How to Set Up Utilities in Your New Home

Moving into a new home can be just as overwhelming as it is exciting. Among all the tasks you have to complete, setting up your utilities is one of the most important, so you’ll need to know how to set up utilities when you move. Thankfully, you can take a few steps to simplify the process and make it easier for yourself. Use this guide to help you with setting up utilities in your new home.

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Types of Utilities

Your new home should include several different types of utilities, each of which serves a distinct purpose. The most common types of utilities include:

    • Electricity: Of course, one of the most significant utilities is electricity. It’s necessary for lighting, refrigeration, appliances, and electronics. It might also power your heating and cooling systems.
    • Natural gas: Some homes may have natural gas to power stoves, heating, or both. If you have a gas stove in your home, it could run from a central line or on gas tanks you have to refill. Most homes will use either a gas furnace or an electric furnace. Gas is a great source for heating, and many people prefer to cook on gas stoves — but it’s important to have the proper safety precautions in place if you have natural gas in your home.
    • Oil: If your home has an oil tank, that’s likely how you’ll heat your home in the winter. Using oil heat for your home requires periodic deliveries to fill your tank, often a little while before the cold weather sets in. If you have oil heat, be sure to choose a provider that offers emergency oil deliveries should you run out unexpectedly.
    • Water and sewer: You’ll also have to pay for water and sewer services, which will keep your faucet running and your toilet flushing.
    • Cable and internet: Cable and internet are also considered utilities. Companies often offer packaged services for cable and internet, but you can buy a plan for one or the other if you don’t plan on using both.
    • Trash and recycling: In many neighborhoods, trash and recycling services incur their own fee, as well. Paying this fee means you get weekly trash and recycling pickups, and some providers will even offer disposal services for large items like mattresses and furniture.

create a checklist of your utilities

How Do I Set Up Utilities When I Move?

You’ll need to know how to set up utilities when buying a house. Although the process can feel complicated, taking a few simple steps in advance will make it much easier. Here are some basic steps for how to set up utilities for the first time:

1. Create a Checklist of Your Utilities

First things first, create a checklist for your future reference. Write down all of the utilities that will need to be turned on in your new home. It’s also a good idea to write a checklist of your current home’s utilities to make sure you’ve shut everything off. You might want to use a spreadsheet tool to make your list so you can include contact information and other account details.

2. Determine Who Your Providers Are

You’ll then need to figure out who your new utility providers will be. If you live in a deregulated energy state, you’ll be able to choose your own providers after comparison shopping. Either way, it’s important to establish who your providers will be and how you can get in touch with them.

3. Contact Your Existing Utility Providers

As your move approaches, you’ll also need to contact your current providers. Tell them your intended moving day and give them plenty of advance notice, if possible, to avoid any late fees or other penalties. If you are coming from a rental property, the landlord may need to place the utilities in their own name before you can transfer service.

4. Contact Your New Utility Providers

Finally, you should reach out to your new utility providers and let them know when you plan to move in. You might ask a few questions, including:

      • How long will set up and equipment installation take?
      • Do I need to be present for setup?
      • What billing options are available?
      • What payment methods do you accept?
      • Are there any activation fees?
      • What can I expect to pay each month?

Make sure you reach out to your new providers at least a few weeks before your move-in day. That will give them enough time to get things up and running before you spend your first night in your new home.

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Setting Up Natural Gas and Electricity for the First Time

Gas and electricity are two of a home’s most important utilities. If you want to be able to turn the lights on while you unpack, you’ll need to know how to set up electricity for the first time. Similarly, many homes rely on gas for heating and cooling and powering appliances like stoves, ovens, and laundry dryers. You’ll also need to know how to set up gas for the first time. Here are some basic steps for getting these utilities established:

      1. See if you’re in a deregulated market — if so, you can pick your provider.
      2. Compare providers and plans for the best option.
      3. Choose a provider and set up an account.
      4. Schedule your start date and see if you need to do anything else.
      5. Cancel your current service.

Shop Around for the Best Natural Gas and Electricity Rates

It’s vital to know how to get utilities set up when you move — and one of the most important parts of that process is choosing the right supplier. Thanks to market deregulation, homeowners in several states have total freedom to choose their suppliers.

If you live in a state with deregulated energy, you can pick your supplier, which is different from the utility company itself. Doing so allows you to find the best rate and most favorable contract terms available. Deregulation gives consumers like you more power over your energy prices. In addition, the possibility of losing customers keeps suppliers responsible for the quality of service.

If you live in a deregulated energy market, make sure you spend some time shopping around for the best energy providers and best plans. You could enjoy major savings by choosing the right supplier. Be sure to view the plans and prices available in your area to see what options you can choose from.

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Shop Now for a Provider or Contact Us at Shipley Energy

When you’re moving, you have lots of priorities and to-do items. One way to make the process easier is to follow a simple plan when it comes to setting up your utilities. You’ll find it helpful to create a checklist with all of the utility information you need. Then, be sure to contact your current and new utility providers — cancel your current utilities and schedule the setup and installation for your new ones in time for your move.

Part of the process will also include figuring out who your new utility suppliers will be. If you live in a deregulated energy market, you’ll have the chance to choose for yourself. You can compare services, customer reviews, rates, and contract terms until you find the best option for you.

At Shipley Energy, we’re here to help you find and establish your energy supplier. If you have any questions about the process, contact us online. We’ll be happy to help you understand the utility supply market so you can make an informed decision. If you want to find the best utility supplier in your area, start shopping now!

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