Moving is exhausting and complicated. Even finalizing basic tasks can seem like a handful!
At A Glance
- Start planning to transfer utilities at least two to four weeks before your moving date
- Make a list of the utilities you have and note their contact information as well as your account number
- Reevaluate the utility services you have and decide if you want to cancel any
- Figure out if you’re changing or transferring utilities
- Contact your current utility providers and either cancel or transfer services
- If you’re moving to a new service area, find new providers and contact them to set up services
That’s why knowing how to transfer utilities when you move is critical. You deserve to enjoy running water and electricity in your new home on day one.
Keep reading, and we’ll let you know to properly transfer utilities so your upcoming move is that much more stress-free.
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#1. Start Planning Ahead Of Time
Moving isn’t something you can plan on a whim. To relocate your entire life, you need to prepare in advance and have a great plan of action.
When it comes to transferring utilities, planning ahead of time is essential for ensuring everyone is on the same page. That way, you’ll get your utilities on time!
Unlike changing your address, which you can do after you actually move, transferring utilities should be done in advance.
The Key To A Successful Move
When it comes down to it, there would be nothing more disappointing than arriving safe and sound at your new house just to discover you won’t have running water or electricity for a few days. That’s why preparation is so important!
Though there’s never really such a thing as “too early” when it comes to planning your move, you can safely begin preparations for transferring utilities two to four weeks before your move-in date.
This will give you plenty of time to facilitate shutting off utilities at your current residence and starting up utilities at your new house.
#2. Figure Out Which Utilities You Currently Have
Each move is unique. Every individual or family who undergoes a relocation has a unique set of circumstances that they need to address.
There’s no such thing as a “one size fits all” move. Your upcoming move is unique to you, so the preparation stage will also be individual to you.
That being said, the first thing you should do when preparing to transfer utilities is figure out which utilities need transferring.
Common Utilities To Transfer
Here’s a list of the most common utilities you’ll need to have transferred:
- Electricity
- Gas
- Water
- Sewage
- Garbage and/or recycling
- Internet
- Cable TV
- Telephone
Keep in mind this list isn’t exhaustive. There could be other utilities you need to transfer that aren’t typical. For example, things like snow removal or home security might need to be switched to your new address.
Find Their Contact Information
Now that you know which of your current utilities you’ll need to transfer, it’s time to contact them.
Find their phone numbers and make a note of your account number.
#3. Reevaluate The Utilities You Have
There are many reasons why people move. Sometimes, it’s to be closer to family. Or maybe there’s a new and exciting job opportunity you’re jumping on!
However, there’s one amazing benefit of moving that accompanies the process regardless of your reasons for relocation.
Moving gives you a unique chance to reflect on your life and make changes that would otherwise be hard to implement. You can enjoy a fresh start and a new beginning in a new house or a new town. With this in mind, let’s talk about decluttering.
Rethinking What You Have And Use
A common step of moving is decluttering and getting rid of old or unwanted items. But you don’t need to just focus on your physical belongings!
Now is the perfect chance to look at and reassess things like subscription services or utilities you may have but no longer use.
While might be time to cancel that old magazine subscription you forget you were even paying for, we’re talking about more costly expenses such as utilities.
However, we’re not saying you need to cancel your essential utilities to save money. After all, things like running water and electricity are necessities.
But taking a deep dive into all the services you’re paying for may make you reassess how you’re spending your money.
Ditch What You Don’t Need Anymore
Perhaps you do have a service or two that you don’t need as much as you thought. For example, do you really need to keep paying for cable services when everything is online anyway?
You can also decide to upgrade or downgrade certain utilities that you do have.
Maybe you want faster internet, and a worthwhile investment for you would be to upgrade your internet package when you move houses. On the flip side, you could also downgrade services that you’re not often using.
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#4. Figure Out If You’re Changing Or Transferring Your Utilities
As we said earlier, each move is different and unique. Some might just be relocating down the street while others are getting ready to face a cross-country move.
Either way, before swapping utilities, you’ll need to figure out if you’re changing or just transferring utilities.
The Difference Between Transferring And Changing Your Utilities
If you’re moving locally, you will likely remain in the same service area for many of your utilities. Because of this, you can just transfer utilities to your new address.
Transferring utilities allows you to avoid a cancellation or connection fee as well as another deposit.
But if you’re moving to another state, you’ll likely end up in a new service area with a new service provider. In that case, you’ll need to change utilities completely.
This will involve canceling your current utilities and setting up utilities with a new provider at your new address. You may then be required to pay a cancellation fee, connection fee, and/or deposit.
Setting Yourself Up For A Successful Move
If you’ve got a move coming up, it’s a good idea to prepare as much as you can. And that’s why finding reliable and professional movers is a must.
If you’re moving anywhere in the state of Florida, The Movers Moving and Storage is the team you need by your side. Our team of friendly and experienced professionals knows how to make your move easy and stress-free.
We’ll work with you every step of the way to make your moving vision a reality!
#5. Contact Your Current Utility Providers
Now that you’ve figured out the bulk of the logistics, it’s time to contact all your current utility providers. It’s a good idea to do this at least two to three weeks before your move-out date.
If you’re changing utilities, you’ll need to inform them that you’d like to cancel your utilities. It’s a good idea to schedule the disconnection for one day after you move out.
If you’re simply transferring utilities, you can let them know you are moving addresses and want to transfer services. Give them information such as your move-out/move-in date as well as your new address.
Try to schedule the connection for one day before you move in.
In addition, don’t forget to schedule a final meter reading! This will ensure you aren’t left paying extra.
Make sure to pay any outstanding balances and get back security deposits if changing utilities. You may also need to do extra tasks, like returning hardware to your internet provider.
#6. Find New Utility Service Providers If Needed
Many moves aren’t just down the street. You may be moving to a new state and, therefore, a new service area.
In that case, you’ll need to change utilities. And you’ll need to figure out what service providers you want to work with.
If you’re going to be renting, the landlord likely has a list of service providers that are available for you can pick from. You won’t have to worry about doing much research in that case.
How To Pick Out Utility Companies
However, if you’re buying a home, you’ll need to decide for yourself who you want. Find information on providers in your new area and give them a call.
Ask them questions like:
- What are the charges for setting up a service?
- Do I need to pay a deposit? If so, how much and how will I get it back when moving?
- Will someone need to be present at the home when utilities are turned on? (This is important if you want to turn them on before you actually arrive)
- Do you offer discounts? (There may be senior, student, military, or first-time customer discounts available)
Ask any other questions you might think of!
After deciding on your provider, make sure you provide them with your move-in date and any other applicable info.
Then, when you move in, take a meter reading to protect yourself from any future discrepancies. You’ll likely need to be there for some of the service activations, so make sure you plan for that!
Wrapping Up
Moving is stressful, but it doesn’t need to be impossible! As long as you prepare in advance and check off all the boxes, you’re one step closer to making your journey seamless and easy.
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The Movers Moving & Storage has been a family-owned and operated moving company for 40 years and across three generations. Serving areas in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Bradenton, Spring Hill, Lakeland, Wesley Chapel, Brandon, and Clearwater in Florida, our simple approach to moving has not changed since the day we opened. We treat our customers like family and their belongings like our own. For more moving facts and information, follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter.
