Moving into a new home isn’t just about unpacking boxes: It’s also about ensuring that your utilities, services, and address updates are handled quickly and smoothly.
Moving involves a lot of moving parts – literally and figuratively. There are actually plenty of steps involved beyond packing and hauling. You also need to ensure that all of the important resources and services you rely on will be up and running by the time you move into your next residence, including utility hookups, home security and maintenance services, and mail forwarding. If you’re preparing to relocate, it’s important to know when and how to tackle these crucial steps.
Why It’s Important to Set These Up Ahead of Time
Getting your utilities, services, mail forwarding, and change of address in order prior to your move ensures that your new home and lifestyle will be functional ideally on the day you arrive.
“It eliminates stress, avoids unexpected costs like late fees or reconnection charges, and prevents service interruptions that can impact everything from daily routines to financial obligations,” explains Sam Luna with BKV Energy. “Otherwise, you may find yourself without essentials like electricity, water, or Internet during your first days.”
Danielle Rosetti, an associate broker with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Native American Group, seconds those sentiments.
“When everything is activated and ready, you can settle in comfortably without scrambling to make calls or wait for service appointments. It’s not just about convenience – it’s about safety, livability, and protecting your personal information,” she says. “For example, having power and Internet on day one allows you to install smart home devices and security systems immediately, which is especially important for families or those working remotely.”
Essential Utilities to Set Up
A home without power, heating or cooling, water, trash pickup, Internet, or phone service is a frustrating place to live in. Let’s dive into recommended timelines for setting up these crucial utilities.
Electricity and Gas
Have these accounts and services set up at least one to two weeks before your move.
“In deregulated states, like Texas, you may need to shop for a retail provider on a site like Powertochoose.org. Early action gives you time to compare rates,” suggests Luna.
Water and Sewer
This is usually coordinated via your new municipality or city, which commonly handles water and sewer transfers automatically.
“It’s a good idea to check at least a week in advance to ensure that sewer and water will be ready, ” says Dennis Shirshikov, a professor of finance and economics at City University of New York/Queens College.
Trash and Recycling
Trash and recycling are frequently combined with water, although this varies based on location.
“It’s best to contact your municipality or local waste management company at least 10 to 14 days in advance to ensure that garbage collection is scheduled for your property,” Shirshikov continues.
Inquire about pickup schedules, bin delivery, and whether or not recycling is included or necessitates a separate setup.
Internet and Cable
Internet and/or cable activation should occur two to three weeks prior to your move, particularly if installation requires a technician, as appointments can book up quickly.
“With so many people working remotely or streaming content, having reliable online service on day one is a must. If you are switching providers, compare plans early and schedule installation for the day you move in or the day after,” recommends Rosetti.
Phone Services
If you are dependent on a landline, have this service established at the same time as your Internet and/or cable – at least two to three weeks before moving in.
“If your phone is bundled with Internet or cable, you can often set it up at the same time,” Rosetti continues. “Most mobile services transfer automatically, but it’s smart to check coverage in your new area and update your billing address with your mobile provider.”
Cancel Former Services
It’s just as crucial to terminate all your current services and utilities before moving out of your existing home. Once you’ve confirmed your moving date, contact these providers and utilities to schedule cancellations, which should go into effect the day after your move out. This prevents early shutoffs in case your move is slightly delayed.
“You want to avoid the lights going out while you are still packing but also not get charged for the next owner’s use,” Shirshikov suggests.
Always ask for confirmation numbers or written notices as proof of cancellation.
“Ideally, you should begin contacting these providers about two to four weeks before your move-out date, which gives enough time to schedule final meter readings, settle any outstanding balances, and avoid being billed for services you no longer use,” continues Rosetti. “For Internet, cable, and phone services, confirm whether the equipment needs to be returned, and ask for a final billing statement.”
If you are moving locally and transferring services to a new address, the good news is that many providers can handle both the cancellation and setup in one call. Just be sure to update your address with each company so that any deposits and final bills are mailed to the correct address.
Optional or Additional Services
Next, give thought to any extra services that need to be up and running at your new address. Here’s a breakdown:
Home Security
Home security and monitoring services should be scheduled and ideally installed before moving in or shortly thereafter. Schedule installation two to three weeks ahead of time, at minimum, to ensure the availability of a technician/installer. If the residence already has a security system installed that the previous owner is leaving behind, try contacting the provider to transfer or reactivate service.
“Also, consider rekeying your locks immediately and installing smart locks, cameras, and motion sensors before unpacking. This ensures peace of mind from day one and may even qualify for insurance discounts,” Rosetti advises.
Home Maintenance Services
If you plan to rely on lawn care, pest control, or snow removal services, these items shouldn’t be overlooked.
“Reservations for these services should be made during your first week of move-in, particularly if the property has been unoccupied,” says Shirshikov.
That’s especially true if you are moving into a homeowners association or municipality with strict rules.
Entertainment Options
Give thought, as well, to any streaming services, satellite package, or upgraded Wi-Fi.
“Internet should be scheduled two to three weeks in advance, especially if installation is required. Streaming services and smart TVs rely on Wi-Fi, so prioritize this setup early, too,” adds Rosetti. “If you are bundling cable or satellite, coordinate installation with your Internet provider to streamline service. And for upgraded Wi-Fi in the form of a mesh system or boosters, consider a walk-through with the technician to optimize coverage based on your layout.”
Change of Address Checklist
You’ll also need to alert a lot of different parties about your new address. These entities can include the following:
USPS Mail Forwarding
Submit a change of address at USPS.com a minimum of seven to 10 days before your move. This can also be done in person at a post office near your new address. Keep in mind that mail forwarding starts within three business days but could take up to two weeks. Priority mail and first class are forwarded for a full year, while magazines are forwarded for 60 days.
Government and Legal
Take the time to update your driver's license or state identification at a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office near your new address within 30 days of moving. While you are there, make sure to update your vehicle registration and voter registration.
“If your local DMV does not change local voter registration, you can go directly to your state’s election website,” advises Rosetti.
Additionally, inform the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of your new address using Form 8822. And contact the Social Security Administration with your new address details. You can update this information online by logging into your MySSA account or via phone.
Financial Institutions
Don’t overlook your credit cards, banks, credit unions, financial advisors, and mortgage lender: They’ll also need to be updated about your new whereabouts.
“To prevent billing errors, financial institutions – including your banks and credit cards – should be updated at least one week prior to the move,” says Shirshikov.
Healthcare and Insurance
Physicians, dentists, pharmacies, and other health providers need to be notified as well, ideally within the first two weeks of you moving in. Many of these updates can be done online or by calling customer service.
“If you are switching health providers due to relocation, request that your medical records be transferred and confirm coverage in your new area,” adds Rosetti.
Also, to avoid coverage disputes or missed bills, notify your health, auto, and life insurance providers as soon as you have a new address.
Subscriptions and Memberships
Contact magazines, online shopping accounts, and other subscriptions you have with updated address details, as well. The same is true of local clubs and gym memberships – ideally, a week or more before relocating.
“For physical deliveries, timing is key to avoid lost packages or missed renewals,” suggests Rosetti.
Moving Day Preparation
On the day of the big move, you want to cross these actions off your list:
Confirm Utility Activations
Phone or check online with each utility provider the day before you move in to confirm that gas, electricity, Internet, and water are active or are scheduled for turn-on by the time you move in.
“Don’t assume: Mistakes happen, and it’s far easier to fix a missed activation before you arrive than after, which means you will be unpacking in the dark,” Rosetti points out. “Ask for confirmation numbers and keep them handy.”
Charles Chica, co-owner of CT Best Movers, recommends confirming that all essential utilities are on before your moving truck arrives at your next home to make it easier for the movers.
Take Meter Readings
On your moving day, take clear photos of water, gas, and electricity meters at both your new and old homes. This safeguards you from being mistakenly charged for another occupant’s usage and provides evidence if there is a billing dispute. Record the time and date with each photo and send these readings to your utility providers as soon as possible.
First-Night Essentials
“Always pack what we call a first-night box and keep it in your car if possible so that it doesn’t get lost in the moving truck,” continues Chica. “This box should include light bulbs, extension cords, chargers, basic toiletries, your Wi-Fi router, and anything else you can think of that you need for your daily ritual on move-in day.”
Tips for a Smooth Transition
You can ensure a more seamless move – and avoid unnecessary headaches – by following these additional best practices.
Bundle and Save
Fortunately, many cable and Internet providers offer substantial discounts when you bundle services, including mobile phone plans with your existing account.
“Ask about promotions that include wireless service, upgraded Wi-Fi, or streaming perks,” says Rosetti. “Bundling can simplify billing and save hundreds annually.”
Transfer vs. New Setup
Many providers will permit you to transfer accounts rather than reapply for a new account, especially if you are moving locally. This sidesteps credit checks, deposits, and service gaps and is particularly helpful when it comes to utilities and Internet.
Consistency Matters
Utilizing your new address consistently across providers and platforms helps you avoid ID verification problems when logging into banks, subscriptions, government services, and other resources – issues that can arise at the most inconvenient times.
The Bottom Line
Moving into a new home isn’t just about unpacking boxes: It’s also about ensuring that your utilities, services, and address updates are handled quickly and smoothly. Planning ahead helps avoid delays, missed bills, delivery errors, identity verification issues, and unexpected disruptions.
“Utility and address details may seem insignificant – until they ruin your first week,” Shirshikov says. “Having a written checklist to work from and crossing things off well in advance can often mean the difference between chaos and peace.”
