Create a Moving Utility Checklist

Before you start contacting utility providers, it's helpful to make a checklist. This keeps everything organized and makes sure you don’t forget any services.

What to Include in Your Checklist

1. Utility Types: Write down all the utilities you use—electricity, gas, water, trash collection, internet, cable, etc.
2. Provider Information: Gather the name, contact information, and account numbers for each provider.
3. Move-In/Move-Out Dates: Mark down when you'll be leaving your current place and moving into your new home. You’ll need these dates when scheduling disconnections and connections.
4. Special Services: Don’t forget services like security systems, pest control, or subscription boxes. These might not be utilities, but they still need to be notified.

Having this checklist ensures you stay organized and can manage your utility transfers without stress.

Contact Your Current Utility Providers

Once you’ve created your checklist, it’s time to contact your utility providers. It’s important to give them a heads-up early—usually two to three weeks before your move.

Steps for Contacting Providers

1. Call or Go Online: Most utility companies let you schedule disconnections and transfers either over the phone or through their website. Make sure you have your account number and move dates handy.
2. Set Disconnection Date: Schedule the service disconnection for the day after you move out, just in case there are any last-minute needs at your old home.
3. Ask About Final Bills: Check if there will be any final bills or meter readings needed. Some utilities, like water or gas, may require an in-person reading before closing your account.
4. Request Confirmation: Always ask for written confirmation of your disconnection date. This can prevent any mix-ups later on.

Handling this step early keeps everything smooth on moving day, without interruptions or extra fees.

Schedule Utility Connections for Your New Home

Now that you've handled disconnections, it's time to focus on getting utilities set up at your new place. You don’t want to move in and realize you have no power or water, so schedule connections ahead of time.

Steps to Set Up Utilities at Your New Home

1. Contact Providers Early: Just like with disconnections, contact the utility companies two to three weeks before moving. This gives them enough time to set up your new services without delays.
2. Pick Your Move-In Date for Activation: Make sure your utilities are connected the day before you move in. This ensures everything is ready when you arrive.
3. Check for Required Deposits or Fees: Some companies may require a deposit or installation fee, especially if you’re a new customer. Ask about this upfront to avoid surprises.
4. Get Confirmation: Always get written confirmation of your new connection date. You’ll want proof in case something doesn’t go as planned.

Taking care of these details ensures your utilities will be ready when you arrive, so you can focus on unpacking instead of worrying about power or water.

Don’t Forget Other Services

While utilities like electricity and water are essential, there are other services that also need to be transferred when you move. Forgetting these can lead to disruptions or unexpected charges.

Services to Remember

1. Internet and Cable: Contact your internet and cable providers to transfer or cancel your service. Some providers may allow you to transfer equipment, while others might require you to return it.
2. Trash and Recycling: If you’re moving to a new area, check with the local waste management company about setting up trash and recycling services. Don’t forget to cancel your old service.
3. Home Security Systems: If you have a home security system, reach out to the provider to transfer the service to your new home. Some systems may need to be reinstalled, so plan accordingly.
4. Postal Service: Set up mail forwarding with the postal service to ensure you don’t miss any important letters or packages.

By handling these additional services early, you avoid lapses in service and keep everything running smoothly as you settle into your new home.

Plan Ahead to Avoid Gaps in Service

Planning ahead is key when transferring utilities. A few days without water or electricity can make moving even more stressful. To avoid any gaps in service, it’s important to schedule everything well in advance.

Tips for Preventing Service Interruptions

1. Overlap Services: If possible, schedule your old utilities to be disconnected a day or two after you move out, and the new ones to be connected a day before you move in. This overlap ensures that you won’t be stuck without essential services during the move.
2. Check Activation Times: Some services, like internet or cable, may take longer to activate. Check with the provider to ensure they can connect on the date you need.
3. Keep Emergency Contacts Handy: Keep the phone numbers for your utility providers handy in case there’s an issue on moving day. That way, you can resolve any problems quickly.
4. Double-Check the Dates: Always reconfirm your scheduled disconnections and connections a few days before the move. This reduces the chance of miscommunication or scheduling errors.

By planning ahead, you ensure that your utilities are ready when you need them, avoiding any unnecessary hassles on moving day.



Check for Any Transfer Fees or Penalties

Some utility companies charge fees for transferring or disconnecting services, so it’s important to be aware of any potential costs when you move.

What to Look Out For

1. Early Termination Fees: Some contracts, especially for services like internet or cable, may have early termination fees if you cancel before the contract ends. Check with your provider to see if this applies.
2. Service Transfer Fees: Utilities like electricity, water, and gas may charge a small fee to transfer services to a new address. These are usually standard but it’s good to ask ahead.
3. Deposits for New Accounts: If you’re moving to a new area or using a new provider, they may ask for a deposit, especially if you’ve never had service with them before. Ask if you can transfer a deposit from your old account if you’re staying with the same provider.
4. Equipment Return Fees: For services like internet or cable, make sure you return any rented equipment to avoid extra charges. Some companies will charge you if they don’t receive the equipment on time.

By asking about these fees upfront, you can avoid unexpected charges and plan your move more efficiently.



What Happens After Moving Day?

Once you’ve moved into your new home, there are still a few steps to ensure everything with your utilities is in order.

Final Steps After the Move

1. Double-Check All Connections: After moving in, make sure all your utilities—electricity, water, gas, and internet—are up and running as scheduled. If something isn’t working, contact the provider immediately to fix it.
2. Confirm Final Bills: Ensure that you’ve received and paid any final bills from your old address. Some utility companies send a final bill after the last meter reading or service disconnection, so keep an eye out for that.
3. Update Billing Information: For all transferred services, make sure your new address is set for billing. This will prevent any missed payments or disruptions in service.
4. Test Internet and Cable: If you’ve transferred your internet or cable, test the connections right away. If there are any issues, it’s best to resolve them early rather than waiting until you need the service.
5. Monitor for Any Gaps: Occasionally, services might have small delays in activation. If you notice any issues, reach out to your provider and keep track of any service interruptions that may need compensation or adjustment.

Completing these steps ensures a smooth transition, with no lingering utility concerns after moving day.



Conclusion

Transferring utilities when moving doesn't have to be a headache. By following the steps outlined—creating a checklist, contacting providers early, scheduling disconnections and connections, and confirming everything after the move—you can make sure your transition is as smooth as possible.

If you're preparing for a move and want a hassle-free experience, look no further than Bobcat Movers, based in San Marcos, TX.

Whether you're moving locally, relocating a business, or embarking on a long-distance move, Bobcat Movers offers top-notch services in residential, commercial, and long-distance moving.

Serving San Marcos, New Braunfels, Kyle, Seguin, San Antonio, Austin, and Lockhart, they take the stress out of moving by ensuring everything is handled with care.

Trust Bobcat Movers to be your partner in the next chapter of your journey. Contact them today to schedule your move and experience a seamless transition to your new space.