How to Set Up Your Home's Utilities

When moving into your new home, you of course will want all of the essential utilities to be set up and ready to go for the day you move in, so that your first night in your new home is a comfortable one, or as comfortable as possible.

When moving, it is not uncommon for new homeowners to have questions about the process of setting up utility services for a new home. Here are some answers to these commonly asked questions.

Related: 10 Things New Homeowners Should Know

What Utilities Will I Need to Set Up?

The most standard utilities you will need to have set up at your new home include: electricity, gas, water, sewer, internet, trash/recycling/yard waste, phone (if planning to use a landline), and in some cases cable for those that wish to have it

In some communities with a homeowners association, items like trash removal and sewer will be included within your homeowner’s association dues. Some associations even include utility amenities like cable.

"How utilities are split up or managed can differ from neighborhood to neighborhood and city to city." John Kinnunen, Join eXp Realty Professional

How do I find which utility company services my new address?

Your real estate agent or the former owners of the home can help to provide information on the utility companies that provide services to your new home. You can also utilize online sources like inmyarea.com, or you could call up the city in which your new home is, or look at the city’s website to discover which companies service certain areas.

In many areas, there is only one company that provides a certain service to an area such as water, trash, or electricity. Water is often monopolized and operated by the local government, so often times water departments will be under municipal or county management.

When should the previous owner shut off the utility service?

When the seller of your new home moves out it will be their responsibility to notify the utility company of the change. In some cases, you will not be able to set up a new account until they have canceled theirs at the address. It is always a good idea to reach out to the utility company a few weeks before closing/move-in date and check in a couple of days before your move to make sure everything is ready to go.

Is There a Service That Can Help Me Set Up Utilities?

If your plate is overly full with other tasks, you can hire a service to help take this item off your to-do list. There are companies out there like Utility Connect, My Utilities, and Utility Concierge that offer to help you set up all the necessary utility accounts and even show you price comparisons for each company available in the area.

What About Addresses?

The USPS has a change of address form but it's only temporary. You'll need to inform all your magazine and newsletter subscriptions, credit card companies, any other bills you might receive and all other non-utilities of your change of address permanently. You'll need to enter the right information for the new address, perhaps the old one and then verify you are the right person forwarding the mail.

This is actually one of the best ways to know who you need to inform. By simply forwarding your address to the new location you can see which pieces of mail come with the yellow sticker that show forwarding. From there, you can contact those parties individually and inform them of your new address.

Yes, it's a hassle but it's all part of moving. Having a checklist will get the information out of your head and onto paper making it easier to remember and keep track of.

More Resources for New Homeowners:

18 Ways to Get Your Home Ready for the Winter

5 Factors to Consider During a Job Relocation

Tips to Help with a Last Minute Move

How to Improve your Front Porch

6 Flags to be Aware of When Buying a House