Moving into a new home comes with its fair share of excitement—and a fair share of responsibilities. Amid the chaos of packing boxes, updating your address, and organizing the logistics of the move, one critical task often gets pushed aside until the last minute: setting up utilities. Without electricity, running water, gas, or internet, your new home won’t feel quite like home.
Fortunately, with the right strategy and a clear checklist, setting up utilities doesn’t have to be a headache. This guide walks you through the steps of getting your essential services up and running—minus the stress.
Table of Contents
1. Start Early—Ideally Two Weeks Before Moving Day
The best way to avoid complications is to start planning early. A good rule of thumb is to begin the process two to three weeks before your move-in date. Some services, especially internet or gas, may require technician appointments, which can fill up quickly during peak moving seasons.
Create a checklist of essential utilities:
- Electricity
- Gas
- Water and Sewer
- Trash and Recycling
- Internet and Cable
- Optional: Home Security, Phone Line, Lawn Irrigation
Reaching out early ensures you’ll have power and services when you arrive—without scrambling last minute.
2. Confirm What’s Already Active
Not all utilities need to be set up from scratch. In some cases, the landlord or previous homeowner may have kept accounts active until your move-in date. Before making any calls, check which services are:
- Already turned on and just need to be transferred into your name.
- Part of your lease (common with water, trash, or internet in apartment complexes).
- Not currently set up and require new service requests.
Knowing what’s already covered helps you avoid duplicating efforts—and charges.
3. Research Local Providers
If you’re moving to a new city or state, don’t assume utility companies are the same as your last home. Use your new ZIP code to identify which service providers are available in your area.
Here’s what to consider during your research:
- Electricity: In some states like Texas, electricity is deregulated, so you can choose from various retail providers. In others, you’ll be assigned a utility company.
- Internet/Cable: Look for providers with strong coverage, speed, and reliability in your neighborhood.
- Water & Gas: Typically provided by the local city or municipality.
Use official websites, community forums, or even chat with your new neighbors to get the inside scoop on reliable services.
4. Set Up Your Utility Accounts
Once you’ve chosen your providers, contact them to open new accounts or transfer service. Most companies will ask for:
- Your full name
- Move-in date
- New address
- Government-issued ID
- Social Security number (for credit checks)
- Preferred billing method
Some may require a deposit, especially if you’re a first-time customer or have limited credit history.
Be sure to ask:
- If someone needs to be present during service activation
- When the first bill will arrive
- How to set up autopay or paperless billing
5. Schedule Service Activation Before Moving In
To avoid spending your first night without power or water, make sure all services are activated a day or two before your move-in date. That gives you a cushion in case of delays or last-minute scheduling conflicts.
Pro tip: Don’t schedule installations or technician visits on moving day itself—it can add unnecessary chaos and prevent you from supervising properly.
6. Take Meter Readings on Move-In Day
When you walk into your new home, one of your first tasks should be to check and document the utility meters (electric, gas, and water). Take photos of the readings with a timestamp for your records.
This step helps:
- Prevent billing disputes
- Establish your actual start usage
- Provide evidence in case of service overlap with previous tenants
If anything seems off (e.g., a sky-high reading when you haven’t used anything yet), call the provider immediately.
7. Set Up Online Accounts and Notifications
Most utility companies offer online portals or mobile apps. After activation, create your online accounts to:
- Track your usage
- Pay bills
- Set up autopay
- Monitor outages
- Receive service notifications
If possible, sign up for email or text alerts so you stay informed about maintenance, service changes, or upcoming bills.
8. Budget for Your Monthly Utility Costs
Once services are active, take a moment to estimate your monthly utility expenses. Your usage will vary depending on home size, appliances, season, and how many people live there.
Common average monthly costs (in the U.S.):
- Electricity: $100–$150
- Water: $30–$70
- Gas: $20–$100
- Internet: $50–$100
- Trash/Recycling: $10–$30
Use the first few months as a baseline, and make adjustments to your energy use as needed. Consider energy-saving habits like using LED lights, smart thermostats, and unplugging electronics.
9. Don’t Forget the Extras
In the rush to connect essential services, it’s easy to forget the “non-essentials” that still matter:
- Trash and recycling: Contact your city or waste company for bin delivery and pickup schedules.
- Home security systems: Install early for peace of mind.
- HOA utilities or shared services: If you’re in a managed community, check what’s included in your dues.
- Lawn watering systems: You may need to activate a smart irrigation system or service.
These services often have a longer lead time or scheduling delays, so it’s smart to initiate setup early.
10. Keep a Centralized Utility Folder
To stay organized, keep a physical or digital folder containing:
- All provider contact info
- Account numbers and passwords
- Copies of contracts or service agreements
- Service start dates
- Meter reading photos
This makes life easier if you ever need to troubleshoot a bill, compare providers, or move again in the future.
Final Thoughts
Setting up utilities in a new home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By starting early, researching local options, scheduling ahead, and keeping clear records, you’ll avoid the stress and make the transition into your new space smooth and comfortable.
Utilities might be invisible once they’re working, but they’re the foundation of a functional home. Take the time to do it right — and you’ll be free to focus on enjoying your new chapter.
