If you’re moving soon, you need to take care of a few to-do list items before moving day. One important task to remember is to transfer your utilities into your name at your new address. This step ensures you you won’t be living in your new place without hot water, internet, or electricity. To ensure your new home has working utilities, you must contact your utility service to switch your gas, electric, and more to your name.
Because the moving process can be time-consuming and stressful, a simple way to help you stay organized is to create a checklist. This checklist will help you follow and keep track of what you’ve completed before the move, including which utilities you must transfer. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you learn how to transfer your utilities when moving.
The first point to remember is it’s better to plan ahead of time than wait until the last minute. When it comes to utilities, waiting until the last minute can leave you without the essentials — heat, gas, and more. Therefore, you’ll want to start setting up transfers one month in advance. This approach gives you time for last-minute appointments or possible setbacks with your utility providers. Notifying your current utility providers of your move makes it easier to put your utilities in your name.
As stated before, being organized will help you keep track and stay on top of the moving process. To help you organize your utility providers, create a list of your current utility companies. Make a note of their phone numbers and your account numbers for each company. If you plan to switch utility providers, write down their contact information, as well.
The most common services you might transfer are:
For utility services that require an installation appointment, it’s strongly recommended to schedule that appointment far enough in advance so it’ll be ready when you move into your new home.
This step is where you have to do research on which utility providers are available in your area. If you’re staying in your current city, you’ll likely be able to switch your utilities into your name at your new place without any issues. However, people moving to different locations, such as another state, will need to find new utility providers, as certain providers only service certain areas.
If you’re having trouble finding adequate utility providers in your new location, you may want to ask your property manager or real estate agent for advice. This can also be the perfect opportunity to look for more affordable options. No matter what, create a list of the providers you plan to work with so you can move forward with the transfer and installation process.
Many utility companies allow customers to make transfer requests online. If your utility provider doesn’t offer that option, calling or emailing them would be the next best option. Make sure you have your account number, deactivation, and activation dates, and new address ready so you can provide that information to your provider.
In your request, you’ll need to let them know which days to turn off your utilities at your current home and when to turn them on at your new address. Typically, shutting your utilities off at your current residence one or two days after you leave is best. Have them turned on or installed at your new home as soon as possible after you move in. The timeframes may vary depending on each utility — you may not mind that your internet is turned on a day or two late, for example.
As you arrange transfer times with each provider, write down each confirmed date on your calendar. If an issue arises, you’ll have confirmation of your agreed-upon timeline.
Usually, cities or counties provide water and sewer services. If you’re renting, your water and sewer utilities may be included in your contract, so your landlord or rental company will take care of them. However, that’s not always the case, so be sure to ask your landlord or lease office for more information. If you need to set up your water and sewer services, you’ll want to search online for your municipality office’s contact information.
Before moving to your next place, make sure you don’t have any overdue bills or remaining payments. Call your utility service providers to see whether you currently owe any money. Failure to pay any remaining balances before moving could potentially affect your credit score.
If you’re changing providers and your utility service included equipment, like an internet router, you will have to return that before moving out. Simply contact your provider to see their process for returning the equipment, which could be dropping it off at a local store or mailing it back.
Schedule a final meter reading before transferring your utilities to your new home. Having your water, natural gas, and electricity meters read before you leave can help ensure you don’t get stuck paying for services you didn’t use. Keep a copy of the report just in case you receive any unexpected bills in the future — the document will provide proof of your shut-off date.
To ensure you have electricity and gas the day you move in, call each of your service providers a few days before moving to confirm everything is set and good to go. Remember to have your account information nearby for reference.
As a homeowner, reducing your energy use is important for the environment and your budget. To help with your budgeting and make a positive impact on the planet, be sure to research the best natural gas and electricity rates. With that information in mind, you can compare and decide which plan works best for you.
At Shipley Energy, we offer a variety of plans and prices to best fit your energy needs.
The experts at Shipley Energy want to help you take control of your energy costs and start saving your money. In our more than 90 years of business, our key goal has always been giving our customers the information they need to make smart choices about energy. Shop our energy prices now to learn more.
If you have any questions about our services, we’re happy to help. Give us a call at 1-800-839-1849, start a live chat, or visit our contact page to get in touch.
Since deregulation in PA, I review my energy (Gas & Electric) at least once a year. I was amazed with how easy it was to convert my electric service to Shipley Energy. They...
Read moreSince deregulation in PA, I review my energy (Gas & Electric) at least once a year. I was amazed with how easy it was to convert my electric service to Shipley Energy. They not only had one of the lowest rates, but also the online process was quick, very easy, and I received emails explaining my account had been created and the cancellation to my previous supplier. Would definitely recommend to family and friends shopping for a new utility provider
Read lessI am pleased to be able to support a local energy company and doubly pleased that Shipley offers a green electricity alternative.
James S.
