Setting Up Utilities When You Move: Checklist and Timeline
The goal is simple: power, water and internet working the day you arrive, and the old accounts closed the day you leave. That takes a few calls about two to three weeks before moving day.
Find out who provides what
Ask your landlord, agent or the seller which companies serve the new address. Some cities include water and trash in rent or taxes; some areas let you choose your electricity supplier.
The list
| Utility | Old place | New place |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | Stop the day after you leave | Start the day before you arrive |
| Gas | Stop / final reading | Start; some require a technician visit |
| Water & sewer | Stop / final reading | Start (may be the city) |
| Trash & recycling | Cancel | Start; ask pickup days |
| Internet | Return equipment | Book install early, often the longest wait |
| Renters / home insurance | End date | Start date = move-in day |
What to ask each provider
- Is a deposit required? Can a good payment history waive it?
- Is there a connection or installation fee?
- What is the confirmation number?
- How do I return equipment (modems, routers)?
On moving day
- ☐ Take photos of the meters at both places
- ☐ Test lights, faucets, stove and heating or cooling at the new place
- ☐ Find the main water shut-off and the electrical panel
After the move
- ☐ Watch for the final bill at the old address (it usually goes to your forwarding address)
- ☐ Make sure any deposit is refunded
- ☐ Set up autopay for the new accounts if you want it
General information.
The Moving Day Binder has a utilities page and a tracker for confirmation numbers and start and stop dates.
Moving Day Binder — $14
18-page moving binder: 8-week countdown, mover comparison and interstate rights, change-of-address checklist, packing plan and a 150-box inventory. Instant download: PDF + DOCX + XLSX.
Get the Moving Day BinderFamily Paperwork Bundle — $34More guides
- Moving Checklist: An 8-Week Countdown That Actually Works
- Change of Address Checklist: Who To Notify When You Move
- How To Choose a Moving Company (and Avoid Moving Scams)
- Moving Budget Checklist: Costs People Forget
- Moving Packing List: Room by Room (Printable)
- Open-First Box Checklist: What To Pack for the First Night
- Move-Out Cleaning Checklist: Get Your Security Deposit Back
- Moving With Kids and Pets: A Practical Checklist
- First 30 Days After Moving: The New-Home Checklist