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June 20, 2024

5 Tips for Pre-Move Utility Setup

Setting up utilities before a move is critical to ensuring that your new home is comfortable and functional from the moment you arrive. Proper planning and timely execution can help avoid unnecessary stress and disruptions. Here are five essential tips to help you set up your utilities smoothly before your residential move.

1. Plan and Schedule Early

Planning well in advance is one of the most critical steps in setting up utilities. Contact utility providers at least two to three weeks before your move-in date. This timeline gives you ample time to schedule service start dates, resolve issues, and avoid delays.

Create a Checklist: List all the utilities you need to set up, including electricity, gas, water, internet, cable, and waste management.
Research Providers: Determine which utility providers service your new area. Sometimes, you might have multiple options, so research and choose the best fit for your needs and budget.

2. Gather Necessary Information

When setting up utilities, having the correct information can expedite the process. Be prepared to provide:

Personal Identification: Your name, new address, and contact information.
Move-In Date: When you need the utilities to be active.
Previous Address: Your current address for service transfer or final billing.
Payment Information: A payment method for initial deposits or fees for setting up new accounts.

Some providers may also ask for proof of residence, such as a lease agreement or home purchase documents.

3. Schedule Service Transfers and Installations

For existing services, such as electricity, gas, or internet, you may need to transfer your accounts from your old address to your new one. Ensure that you schedule the disconnection at your current home for the day after your move and that the connection at your new home is scheduled for the day before or on your move-in day.

Coordinate Timing: Avoid service gaps by carefully scheduling the transfer dates. For essential services like electricity and water, ensure they are set up a day before you move in.
Installation Appointments: Schedule appointments as early as possible to secure a convenient time slot for services that require in-home installation, like internet and cable.

4. Confirm and Double-Check Details

Confirm all the arrangements with your utility providers a few days before your move. This step is crucial to ensuring there are no last-minute surprises.

Verification: Call each provider to verify you have scheduled the service start dates and times correctly.
Account Numbers: Note new account numbers and customer service contact information for future reference.

This readily available information can help quickly resolve any issues on a moving day.

5. Prepare for the First Few Days

Even with careful planning, there may be unforeseen delays or complications. Prepare for this possibility by having a contingency plan in place.

Pack Essentials: Have a box with essential items such as flashlights, bottled water, non-perishable food, and basic cooking supplies.
Temporary Solutions: Consider temporary solutions like mobile hotspots for internet access or portable heaters and fans, depending on the season and climate.

Preparing for potential hiccups ensures that your first few days in your new home are comfortable, even if everything doesn’t go as planned.