There’s a lot of activity when moving into a new home. Many homeowners are often focused primarily on moving their belongings. But there’s another important consideration that should be taken care of before the big day. Setting up utilities in your new home. After all, the last thing you want to do when you enter your new home is discover that there is no electricity or water.
That’s why it’s a good idea to take some time a few weeks prior to order utilities for your new home before moving in. Then, you’ll be in with the assurance that all your utilities will be in working order, eliminating the need for scrambling to contact customer service representatives to get the gas or Internet turned on.
Setting Up New Home Utilities: First Step
The first thing to do is contact your current utility providers and notify them when you will be leaving your home and when that utility should be turned off. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself still receiving bills, a financial headache you definitely don’t need or want.
Create a checklist of all your current utilities so you can keep track of which ones you’ve contacted. Chances are, the same utilities you have at your current home will be needed at your new home. Check if any of the companies also provide service at your new future address, it may be possible to simply transfer service to the new address on the date you specify. If not, research the utility providers in the area to see which companies are available to you for services such as Internet, water, HVAC, etc. You can usually get reliable information by asking questions on the neighborhood pages on social media platforms. Then you’ll be able to make an informed decision if there is more than one company to choose from for a particular utility.
Remember to start researching companies and contacting them a few weeks prior to your move-in date. There may be steps to the set-up and installation of new utilities before they are properly running. Some providers may need you to be present during the installation. You’ll also want to be sure to ask about utility transfer or activation fees so there are no surprises on your first bill.
Choosing the Right Utility Companies
Sometimes there might only be one provider in an area for a particular utility, while others might present a few options. Consider the following tips if you are going to be acquiring services from new providers.
Internet
This utility is the most likely to have a few options to choose from. Many Internet providers often bundle their services with cable and phone service packages. Starting a new service often means you’ll also get to benefit from an introductory offer. Take the time to research the options and be sure to read reviews of the companies. Sometimes it may be worth it to pay a bit more for a service if the service is more reliable.
Additionally, consider your needs — does your family spend a lot of time on the Internet? Do you stream a lot of movies? Do you enjoy lots of movie channels? Do you need a landline phone or are you fine with your mobile phone? Answering these questions will help you better decide which package is right for you.
Electricity, Water, and Gas
Unless you are moving into a deregulated market, there will likely be only one option for electricity and gas. So, while there may be no need to make a choice, you still need to prepare early to ensure the utilities are turned on when you move in. Two weeks in advance is a good general rule of thumb.
In a deregulated market, you’ll need to research the different options and choose a company that offers the best value and service based on your needs. Neighborhood social media groups can be very helpful in providing information.
Water is also usually provided by only one company in an area. You can usually easily find out about the company by visiting the towns government page. This is usually a simple phone call that needs to be made in order to set up an account and get the water turned on.
AC/Heat
If you’re moving into a new home, you’re likely to benefit from a brand-new HVAC unit. If not, you’ll want to have the number of a reliable HVAC company handy in case the unit goes on the fritz.
Smart Home Systems
A smart home offers amazing technology options to better enhance and fine-tune your home life. However, setting one up requires the aid of an expert and there are a lot of smart home products to choose from as well. Once again, the key to making an informed decision is research. Speaking with a reputable smart home installation expert can also provide you with good information.
Solar
Considering solar power? The first step is gathering quotes from reputable companies that are licensed and insured, and possess a strong track record and ample experience. Never pick a company based solely on price. And, a local company is preferred for when you need service.
In Conclusion
Ordering utilities for your new home doesn’t have to be stressful or done at the last minute. By preparing early, you can alleviate a lot of the issues many new homeowners face, and enjoy your new home and all your utilities on the day you move in.