The moving process can be stressful for the whole family as everyone gets acclimated to new surroundings and learns how to get around. A critical task that must be completed when moving is to transfer utilities to a new retail electric provider. While transferring utilities is required when you move to a new residence, it doesn’t have to add any stress! Follow Payless Power’s simple yet crucial tips to properly and easily switch utility companies when you move.
How to Transfer Your Utility Service When Moving
1. Create A List of Your Utilities
Before moving, the first thing you’ll want to do is catalogue the services currently supplied by your various utility companies and mark which ones need to be transferred. On this list, make sure you include important details such as the phone numbers for your current utility provider, telephone carrier, gas company, cable provider and any other utilities you currently have. Next, check into providers within your new area and note their information as well, writing down a quote for the amount of service if possible. This will make the process of choosing between various utility companies and keeping up-to-date information easier. As you sift through the possibilities, update your lists to dismiss any that fall short of your needs and highlight those that could work.
2. Contact Your Utility Company Before Moving
Alert your providers that you are moving ahead of time. If possible, tell them 14 days before moving, to give your utility companies a bit of notice. If not, customer-friendly utilities offer standard connection in two to three business days and priority same-day connection. During this time, you’ll also want to notify the companies from whom you are intending to start receiving service about the dates you are moving and need utilities. The more time you can give them (such as a month’s notice), the better. In the event that they require an appointment to install any necessary hardware, advanced notice will allow you to ensure that things are able to be setup quickly so that you can settle into your new home quickly.
3. Pay Your Final Balance Before Transferring Utilities
Double check that you have no overdue utility bills still left to be paid in your old home before transferring utilities to your new residence. To determine if there is something you still owe, phone your provider or contact them online to get your remaining balance. Making any outstanding payments will allow you to finish out your time with your old utility service provider, and ensure there are no lasting repercussions or additional charges for the delay. Most notably, failure to pay outstanding balances is known to negatively affect your credit score, so closing out your time with your current provider will be an important step in transferring utilities and ensuring no serious consequences.
4. Disconnect Your Old Services
Schedule disconnection of all utility services at the old home before moving. Be sure to set up the disconnection of your electric, gas and water services the day after you leave, which will ensure that the power will be on even after you have locked that front door for the last time. This is also helpful if you forget something and have to go back, as you’ll have the light to find what you left behind.
5. Get a Refund On Your Security Deposit
If you put up a security deposit with a utility provider at your old residence, ask for any refund due to you. If you have paid the full amount of your bills in a timely manner you should be entitled to get the deposit back, as it is meant to cover any losses suffered by late or inadequate payments. You should also see if there is an unpaid balance or disconnection fee associated with your account. Addressing these items is a simple way to prevent getting a surprise bill from your old provider after transferring utilities.
6. Give a Forwarding Address
As you set up your service for your new residence, make a point of giving your new address to your old and new utilities after transferring. Passing this information along will enable to you receive your bills in the future and will allow your former service company to pass along any charges, should there be any final payments remaining. The benefit of this is that you will receive that information after moving to your new home in a timely fashion and will be able to address it swiftly to prevent any unwanted repercussions from coming about because of the delayed response.
7. Plan For Utility Deposits Beforehand
Many utility plans available offer service in exchange for continuous payment and a one-time deposit. This deposit should be accounted for in your moving expenses. Since moving often causes individuals to be strapped for cash, anticipating any additional expenses is a valuable method for keeping costs manageable. Phone ahead or check online to find out what each utility provider charges for a deposit and either pay it or budget for it.
8. Schedule Utilities Before Arrival
It is a safe bet to schedule the activation of your utilities before you arrive at your new residence. You will certainly want electricity when you get here as air conditioning, water and working lights will help unpacking go a lot more smoothly. Especially at times of extreme temperatures, being able to combat unwanted heat or cold as you make trips up and down the stairs will prove advantageous.
9. New Home Energy Audit
A Home Energy Audit is an assessment that helps homeowners achieve optimal energy efficiency in their homes. This audit also helps individuals cut the annual sum they devote to energy. As you settle into your new home, schedule to have an expert come and test your house. It will allow you to identify any leaks or problem areas and help keep costs down. The audit can be as short as thirty minutes or take a few hours. Some companies will actually offer these assessments for free, making it even more important to take advantage of them.
10. Find Ways to Cut Costs
When setting up your new utilities, consider services that will slash your utility bills, such as prepaid electric service. This type of plan will allow you pay a sum before receiving energy and will only supply you with as much energy as that initial payment covers. When it is used up, you can put down another installment. It makes it easier to manage the cost of energy and also doesn’t require a deposit or credit check. At this time, you can also check out Retail Energy Providers who are involved in your new community’s growth and betterment. Active community involvement shows that a company cares about the communities it serves—and you can be sure that the caring is reflected in the company’s day-to-day customer service.
Stress Less: Transfer Utilities When Moving With Ease
There is a lot that goes into moving, but researching and preparing for it will help you save time and money. And while the process of transferring utilities can be a bit meticulous, following through on the suggested items above will help you eliminate one of the big worries of moving so that you can focus on other parts of your relocation. Just remember to bring things to a close with your old utility provider and to have your new service plan worked out before moving. After that, your only concern will be enjoying your new home!
