How to transfer Utilities while relocating

Moving to another state is a new adventure filled with thrill, excitement and a little bit of fear. Setting up a new home is most exciting, and you need to turn on the lights and water in your new house before moving in.

When you start following your moving checklist.you will find an important task of transferring your utilities to the new address or setting up a new connection. If you are moving out of state, you can cancel the utilities before moving and set up a new connection in the new house. There is a schedule to maintain the utilities, and you should know the right time and process to get the utilities in the new home before you get in.

What is the right time to give notice to utility service providers?

Notifying your utility services is one of the tasks in your moving checklist. It is essential to inform the utility providers about the change in your address. You can switch the services depending on the service availability in your new address.

Some utility providers like internet, electricity, cable, etc., serve in different states. So you can transfer the services to the new address. Otherwise, you can cancel the service and start a new account at the new address.

The right time to inform the utility providers of the change of address or cancelling the services is 30 days before your move. You can shut off the services in your old home a day after you move out. And start the services in the new house a day before you move in.

What are the steps to transfer the utilities?

You have to follow these given steps to transfer the utilities to your new address-

1. Connect with current utility providers

The first step towards the utility transfer process is to contact utility providers. For this, you can list all utility service providers’ contact details. Basic utility services in a house include-

• ·Gas
• Electricity
• Cable
• Phone
• Internet
• Mobile phones
• Trash collection
• Water
• Pest control

The next step is to contact the service providers to inform them about the move and discontinue the services.

2. Research utility providers in the new location

Before moving to the new state or city, research the utility providers in the state. When you move to a new state, you might need a new utility provider for each service you are using currently. Some utility providers serve in different states and might serve in your new location. You can then only transfer that service; otherwise, you have to cancel the service. You can explore the utility providers online or check realtors and government websites to find references.

3.Notify utility providers about the moving

Since you have collected the contact information about the utility providers in your current location, start contacting and informing them about the move. Notify the service providers two to three weeks before the moving date.

4. Get meter readings if available, avoid billing errors

Try to get all the meter readings and bills to check if any payment is due. Pay all the overdue bills before the move and check if there is any payment or billing error. Correct it beforehand, as it will not affect the reconnection or cancellation of the service.

5. Schedule cancellation or transfer of utilities

When you contact the utility provider, set the date for terminating the service and restarting (if transferring the connection). The best time to cancel the service at the current location is one day after the move, and the start date for the service should be a day before you move in. If you transfer the service, ask the utility provider to start the process. You might have to fill out an application for utility service transfer and pay some fees. The company will schedule the transfer according to the moving date.

6. Contact utility providers in the new location

If you need a new account for any service, contact the utility service providers in the new location. Set the schedule for starting the electricity and water one day before the move. Gas, phone, and trash services can be started after the day of your moving in.

You can also check if the HOA (homeowners’ association) covers the basic utilities. It includes water, gas, trash and sewer. You only have to pay a monthly bill to HOA for utilizing the services.

7.Process transfer payment fees

Even if you are transferring the services to the new address, you need to pay the fees associated with the process. Before applying for the transfer, check the transfer cost and charges to pay. Several utility providers charge a deposit for transferring the utilities to the new address across the state borders. Some taxes might be levied during the service transfer to a different state.

So, to complete the transfer, you need to initiate the payment for transferring the utilities to another state. Check with the utility service provider about the payment method they accept. Initiate the payment, and once it is done, you can get the acknowledgement of the payment. Documentation is essential at all stages to avoid any hassle during the setup of the services at the new address.

8. Confirm service transfer

Once your payment is processed, you need to ensure the services are transferred. To confirm the service transfer, you can contact the utility provider before moving out of state and ask them about the payment status and other formalities. They will confirm that your payment is received, and they will terminate the service on your move-out date and also set the date of starting the service in the new location at the time of your move-in.

9. Collect documents of the transfer process

As mentioned, documentation is essential to keep a record of the transfer process. For organized documentation, you need to keep a copy of the transfer application, payment receipts, pictures of the meter readings, bills and more. This will be helpful if you face trouble setting up the connection at the new address.

10. Activate services in the new house

Finally, your move-out date arrives, and on this day, you need to get all the available utility services activated in your new house. The utility services you need in your new home are water, gas, electricity and air conditioning (according to the weather). You can inform the utility providers about your moving-in schedule and ask them to set up the service before arrival.

What other service is to be transferred before moving?

Apart from the mentioned utility services, other services need to be informed about the address change or transfer.

·
• Medical and dental records
·
• Credit card companies
·
• Insurance companies
·
• Voter registrations
·
• Pet microchip

How to cut down the cost of Utility bills?

The utility bills sometimes can burn your pocket, and when you have relocated soon, you need to save some money. Here are some tips you can follow-

• Air-dry your dishes
• Turn off the lights, electronics and water when not in use
• Install a programmable thermostat to increase energy efficiency
• Air-dry your clothes
• Check for air leaks and open fireplace dampers
• Use energy-saving light bulbs
• Take short showers



FAQs about Utility Transfers

·
How much does it cost to transfer or set up utilities?
• Each utility provider charges a different amount to transfer or reconnect the utilities. So, to know the figures you have to contact the utility service provider and they will confirm the fees charges you have to pay.
·
What should I do if there are any errors in the final bill?
• If you find an error in the final bill, immediately contact the customer service of the utility provider. They will resolve the issue as soon as possible.
How long does it take to transfer the utilities?
• It is difficult to estimate the exact time to transfer the utilities. But if you have already applied for the transfer and there are no pending bills, it will take about 20-30 minutes over the call.

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