Transferring Utilities

Details, details, details. Just when you thought you had it all done – the movers hired, the packing supplies purchased, the cat to the vet for his check-up. But wait, there’s more! Moving your utilities is usually a pretty easy process, but it is another thing that has to be done. Follow our tips for transferring your utilities and you can check one more thing off the list.

Disconnecting

You’ll want to be sure that you have electricity, heat and gas until your moving truck has driven away. Call the utility companies or visit their websites to arrange for your disconnection, but make sure nothing is turned off until the day after you move. That way, if you’re still getting the last load in at 10pm the night of your move, you have light to do it by. Call or go online at least 2-4 weeks before you are set to move. Also, find out from your utility companies if there will be any charge for disconnection. That way you won’t be surprised when you get that last bill.

Transferring or Start-Up

If you are moving across town, transferring your utilities may be as simple as one phone call to disconnect and restart your new service. However, when moving to another state, it is likely that you’ll be dealing with new companies altogether, so you may have to do some research to learn about the utilities in your new town.

Either way, you’ll want to make sure that all your utilities are hooked up and ready to go when you move. You should, then, have your utilities turned on the day before you are set to arrive. Again, you should do this 2-4 weeks before you move. No matter where you move, you can expect set-up fees, but find out about these in advance so your first bill doesn’t surprise you.

General Tips

• Give your old utility companies your new address so they know where to send the final bill.
  
  
• Write down your new utility companies’ names and phone numbers in case there are any problems when you arrive at your new location.
  
  
• Find out if you have any deposits or overpaid monies coming back to you from your old utility companies and if you do, collect!