How to Set Up Utilities in Your New Home

Moving into a new home is exciting, but flipping the light switch only to realize nothing turns on? Not so much. Getting your new home ready with essentials like electricity, internet, and water might not be the most glamorous part of moving, but it’s a pretty important one. This step-by-step guide walks you through exactly how to set up utilities in your new house, and a timeline for getting it done.

1. Assess your utility needs (5-6 weeks before moving)

Before calling providers or scheduling anything, make a quick list of the utilities your new home will need. Typically, these include:

• Electricity
• Gas (if your home uses it for heating, hot water, or cooking)
• Water and sewer
• Trash and recycling
• Internet and cable
• Phone (landline, if you still use one!)
• Solar energy services
• Security and smart home systems

Pro tip: If you're moving into a rental or a community with an HOA, some utilities might be included. Check your lease or ask your real estate agent. The cost of utilities can vary widely based on where you live, so make sure you understand how much your rental bills will be.

2. Contact local service providers (2-3 weeks before moving)

Once you know what you need, the next step is to research local utility companies in your neighborhood. You can do this by:

• Asking your real estate agent, landlord, or HOA
• Checking your city or county’s website
• Asking neighbors or the previous homeowner

Some utility services like water, sewer, and trash pickup are handled by your local municipality, while others, like electricity, gas, and internet, are handled by private companies. 

You can also search for phrases like:

• "electricity providers in [your city]"
• "internet service in [your ZIP code]"

Pro tip: Use this time to compare providers and shop around for the best rates, especially for services like internet and electricity, which can vary widely.

3. Set up utility accounts and understand agreements (1-2 weeks before moving)

You can’t activate your utilities without setting up an account with the provider. You’ll need to contact each company individually and provide them with various pieces of information as a part of the setup process. Your utility companies may ask for:

• Your move-in date
• Proof of your new address
• A government-issued ID
• Your social security number
• A credit check or security deposit

Be sure to read the fine print before signing anything. Look for:

• Contract lengths (especially for internet and cable)
• Setup or connection fees
• Variable vs. fixed pricing
• Early termination penalties
• Discounts for autopay, or other promotional offers

Pro tip: If you’re moving from a nearby home, you might be able to transfer your existing services instead of having to create a new account; just ask your provider.

4. Schedule installation and activation (1-2 weeks before moving)

It can take anywhere from a day to two weeks to get certain services up and running depending on how busy the company is. Ideally, you’ll want everything turned on before your move-in day, or at least by the time your furniture arrives. 

Scheduling may be tricky depending on where you’re at in your billing cycle. Most companies will let you transfer utilities or overlap service between homes so you’re never left without power, water, or internet, but you’ll want to check how the billing cycle lines up. If you’re renting, your lease usually determines when you can shut off service, and it’s a good idea to compare your first and last bills to confirm they’ve been prorated for the exact number of days you used the service.

Here’s a general timeline on when you should schedule each utility to begin at your new home:

• Electricity and gas: These can often be activated remotely, but some homes may need an in-person visit — especially if you’re the first to live there in a while. Ask about how long it’ll take to activate this, and if they’ll need access to your home.
• Water and sewer: Your city may require a new account to be created. Activation can take a few days.
• Trash and recycling: Check pickup days and request bins if needed. You’ll probably need to have these bins by move-in day so you have somewhere to put your trash and recycling as you unpack.
• Internet and cable: These usually require a technician to come out.
• Security systems: If you’re setting up one, plan to install it right after moving in, if not on move-in day itself.

Pro tip: Set up autopay and paperless billing. It's a simple way to avoid missed payments and late fees. Some utilities may offer discounts for autopay as well.

5. Check your new utilities work (Move-in day and beyond)

Once your utilities are up and running, it’s worth spending a little extra time making sure they stay that way. Here is how you can check that everything is in working order:

• Run each faucet: Turn on all sinks and showers to make sure water flows properly and drains without issues. Watch for unusual noises, pressure problems, or discoloration.
• Test your light switches and outlets: Flip every switch and plug in a small device to confirm electricity is working throughout your home. Keep an eye out for flickering lights or outlets that feel warm to the touch.
• Check for gas leaks: If you smell sulfur or rotten eggs, leave the home immediately and contact your gas company. A professional should inspect any suspected leaks right away.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: If they’re battery-operated, replace the batteries now, and as soon as each detector warns you that their batteries are low in the future.
• Flush each toilet: Make sure every toilet flushes fully and refills quickly without leaks at the base. This helps you catch hidden plumbing problems early.
• Monitor trash and recycle pickup: Take note of your local collection schedule and confirm bins are emptied as expected. If not, reach out to your waste service provider.
• Get your HVAC system serviced: It’s better to do it now than during a heatwave or cold snap. You should also replace your air filter regularly to keep air flowing and save your HVAC any strain.

Following these steps for setting up your home utilities ahead of time can help make your move-in day much smoother. Start this process at least a month in advance, and keep track of account numbers, passwords, and provider contact info in one place. And don’t forget to check if you’ve paid off and disconnected all your utilities after moving out of your last home.