Ready for moving day? Here's how to make moving house utilities easier

Remove the burden of transferring utilities when relocating. Transferring utilities is one of many things to cross on your to-do list before your big move. Even if the cost of utilities is already included in the purchase price of your house, flat, or apartment, you should double-check your lease to see if it is your responsibility to activate them or your landlord’s. 

Read further to learn how to take over utilities when moving for a smoother relocation process. Ensure to include these items on your moving house utilities checklist! 

Things you need to do to set up house utilities 

If you’re wondering when to set up bills for a new home or your new flat, the answer is the earlier, the better, to avoid inconvenience. 

Electricity

The process of transferring your electricity account should be started ahead of time. 

Before the move, notify your old energy supplier and tell them you’re transferring your electricity account. Tell your provider the date and arrange for the power to be activated before your move-in date. For instance, you can ask if they can disconnect you the day after your moving day to ensure that you will have electricity for the whole day.

Are you on a fixed tariff at your old place? Then you can carry over the same energy deal to your new residence. Doing this will rid you of exit fees they usually charge for ending tariffs. Contact your current supplier and inform them about the changes to your address. They will conduct a final metre reading to calculate the final energy bill. 

Are you on an energy tariff with no exit fees? Evaluate if closing your current energy account is easier than moving it. Contact your supplier and get a new deal for your new place. Best deals are often offered to new customers.

Setting up bills for the first time? First, you need to find out which energy providers are available in your area. You may need to contact your landlord or broker to know the supplier at your new property so you can compare and choose your plan. For new homeowners, consult your real estate agent about their recommendations. 

Then, inquire with the service provider way ahead of your scheduled move-in day, two (2) weeks in advance. This can be done online. But you may visit your preferred energy company’s office in some areas. Don’t forget to bring the required documents. Afterwards, they will check the new property and conduct initial metre reading.

You may also need to factor in the fees charged by energy suppliers for both connection and disconnection.

Water

You’ll need water as soon as you step into your new home. So it’s essential to know how to transfer water service 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. Also, before moving out, get a final reading of your water consumption as well. Don’t forget to cancel water and sewage at your current address. Check your water company’s website to know how to do this.

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. 

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. 

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, review your current contract and evaluate if you’re still getting a good deal. Once you have decided, contact your provider at least a couple of weeks before moving into your new house or apartment. 

Many providers in the UK, including BT, Sky, TalkTalk, Virgin Media, Now, and more, have an online portal or customer service hotline where you can request a transfer. Just prepare your account number, current phone number, new address, and moving-in date. Most transfer processes take about two to four weeks.

If you’re switching providers, don’t forget to settle any outstanding accounts. You can check with them if they’re servicing your new area. It’s also a good time to decide on the type of internet plan you can avail of at your new residence: a promotional priced plan, a faster speed, a TV-internet-phone bundle, etc.

If you need to change internet providers, check with your current one if there’s a need to pay for early termination fees. Some providers waive these fees when you need to move outside their coverage area. 

At your new place, most internet services only require you to plug in your equipment to start enjoying connection. But some still require a scheduled installation. Once installed, don’t forget to test your internet speed.

☞ 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, your account number and account name, as well as your provider’s 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. 

If you are renting, you may also need to check with your landlord to know which utilities you will be responsible for. Take note of the utilities included in the HOA while planning.

Settle your outstanding balance

Even if you can transfer utilities with a balance, it’s still best to ensure that your current utility accounts have no outstanding balance before moving to the new house. This is so there are no surprise fees from your old address, which is vital to know if you plan to change providers.

Set up everything early in the process

Upon moving in, you want to focus on unpacking and giving yourself the time to warm up to the new place. So to avoid inconveniences like no electricity or water supply, plan and set up every utility ahead. 

Begin the transfer process 2-4 weeks before your move. Don’t forget to put the utility in your name as soon as you can and 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 existing service rather than set up a new account. But if you plan to switch utilities for 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. Usually, the deposit is around one or two times your monthly bill. 

Aside from the deposit, you may also need to allot a budget for transfer fees, a reconnection fee, disconnection fees, etc., as some providers may require them. You may check directly with your service provider to get an accurate cost.

Ask for help from your landlord or 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!

Make your move easier by transferring or setting up utilities ahead of time. Ease your worry by hiring a professional removalist to wrap and box your belongings for you. 

Moving could prove less complicated if you plan properly. You can also hire expert movers to assist you. Removalists with years of experience have tried-and-true systems that make moving easier and faster.