If you’re planning to move in the near future, you’ll want to know how to transfer your utilities before moving into your new home. Between navigating how to buy and sell a home at the same time, taking out a new mortgage, and hiring an experienced real estate agent to help you during the homebuying process, staying organized is essential. To help make your move as hassle-free as possible, here are four ways to handle everything from internet bandwidth to electric rates at your new home.
1. Do your homework.
Before moving to your new home, make sure to do your homework researching the available service providers in your area. Consider creating a folder with a copy of the monthly bill for each service you’ll need to cancel or transfer. Next, list the contact information for both your current and future service internet provider, electric suppliers, and all the rest.
In addition to researching service providers in your area, it’s also important to consider your budget. Since the moving costs can range anywhere between $1,250 to $4,890, finding ways to cut costs can make all the difference, especially if you’re planning to spend on home renovations and new furniture. To get started, use iSelect to compare electricity plans in your zip code. Whether you’re interested in switching to a green energy plan or saving money on your electricity bill, iSelect takes the hassle out of switching energy providers by comparing energy plans from a wide range of electric suppliers to help you find the best electricity plan for your needs. You can compare all providers for your next home, so make use of iSelect for looking into a new internet provider as well.
2. Leave plenty of time.
While most internet service providers, energy providers, and other service providers can terminate services in as little as 48 hours, it’s essential to schedule your termination between two to four weeks before your move. By leaving plenty of time before you’ll move, you’ll be able to make last-minute adjustments if your moving schedule changes, schedule enough time for any necessary in-person appointments, and switch providers if needed.
For example, when it comes to figuring out how to fix a slow Internet connection or bad Wi-Fi signal, the fix might be as easy as troubleshooting the source, resetting your router and modem, or switching Domain Name Switch (DNS) servers. In other cases, fixing a slow internet speed might require switching internet service providers.
According to a 2017 survey, taking care of this transfer in advance is even more important if you’re moving to a new house over the summer. With 62% of homeowners in the United States moving between May and September, service providers tend to stay busy during the summer.
3. Update your address.
Updating your address might sound simple, but the mail forwarding can be a bit complicated amidst the other tasks on your moving checklist. When calling your service providers, be sure to give them your new address to ensure you’ll receive any and all future utility bills at your new home.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to change your mailing address with USPS. By going to USPS.com, you’ll be able to update your address and select the date that you want to begin forwarding your mail.
4. Prepare any necessary documents.
In most cases, water and waste removal are provided through your city or county. If you’re renting, you won’t have to worry about registering these services yourself‚Äîthey’ll be covered by your new property management company.
On the other hand, if you own your new house, you’ll likely have to take a trip to the town hall to set up water and waste removal services. You’ll need a few documents to set up these services, including proof of identity, proof of residence, a completed service application, and a direct debit authorization form.
Because you’ll need power and water at both ends of your move, coordinating your utilities when selling your current home and moving to a new home requires paying attention to detail and communicating with your service provider. Above all else, staying organized is essential to make your move as stress-free as possible.
