Whether your move is planned well in advance or a quick response to rapidly developing circumstances, you cannot overlook your utilities. Not only do you have to wind down your bills at your old place, you have to set things up so you don’t have to wait for your lights, gas, and water to be turned on at your new place. Use the checklist below to make the transition as easy as possible. Let’s face it-moving is stressful enough as it is, that last thing you’d want is the additional stress of leftover bills at your old place or having no functioning utilities at your new place.
Give your current providers enough time
While some people notify their utilities about their move as little as 48 hours before they leave, you really need to give your current providers enough time. Paperwork glitches do happen. By giving your providers ample advanced notice you are only helping yourself by ensuring that any final billing will get to your new place. Additionally, you are paving the way for an easier return of your deposits since service disconnection and deposit returns are done in accordance with the utility company’s rules and procedures.
Set up bill forwarding
Contact your current water, gas, cable, and power providers and let them know your new address. Request that they forward any leftover bills to your new address. While you can also set up address forwarding at your post office, this isn’t a slam dunk. It’s a better idea to do both: set up mail forwarding with the post office and directly requesting your utilities to mail you any bills at your new place. Don’t neglect to do this because unpaid bills can impact your credit history.
See if the service provider covers your new location
If you are moving down the street or across the state, there might be a chance that your current utility providers might be the utility providers for your new location. Of course, the closer you move to your current location, the higher the chance you won’t have to switch providers. Notify your current providers regarding your move and they will let you know if they service that particular location.
Set up your new utilities over the Internet
Depending on where you are moving to, you can find information online regarding how to set up utility services. Go to the official website for the state you are moving to and find the section that caters to newcomers. Look for utility set up information there. It is crucial that you set your utilities up before you move. You don’t want to be put in a situation where you don’t have water, power, or other utilities once you’ve moved in to your new place. It can get quite costly if you have to stay at a nearby motel while waiting for utilities to be turned on at your new place. Another great advantage with setting things up prior to your move is that you become acquainted with relevant local or state regulations at your new location.
Set up new utilities at least two weeks before you move in
In the event that your current utility providers don’t cover your new location, you need to move quickly. Don’t wait until the last minute to have your new services set up. If you wait too long, you might not get services turned on in time. You might have to spend extra by staying at a motel while waiting for key utilities to be turned on. The sooner you get your utilities set up, the better. Keep in mind that emergencies and unexpected events pop up all the time. Give yourself some leeway by applying for utilities well before you move in.
Give yourself time to apply and pay for service installation
Utility companies let you apply for services online. However, you have to send a security deposit by mail or through fund transfer. Make sure you schedule enough time for this transaction. Don’t leave this out or you might end up moving in without heat or lights. This is not a small detail. Security deposits can get quite big, especially if you are moving into a space that can consume a lot of electricity.
Use the checklist above to help make your move as smooth and hassle-free as possible. Whether you’re moving out or moving in, you can’t take your utilities for granted. Make sure you have all the items listed above to protect your credit rating and ensure your new place has water, lights, and other utilities activated and ready for your use.
Use the checklist above to help make your move as smooth and hassle-free as possible. Whether you’re moving out or moving in, you can’t take your utilities for granted. Make sure you have all the items listed above to protect your credit rating and ensure your new place has water, lights, and other utilities activated and ready for your use.
