Prepare for the big day: Make moving house utilities easier

Transferring your utilities is just one of the long list of things you must do for this big move. You need to double-check your lease to know if it’s yours or your landlord’s responsibility to activate them. If you’re a homeowner, you must ensure your utilities are set up before moving in.  

Here’s a quick guide on how to change utilities when moving house easily and conveniently. Prepare to add these things to your moving house checklist! 

Things you need to do to set up house utilities 

If you’re wondering when to connect utilities when buying a house, the answer is the earlier, the better to avoid inconvenience. Here’s what to do to move each house's utility.

Electricity

Your electricity connection can be transferred ahead of time. Registering the switch online with your current energy provider will be more convenient if you have an online account. 

Before the move, don’t forget to give a notice to your old provider to notify them that you’re transferring your electricity account. Tell your provider the date and arrange for the power to be activated before you move in. For instance, you can ask if they can disconnect you the day after your moving day. 

What if your existing provider does not supply electricity to your new home or area? Maybe it’s time to change providers! 

In deciding what electricity plan suits you, consider first when and how electricity is mostly used at home. Then, you can evaluate how you want to be charged (single-use, block, or time-use rates). You can also inquire among multiple providers or visit Energy Made Easy, a tool offered by the Australian government.

Lastly, you may also need to factor in the fees charged by energy companies for both connection and disconnection.

Water

For water supply, it will be determined according to the state and municipality you’ll be residing. When connecting water when moving house, ensure to have it turned on at least one day prior to moving in. 

Before moving in, get an initial water metre reading at your new place to ensure you only pay for the water you consume. Don’t forget to cancel water and sewage at your current address. Then, call the water provider in your new area to arrange for the water and sewage to be connected at least a day before you move.

Moving to an area with a different water provider? Call them to set up a new account. But if you’re staying with the same provider, just let them know your new address. 

On your first day at your place, take a reading as soon as you move in. Before using the water supply, allow the gunk to be rinsed out by turning on the faucet and letting it run for a few minutes.

Gas

Switching your gas utility is similar to moving your electricity account. 

Before the move, check if your new property has a gas connection. Like with your other utilities, you’ll need to start the process in advance and give your gas provider a notice ahead. You may need to factor in a few days for them to complete the connection.

Don’t forget to cancel your gas at your old home after you move into your new space. Tell your move-out date to the current provider so they know when you wish the service to end. 

Look for a new gas provider or tell your current provider to move your house gas account and set it up in your new address. Share your exact move-in date or when you want the service to begin. 

If you need both electricity and gas for your new home, you can set these up simultaneously and get a good deal with one provider. 

Landline and Internet

Get uninterrupted phone conversations and internet connection as soon as you move into your new home, call a provider up ahead of your move-in date to open an account and make sure it’s up and running when you arrive.

Before the move, contact your provider at least a couple of weeks before moving into your new house, flat or apartment. Don’t forget to settle any outstanding accounts if you're switching providers.

When transferring accounts, the first step is to evaluate the type of internet plan you can avail of at your new residence. You can plug your address into a service provider's website to check. Through this, you can transfer your internet service online. 

However, if you need a specific modem mailed to you for the service you avail, you may need to factor in that this can take between a day and two weeks. Some connections may require an installation by a technician, so it’s also best to plan.

☞ Read also: Moving guide and checklist: How to make your move stress-free

Practical tips when setting up utilities

Find some time to sit down and get organised

Jot down your current service providers, noting your subscription type or service and their contact information. This ensures you don’t miss any service you should transfer or end, and so you can make calls to sort them out efficiently. 

Settle your outstanding balance

Ensure that your current utility accounts have no outstanding balance before moving to the new house so there are no surprise fees from your old address. This is especially important if you’re planning to change providers.

Set up everything early in the process

Upon moving in, you want to focus on unpacking and giving yourself time to settle in. Plan and set up every utility ahead to avoid inconveniences like no electricity or water supply. Don’t forget to update your postal address to the new address to stay on top of notices regarding your utilities.

Change providers or transfer current service

Depending on your necessity, you may want to stay with your current provider (if they are serving your new area) or not. To save time and money, you can transfer your current service rather than set up a new account. But if you’re planning to switch to a better deal, before the big move is the right time to do so. 

Prepare a budget for deposits and transfer fees

Prepare a security deposit as part of a security check. Some utility service providers need to conduct a credit check to evaluate if there’s a need for a security deposit. Aside from the deposit, you may also need to allot a budget for transfer, disconnection, and other fees.

Ask for help from your property manager

Check with your provider if you need to be present when the utility is turned on. If you aren’t available, let your property manager call to ask whether they can be present for the service installation.

Feel at home when utilities are ready to use!

Moving is exciting, but it can be stressful. Make relocating more convenient by transferring or setting up your utilities ahead of time. Minimise the stress by contacting a bills removalist and getting moving help for a smoother moving day. 

With preparations like this, you can make moving less stressful! You can also hire professional removalists to assist you. Experienced removalists have tried-and-tested systems that make moving easier and faster.