Transferring utilities: What you need to know

Make a list of all the utilities you’ll need at your new place. If you’re renting, ask your landlord which utilities you’ll need to pay for and which will be covered by the property manager. If you’re a first-time homeowner, you’ll most likely need:

• Trash
  
  
• Sewage
  
  
• Water
  
  
• Gas
  
  
• Electricity
  
  
• Internet
  
  
• Cable TV
  
  
• Phone
  
  
• Home Security
  

The more notice you can give your service providers, the better. Utility service providers can get busy during the peak moving months. If you plan to move between May and September, you’ll want to set up a service appointment as soon as possible to avoid delays. In general, most utility companies recommend you call at least 10-14 days prior to your move-in date. 

Most utility services are limited to a specific area and are provided by your city or county. Depending on where you’re moving, you may have to stop, transfer or start your services. Here’s how to set up your gas and electricity:

• Transfer services: If your zip code stays the same, you’ll most likely be able to request a transfer to your new address by paying a small fee. To transfer your current service, call your provider to let them know what date you would like to stop services at your old address and what date you would like to begin gas and electricity at your new home. You can even request for the services to overlap if you need to keep them on while you transition from one place to the other.
  
  
• Start services: If you’re moving to a new city or state, you can check online to see who your local service provider is. Once you get their contact information, call and schedule an appointment to have a technician service your home. You’ll also want to make sure to stop services at your old address to avoid being charged.
  

In most cases, renters won’t need to worry about setting up water and sewage services as it will be covered by your property management company. New homeowners will either have to call their local service provider to set up service or go to their town hall to request services. If you need to make the trip to town hall, this is what you’ll need:

• A valid driver’s license, passport or other valid proof of identification.
  
  
• Proof of residency at your new home, such as a mortgage statement.
  
  
• Completed service application from your city or county.
  

If you want to continue using your current internet, phone and cable service provider, call them and ask if they offer services in the area you’ll be moving to. Some providers, like Cox, may have an online page where you can easily enter your new zip code to find out if they service your new location. If services are available in your area, you can simply request to transfer services. Otherwise, you’ll have to search for a new service provider. You can use a search tool, like InMyArea, to do this. Simply enter your new home address and you’ll be given a list of providers in that area. To find the best option for you, consider the following:

• Pricing: If you’re switching providers, call or check online to see if there are any promotional deals you can take advantage of. If you’re transferring services, ask about any changes in price due to your new location.
  
  
• Speeds: Working from home has become a new standard. If your current internet package hasn’t been able to keep up with the new demand, ask about what speeds can offer you the best performance.
  
  
• Reviews: Before signing with a new service provider, do your research. While services may be similar, customer service can make a difference in your experience.
  
  
• Fees: Make sure to ask about any fees for renting equipment and professional installation.