Making the Switch: Transferring Your Utility Services

Buying a house is one of the biggest investments you'll ever make. It's easy to get excited about moving into a new home; however, too often we do not pay attention to the details that lead up to that long-awaited move-in day.

There's a long list of things that you need to do to ensure a smooth transition, and one of them is transferring your utilities. You don't want to spend your first night in your new home without electricity, water, or gas. Ahead, we take a look at five things to remember about setting up your utilities when moving into your new home.

1. Start Early
   When buying a house, you need to start the process of transferring your utilities as early as possible if you want to complete the switch-on time. Start to think about what utilities you want to shut off in your old place and turn on in your new home. That way, you will have a lot of time for any in-person appointments you might need to switch your utilities before moving into a new house.
2. Make A List of Current Providers
   Make a list of all utility providers that you currently have accounts with before you start calling. Write down your account number and the company's telephone number alongside each provider. Having this information organized will make things easier when calling to transfer your utilities. Some of the services you might have to transfer include gas, electricity, internet, and waste removal.
3. Find Out Who Your Providers Will Be
   Some of your current utility providers may not provide service to your new home depending on where and how far away you are moving. Unfortunately, this means that you won't be able to simply switch over your account to a new address. Therefore, you will have to find new utility providers in your new locality. One of the best ways to go about it is to inquire at the local city hall or municipal building. You can also ask your real estate agent or landlord.
4. Notify Your Utility Providers of The Move
   After you have all the utility information in one place, it's time to contact each provider separately to let them know that you will be moving. We recommend that you notify your utility providers about the move at least two weeks in advance. It's always a good idea to call about a month in advance for utilities that need installation such as internet and cable services.
5. Update Your Address and Clear Your Final Bill
   Don't forget to update your address. Be sure to provide your new address when calling utility providers and change your mailing address with USPS. You can easily choose the date that you wish to start forwarding your mail by visiting their website. That way, utility providers will be able to send you the last bill that will be ready soon after the shut off/disconnection date.

Finally, don't forget to have your utility providers come to your house and do a final reading of your electric, water, and gas meters before moving. Make a copy of the meter reading reports for your files just in case you receive any unexpected bills. Generally, moving can be stressful, but using this checklist will help you switch utilities to your new home with minimal hassles. 

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