When Should I Switch Utilities for My Move?

A hassle-free move depends on remembering all the little details. One thing you can’t forget is to switch the utilities. It isn’t difficult to transfer your gas, electric, phone, and cable services, but doing so in a timely manner ensures a smooth transition from your old home to your new one. Here’s what you need to know.

When to Switch Utilities for Your Move

To avoid snags, a good rule of thumb is to alert your service providers of the change two to three weeks before you move. This caters to each company’s lead-time for disconnect/connect notification, so you don’t experience any delays in service.

Ask each company to shut off utilities the day after you move out, and have them up and running at your new residence the day before you move in. This overlap ensures you’re never left in the dark as you pack and move.

What You Need to Switch Utilities

Along with getting the timing right, make sure you have all the right information when you call your service providers. Here’s what to have on hand:

• Account numbers
• Your new address
• Credit card (you may need to pay overdue bills or make a deposit to schedule the activation date)

Tie Up Loose Ends

After all your preparations for the utility transfers, make sure you don’t hit any bumps by tying up these loose ends:

• Once you’ve turned out the lights and locked the door on moving day, take pictures of the gas and electric meters. This proof will help you settle any disputes.
• Make sure someone – a family member, neighbor, or landlord – is at the new residence during utility activation in case any issues arise.
• Check light fixtures, gas appliances, phone, and TV after everything is connected to make sure they work.

Let Us Help with Other Moving Details

We can’t switch your utilities for you, but we can make other aspects of moving day go smoothly. From packing to putting items in storage to transporting belongings to your new home, Georgetown Moving and Storage Company does it all! Our goal is to provide every moving service you need, so you don’t have to bounce around from company to company.

For help moving to or from the DC Metro area, or for a free moving estimate, please call (703) 466-0575 today. Our experts are happy to answer all your questions about your upcoming move!