Planning your utility transfer four weeks in advance ensures you won’t be left in the dark on moving day.
Key Takeaways
- Gather necessary documents like account numbers and your new lease or deed before calling providers.
- Schedule service transfers at least two weeks prior to your move date to avoid gaps in coverage.
- Conduct a final meter reading on moving day to prevent paying for energy usage after you leave.
Moving is often cited as one of life’s most stressful events, filled with endless boxes, packing tape, and logistical hurdles. While you can’t avoid the physical heavy lifting, you can absolutely prevent the administrative headache of dealing with your power and water service at the last minute. This moving utilities checklist is designed to transform potential chaos into a streamlined process, ensuring the lights are on and the internet is up and running the moment you walk through the front door of your new home.
Before You Start: Gather Your Utility Documentation
Most people make the mistake of picking up the phone before they have their paperwork ready, leading to frustrating hold times and callbacks. Before you dial a single customer service number, take a moment to hunt down the specific details providers will ask for. Having a “utility folder,” physical or digital, saves you time and keeps you organized. You will need the following information close at hand:
- Current account numbers for all services
- Social Security number or other personal identification
- Exact move-out date for your current residence
- New address (double-check the zip code and unit number)
- Lease start date or closing date for the new home
4 Weeks Out: Audit and Compare Providers
About a month before your move, sit down and make a comprehensive list of every service you currently use. This usually includes electric, natural gas, water, sewer, trash/recycling, internet, cable, and home security. Once you have your list, research which providers service your new address. In some cases, you might simply transfer your current service, but moving to a new region often means starting fresh with a new company.
If you are moving to or within a state with a deregulated energy market, such as Texas, Pennsylvania, or Ohio, you have a unique opportunity. In deregulated states, you can choose a separate electricity supplier for your rate and plan while the local utility still maintains the lines and handles outages. You can shop around for competitive rates and plans that suit your lifestyle. This is the perfect time to look for an eco-conscious alternative. Many providers offer renewable energy plans sourced from wind or solar power, often at rates competitive with traditional fossil fuel plans. Many renewable plans are priced competitively with standard options, so you can often choose the environmentally mindful choice without paying much more, if anything. Taking a few minutes to compare options can lower your monthly bills and reduce your carbon footprint simultaneously.
2 Weeks Out: Schedule Transfers and Cancellations
The “14-day rule” is the sweet spot for managing utilities. Calling two weeks ahead gives companies enough lead time to schedule a technician if necessary, without being so early that your request gets lost in the system. How you handle this depends on where you are moving.
Transferring Service Locally
If you are staying within the same utility territory, contact your provider to transfer service. You will likely keep your same account number. Confirm that the service will remain active at your old address until the day after you move out and begin at your new address the day before you move in. Renters should check with their landlords about preferred providers, while homeowners moving into an HOA should verify if services like trash or water are covered by their dues.
Canceling and Setting Up New Accounts
For long-distance moves, you must close your existing accounts and open new ones. Call your current provider to set a disconnection date. Then, contact your new provider to arrange the connection. Be prepared for credit checks or installation fees during this setup phase.
1 Week Out: Notify Secondary Parties
Once the major utilities like power and water are scheduled, turn your attention to the services that are easy to forget until you need them. This includes your internet and cable, which often require appointment windows for installation. Beyond utilities, it’s important to update your address with subscription services, insurance companies, banks, and your employer. Use this quick change of address checklist for utilities and other essential services:
- Utilities (electric, gas, water)
- Internet and cable
- USPS
- Banks and credit card issuers
- Insurance providers
- Employer / HR
- Subscriptions (streaming services, meal kits, gym, magazines)
Crucially, you must notify the United States Postal Service (USPS) to forward your mail. You can do this easily online through the official USPS Change of Address page. Doing this a week early ensures you don’t miss important final bills or refund checks from your previous utility companies.
Moving Day: The Final Meter Reading
On the day you hand over the keys, take five minutes to locate your gas and electric meters. Use your smartphone to take a clear photo of the numbers on the meter. This is a vital step for protecting your wallet. If a billing error occurs or the new tenant runs up a bill before the company processes your disconnect, you have time-stamped proof of exactly how much energy you used. Before you lock up, do a final safety sweep to ensure all appliances, lights, and thermostats are turned off or set to the appropriate vacancy settings.
Post-Move: Verify and Optimize
When you arrive at your new home, test the essentials immediately. Flip the light switches, run the taps, and check that the internet is live. Keep an eye out for your first utility bill to verify that the setup fees are correct and you aren’t being charged for the previous resident’s usage.
This fresh start is also an excellent time to implement energy-saving upgrades. Since you are setting up the space from scratch, consider installing ENERGY STAR–certified LED light bulbs, low-flow showerheads, or a smart thermostat. These small changes represent a smart energy-saving option that can make your new home more efficient from day one. For more tips, check out our guide on how to save on your electric bill.
Settling into Your Efficient New Home
Taking the time to organize your utilities before the moving truck arrives saves you money and prevents unnecessary stress. Instead of worrying about whether the water will work for your first shower, you can focus on unpacking and enjoying your new space. When you combine a clear moving utilities checklist with a few energy-saving upgrades, you set yourself up for a comfortable, efficient, and more eco-conscious home from day one. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with checking every box before the first box is even unpacked.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving Utilities
When should I call to transfer utilities?
Can I transfer my internet service to another state?
Do I need to be home when utilities are turned on?
Does turning off utilities affect my credit score?
Who do I notify when moving house?
Can I have utilities active at two homes during my move?
What utilities do I need to set up when buying a house versus renting?
About the Author
Claudio is a sustainability-focused writer with a background in Anthropology and Psychology from NC State University. He has spent over 15 years working in writing, interpretation, and translation, driven by a deep interest in how human culture shapes the environment. Today, he shares his curiosity with readers by writing about sustainable living solutions and the connection between everyday choices and environmental impact.