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After years of searching and saving, you’re about to call yourself a homeowner! Now, you need to move your stuff in. A recent study found that about 40 million Americans move house each year!
With all the chaos of packing and moving your whole life, it’s easy to forget about the utilities. But, you don’t want to move in without any water or electricity!
We put together a quick guide to explain the process of setting up utilities. Keep reading to learn what you need to know before you pack the moving truck.
Contents
Which Utilities Do You Need To Set Up?
When you need to start utility services in your new home, you need to call each individual service company. But, how do you set up utilities before deciding what utilities you need? These are some utilities you might consider.
- Electricity
- Gas
- Water
- Sewer
- Internet
- Trash/recycling pickup
- Phone service
- Cable
You at least want the electricity for your heating and cooling needs as well as your water before moving in. Others can wait until you’re in the new house.
Process for Setting up Utilities
When you don’t know how to set up utilities when buying a house, things can get overwhelming in a hurry. We can help! This is a quick breakdown of the process.
Figure Out Who the Providers Are
The first step is finding out which companies offer services in your area. Your real estate agent, landlord, or a quick internet search can help find all the options in your area.
Contacting the Utility Companies
At least 2 weeks before your move, you’ll want to call the utility companies to set up your account and schedule a service turn-on date. If you need proof that the utilities are in your name before move-in, make sure to ask for that information.
Also, if you’re moving from another house, you may need to turn off the utilities at your old address. Make sure to schedule the turn-off date for after you move out all your things.
Verifying the Utilities on Moving Day
On (or right after) moving day, you’ll want to make sure all the utilities work and your services started. Before moving in boxes, check that the lights come on and water comes out of the faucets.
For services like cable, you’ll need to set up your devices to see if it’s working. Also, make sure the waste maintenance crew comes to pick up your trash on the appropriate day.
A New Home Means New Beginnings
Moving your whole life into a new home is chaotic. But, it only lasts a short time. After that, you get to start a new chapter in your life!
This guide should help take some of the confusion out of the moving craziness. Make sure you start the process early enough though because you don’t want to run out of time if you run into an issue.
We hope you enjoyed this article and that you understand the process of setting up utilities. For more helpful articles about finances, law, and more, check out the rest of our blog today!
