Regardless of whether you’re moving across town or across the country, the entire moving process of transferring utilities to a new provider can be a period of ambiguity.
While transferring service and utilities from your old to the new residence is part of moving, it can be a hassle. However, it doesn’t need to be stressful. A hassle-free move is mostly a matter of recalling the details and handling utilities beforehand can give you peace of mind.
The last thing you want is to move across the country or town only to find the lights out and phone dead. Fortunately, these tips will help you transfer utility services easily.
Organization
Before moving, it’s important you familiarize yourself with your existing service providers. Utilities typically comprise internet and cable, sewer and water, electricity, gas, satellite, and phone.
It’s prudent you note the monthly service providers by documenting their contact information and phone number on a general list. If you intend to change providers when you relocate, ensure you document any new contact information.
Start Early
Don’t wait until the last minute to transfer utility services. Begin about 4 weeks prior to moving. Remember, some utility services might take a couple of days for the paperwork to go through. Leaving sufficient time will facilitate a smooth transfer.
Once you organize your utility information, you’ll have to begin contacting every provider separately to inform them of your plans to move. For most providers, you should consider contacting them at least 2 weeks beforehand.
For services that need an installation appointment, it’s advisable you make contact at least a month beforehand. These typically comprise internet and cable services, in addition to security system providers.
When scheduling your connect and disconnect dates for electricity and gas, consider scheduling the disconnect date one or two days after moving. This way, the HVAC and lights will still be functioning in case you still have to access your previous residence to pick up anything you might have left behind.
If you reside near your new apartment, consider setting up the electric and gas before moving. This way, you can proceed to turn on the heat or AC if you’re relocating in extreme weather.
Conduct Research on the Service Providers in the New Area
If you’re relocating a short distance, you might be in a position to maintain the same providers you have currently. In this instance, it will be easy to transfer the utility service to your new residence. You simply need to ask for the final day of service for your old residence and the first day for the new residence.
You’ll have the ability to maintain similar accounts and won’t need to pay any connection or cancellation fees. If you’re relocating to another state or city, your existing providers might not serve the new area. If this is the case, you’ll need to cancel the services at your previous residence and set up utility services in the new one with new providers.
You can access comprehensive information about service providers and utility companies on the official state and city websites. It’s important to remember that a number of states have deregulated gas and electricity services, so it will be possible to select from various service plans and providers.
Ensure you research different options before signing up. This way, you might save considerable money or obtain a more environmentally friendly alternative.
Once you establish how to transfer utilities when relocating, you’ll be able to ensure a timely and smooth transfer while saving some money simultaneously. If you don’t know where to start, check out this guide.
For more information on how to transfer utility services quickly with no fuss, contact us at Apartment Agents or leave a message.