needs are coming with you. Whether you’re aware of it or not, only by transferring them will you be able to have a normal everyday life. If you’re wondering how to do it, you’ll find all the necessary answers here.
Organize Strategically and Note Down What You Need to Change
Asking yourself How do I set up utilities when I move can make the most collected person lose it during a relocation process. If you don’t organize your move correctly, it is a common error to make. Whatever your reasons to move are, there are things to do before moving that will make the upcoming adventure much better coordinated. Even if you’re moving last-minute, using our relocation hacks will help you manage the transition like a pro. Understanding what these resources include is a good starting point:
- Electricity,
- Gas,
- Water and waste,
- Cable and internet,
- Phone,
- Security system.
Get familiar with the providers in charge. Search for their contact information and reach out to them before you move out. That way, you’ll save yourself from a lot of headaches once you arrive at your future home.
Just Transferring Them or Switching Your Providers Altogether?
Now that you know who to call, it’s essential to figure out if it is possible to keep the same utility service providers or sign up with new ones. The answer depends on the circumstances. If you’re relocating from an apartment to a house only a few blocks away, remaining in the same service area and keeping your current providers shouldn’t be a problem. However, you still need to update them on your next address. When it comes to relocating to a new state, canceling the ones at the old apartment and setting them up again in the current one is the right way to go.
Hire Professional Cross-Country Moving Company to Help You Out
Consider hiring a reliable long-distance moving company to provide you with professional packing or other long-distance moving services that will make the whole thing easier. There are many relocation tips when it comes to choosing a moving company that suits you best and avoiding potential relocation scams along the way.
Sure, having an extra pair of helping hands won’t hurt, but you might be worried about cross-country moving costs. In that case, there are multiple ways to learn how to cut down on relocation expenses, so it won’t be hard to find the cheapest way to move out of state.
Figure out all the right moves to make the house you bought run smoothly
How to Transfer Utilities to the New Owner?
Changing your address and informing your providers about it are the most common things people forget when moving. However, don’t be the one to arrive at your apartment just to find out there’s no electricity and no running water. Be smart and avoid such an unpleasant scenario on an exhausting day like only a moving day can be. Figuring out how to transfer utilities when buying a house sounds complicated, but it’s rather simple when you know all the proper steps:
- Contact the current supplier,
- Provide them with the info needed to create an account for you,
- Give them your move-in date,
- Schedule a meter reading,
- Give the reading details to your suppliers.
Setting everything up means taking some time to contact all the providers separately, from scheduling cable and internet installations to setting exact dates to disconnect and connect gas and electricity. Don’t forget to reach out to USPS on time, as well, so all the bills and mail could be delivered to the place you’re about to start calling home.
How Do I Transfer a Utility Bill to Another Name When Moving?
Learning how to transfer utility bills to another name when relocating to another state alone will be easier if you left behind a roommate or another household member you shared the place with. This means you should take care of this task as soon as possible and update the name so they can be the ones responsible for the bills from now on. Failing to do so will imply you’re still liable for all future payments.
Some Companies Ask for a Deposit for a New Utility Account
Transferring a bill to another owner sometimes means you have to pay a certain amount of money for the services provided. The amount will differ depending on the payment history you already have with the supplier, but with other companies as well. Even if a deposit is not required, you can still expect a fee for making the switch.
Prep in advance all the documents required for water and waste removal
How Do I Transfer Utilities to a New Tenant?
Even though owning a house is one of the greatest goals of many, there are various advantages to renting one, too. If you are moving into a rental apartment, you should know which services are provided in your place. Some of them might be included in the rent, which usually means you are not the one responsible for setting them up. Talk to your landlord or the leasing office to find out all the details. Transferring services to a future tenant is a must in order to avoid any paperwork issues.
How to Transfer the Water Service and Sewer in Your House or Apartment?
If you’re renting, it’s important to know that these two are usually provided by a city government or a county, which means the property management company covers them. However, if you’ve just bought a house and are wondering how to turn the services on, there are a few options to consider to get the service going and move efficiently. You can either set it up via a phone call, by filling out an online application, or by going in person. Whichever you choose, the fee you can expect to pay will be based on the meter in your house and water usage.
Don’t Forget the Required Documentation
Organizing important documents before tackling these utility transfers will help you go through the process easily. Here is a list of the basic ones to have on hand, so contact your county to check if there are any specific requirements you should be aware of:
- Valid proof of identity – ID, passport, driver’s license, permanent resident card,
- Valid proof of residence – Current lease or rental agreement, proof of homeownership,
- Completed service application
Don’t Forget to Call and Confirm the Transfer of the Utilities to the New House or Apartment
Even though you informed the companies in charge of your utility needs weeks before the move-in date and scheduled the important appointments, remember to call each provider again to confirm the setup. Prepare a list with account numbers to have nearby. Also, be sure not to turn off the services at your old place at least a day or two after you move out, just in case.
Prep in advance all the documents required for water and waste removal
Make Sure to Pay Your Overdue Balances Beforehand
Having a fresh start and a stress-free relocation implies having all of your balances paid off. By simply calling the utility company, you’ll find out if there are any unpaid bills left. If there are, you’ll need to settle them before the cancellation date. This is a good moment to remind you of your credit score, which could also be affected by the overdue bills, so don’t postpone this one.
Don't forget to catch up on late bill payments
Scheduling the Final Meter Reading Is Important
Even though this is one of the final steps to take, consider it equally important as previous ones. Conducting the official reading in the house before the big day comes will save you from any unexpected bills that show up. This way, no service provider can claim you owe any sum of money.
Conduct an Energy Audit of the Place You’re About to Start Calling Home
Once you finally move in, it would be good to have an energy audit scheduled. Although a professional home audit is the best method to determine where your house might be losing energy and if there are ways to save it, DIYing is also an option.
Take a walk through the house and thoroughly inspect every nook and cranny. Locate indoor air leaks, as well as outside ones. Keep ventilation in mind, insulation, heating, and cooling equipment. Check the filters and replace them if needed. Also, think about the ways to reduce the energy consumption of appliances and electronics.
Conducting a home energy audit is always a good idea if you'd like to determine areas responsible for energy loss in your house
Return Equipment When Canceling the Internet and Cable Service
To finally cut ties with your internet and cable providers, don’t let this one slip your mind. Dropping it off or mailing it isn’t that hard – it’s much easier than being charged a considerable amount of money for the router fee or a cable box. Returning it in person is always the smartest option because you’ll confirm on the spot that they’ve received their equipment back.
To learn more about how to cancel your internet services, check the video below.
Ready to Enjoy Your Place
The process of setting everything up is necessary but rather straightforward. It will not take a lot of time, but it will require you to be meticulous and patient, for all the scheduling, waiting, and processing are not the most enjoyable things to handle. There’s no way for a home move to run smoothly without any of these mentioned above, so start setting them up early enough. Keep in mind that there are still a ton of things to do after relocation, and while adjusting to your future home is only one of them, it’s undoubtedly the most exciting part of the relocation process.
