How to Transfer Utilites When Moving: The Complete Checklist

Are you moving soon and wondering how to transfer your utilities into your new abode? Moving can be a big task, so let us take transferring your utilities off your to-do list. While it might seem overwhelming, transferring your electricity and gas utilities is a snap with the right tool, information, and energy provider by your side. So, whether you’re relocating to a different city or just down the street, keep reading to ensure a smooth transition of all your utility services. 

1. Create a checklist of utilities you need to change or transfer 

Creating a comprehensive checklist before you move is a great way to ensure nothing slips through the cracks. Moving can be a chaotic time, and it’s easy to forget about important tasks like transferring your utilities until it’s too late. The one thing you don’t want to happen is get settled into your new space and realize you can’t turn on your lights or heat your home. Before you start packing, take some time to create a checklist to ensure you’re as organized as possible. 

2. Research to find new utility services in your area 

In most cases, moving to a new home won’t guarantee that you’ll be able to stay with the same energy provider, especially if you’re moving to a new city or state. This is largely due to energy deregulation which widely affects to type of energy that’s available in your area. Here’s what to keep in mind when researching new energy providers for your new home: 

• Some Cities and States Regulate Your Energy Choice: The U.S. energy market is broken up into two main energy markets that offer different restrictions on your energy choice. Regulated markets mean that there is typically only one utility provider in the area, limiting choices for consumers. On the other hand, deregulated markets offer more flexibility, allowing consumers to select from various energy providers competing in the market. It’s essential to understand the energy market status in your new location to determine your options for choosing an energy provider. 

• Be Sure to Pick a Provider That Covers ALL Your Needs: While choosing an energy provider, it’s important to determine what your specific needs are for your home whether they are gas or electric. No matter your needs, it’s a good idea to find a provider that offers your exact needs (or even both gas and electricity) to ensure you’re covered and save you stress down the road. 
• Choose an Energy Supplier That Has Great Service: Moving is already stressful enough and we feel for you! The last thing you want to deal with is bad customer service. Be sure to pick a provider that makes you feel like you’re taken care of every step of the way even long after you’re already moved in. 
• Choose an Energy Provider and Plan That Aligns with Your Lifestyle: With all the energy options available, it can be hard to determine which plan is right for you. The best thing you can do to narrow down your options is determine what’s important to you and find a provider that covers all that and more. Are you a gamer who needs a plan that can provide stability in price? Consider an Unlimited Energy Plan. Are you looking to make an environmental impact with not only your energy plan but your provider as well? Consider finding a supplier who aligns with your values. This can help you make an impact that goes beyond just choosing an energy plan.  

3. Contact your new utility provider that you’re switching 

Once you’ve done your research and found the perfect new energy provider for your home, the next step in this process is to enroll in your new energy plan! Some providers offer online enrollment but if you’re setting up your utilities for the first time, you should contact them directly to begin the switching process so that they can answer any lingering questions you have.  

This allows adequate time for the switch request to be processed before your move-in date. When you contact them, be prepared to verify your new address, confirm the start date you need services to begin, and provide any relevant account information. It’s crucial to note that you must enroll directly with the utility itself before enrolling with any other energy supplier that is not the primary utility. 

Taking this proactive step eliminates unwanted surprises and ensures the lights come on and warmth fills your home as soon as you walk in the doors. 

4. Get confirmation of termination

If you’re terminating your utility provider and moving to a new one, it’s important that you receive confirmation that your services will be stopped. Even if you’ve verbally notified your current providers that you are moving and wish to cancel services, having documentation that each account will officially close on your move-out date protects you from any confusion down the road. You want to ensure you don’t get stuck paying for utilities at a property you no longer occupy. 

5. Schedule a transfer date 

 Typically, your utilities stay on in your current house until two days after the move in day to your new one. By setting a transfer date ahead of time, you gain control over the timing, preventing any inconvenience or disruption in services during your move. It allows you to organize your relocation more efficiently, avoiding last-minute rushes or complications. Additionally, scheduling in advance gives utility companies adequate notice, reducing the chances of service delays and enabling them to make the necessary arrangements for a prompt transfer. 

 6. Update your address 

 Updating your address is a crucial step in managing utilities before a move, as it ensures a seamless transition of services to your new residence. We recommend you submit a change of address form one month before your move. By promptly notifying utility providers, postal services, banks, and other relevant institutions about your address change, you mitigate the risk of missed bills, service interruptions, or logistical complications. You can change your address simply by visiting the official USPS site to fill out your form. This proactive approach not only guarantees that you receive bills and important correspondence at your new address but also allows utility companies to update their records accordingly, preventing any confusion or delays in service activation or transfer. Moreover, updating your address in advance provides a sense of security and peace of mind, knowing that your utilities will be efficiently managed without disruptions during the moving process. 

 7. Pay off your balances  

 By settling any pending payments, you avoid potential disruptions in services and prevent any lingering financial obligations from trailing you to your new residence. Paying off balances ensures a smooth transfer of services without the risk of overdue bills or interrupted utilities at your previous address. It also helps in maintaining a positive credit history and relationship with utility providers, which might be beneficial in the future. 

 8. Do a final meter reading 

 By recording the final readings for electricity, gas, water, or any other metered utilities, you establish a clear endpoint for usage, avoiding overbilling or disputes with utility providers. This practice enables you to pay for the exact amount of utilities consumed, preventing any unnecessary charges post-move. Additionally, it provides closure to your previous utility accounts, giving you peace of mind knowing that your final bills will accurately reflect your actual usage. 

 9. Double-check that your utilities are ready to go  

 A few days before your move, make sure that your current utility companies have the correct last date for service.  This step ensures that all essential services at your new residence are operational and ready for use upon arrival. By verifying that electricity, water, gas, internet, and other utilities are set up and functioning correctly, you avoid potential inconveniences and delays. It offers you the opportunity to address any issues or discrepancies beforehand, preventing last-minute hassles that could disrupt your settling-in process. Once you do so, you’re ready to go for your big move! 

Low-cost ways to save money on utilities

•  Consider investing in energy-efficient appliances that have an ENERGY STAR rating. 
• Turn off and unplug electronics and appliances when not in use. 
• Replace traditional incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs. 
• Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in winter and a few degrees higher in summer. 
• Seal gaps around windows, doors, and other openings to prevent air leaks. Weatherstripping and caulking are inexpensive ways to improve insulation and reduce heating and cooling costs. 
• Ensure proper ventilation in your home and regularly replace air filters in heating and cooling systems. 
• Install low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets to reduce water usage. 
• Take advantage of natural light during the day to reduce reliance on artificial lighting. 
• Perform an energy audit to identify areas where your home might be losing energy and provide recommendations for improvement. 

 When it comes to transferring utilities during a move, thorough planning and organization can make the process seamless and hassle-free. By following these guidelines, whether you’re moving into a new house, or just switching utilities, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing you have a plan. 

Santanna Energy Services specializes in easy natural gas & electricity plans tailored to your home energy needs in the United States; providing services to Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Ohio. We provide a wide range of energy services and products to meet the needs of both residential and small business customers. Our mission is to provide innovative and cost-effective energy solutions that will help our customers achieve their energy goals. With over 35 years of experience, we are committed to creating life-long relationships by providing quality service to customers, communities, and employees.