Moving to a new home is an exciting adventure – but it can be overwhelming. There’s a lot to keep track of, and it’s easy for things to get lost in the shuffle.
Like your utilities. We tend to not think about them unless they stop working, but a move can be an ideal time to examine your energy choices. From comparing electricity providers to moving electronic devices safely to eventually setting up energy-efficient practices in your new home, now is the time to consider how to save money, time and electricity through good energy management.
Here we’ll take you through some energy-related moving tips to help your electricity service transfer go smoothly, and make your new home an energy-saving haven.
Before the Big Day: Compare Electricity Providers
While a number of states have regulated utilities, if you’re in a deregulated state like Texas, you can shop around and choose your own provider. This gives you the opportunity to compare rates and services before you sign up.
Here are a few steps to help you find the right service for your new home:
- Review your current plan. Take a look at your billing from your existing service – see how much electricity you’re using and what you’re spending per month. If you know what to expect in terms of usage, you can look at new provider rates and get an idea of what your new bill will be.
- Know your options. Each supplier is a little different, so look up electricity providers in your new home’s area and see what they offer in terms of rates and plan types. Some may have options based on affordability or convenience. Payless Power, for example, offers prepaid plans to keep billing simple, and fixed-rate plans that help you avoid sudden upticks in costs if the market fluctuates.
- Ask around. There’s no substitute for human input. Ask your friends and family what provider they use and what they like (or dislike) about them. Read customer reviews for each potential energy supplier to see if they’re largely positive or negative. If you’re stuck between a few providers and unsure which to choose, customer ratings could be the deciding factor.
After you’ve compared electricity providers and made your decision, consider starting your new service a few days in advance to make sure everything is properly set up and remove one stressor from moving day.
Electrical Safety During Your Move
Once you’ve transferred your electricity service, it’s time to prep for your move.
Moving delicate devices or anything that runs on electricity can be tricky, so caution is key. Make certain your electronics arrive at your new home safely and securely by:
- Removing peripheral attachments like wired keyboards or gaming controllers
- Winding up cords and securing them with rubber bands or twist-ties
- Wrapping fragile items like TVs, computers, and gaming consoles in bubble wrap or foam peanuts
- Keeping items in a climate-controlled environment if you plan to store them for a while
Safely securing your electronics will ensure nothing is broken in transit, but you’ll still need to open boxes carefully in case things shifted during their ride.
Setting Up an Energy-Efficient Home
Even if your home wasn’t specifically designed for sustainability, you can still implement some simple energy-efficient practices so you save money and electricity.
Start small: seal gaps and cracks for better temperature control, close blinds during the day to keep rooms cool, regularly change your furnace air filters so your system runs smoothly and efficiently, and replace incandescent bulbs with long-lasting LEDs.
Gradually, you can build on these practices with higher-cost options that have a bigger impact. Upgrade outdated washers, dryers, and dishwashers to energy-efficient appliances. Replace old windows to help maintain constant temperatures and reduce heating and cooling costs. You could even install solar panels to generate electricity directly from the sun.
Building up your sustainable practices over time will help you create an energy-efficient home that lowers your electricity bill, while reducing your environmental footprint.
Find Better Electricity Service with Payless Power
As you implement these moving tips and prepare for your move, remember you can keep your electricity transfer easy and affordable with Payless Power. With service to most of Texas’ deregulated areas, Payless Power offers convenient plans, affordable rates, and same-day service setup, so you can take some of the stress out of your move and ensure a smooth transition to your new home.
Find the plan that works for you, and get set up with service today.
