How to set up utilities in your new home before a move

Moving soon? This article details the process of setting up the utilities in your new home, including electricity, gas, internet, water, and trash collection.

Jodi Ireland
·6 min read
Power lines at sunset
Power lines at sunset (Anton Petrus via Getty Images)

Moving to a new home, especially across city or state lines, can leave you with many utility options. A little planning ensures you’re not left in the dark (literally) on move-in day, saves money on future bills, and generally reduces stress on move-in day. What follows is Yahoo Local’s guide to the utility setup process, broken down by type.

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Depending on your new community, you may not have a choice for electricity or gas service. For example, while the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PA PUC) regulates 11 companies in the state, PPL Electric is the only electricity provider in the Lehigh Valley. New York has seven electric and gas companies regulated by the New York State Public Service Commission, and many communities are limited to one option.

Although you can’t shop around for another electricity provider, you may be able to choose which energy generator the electric company sources for your power. Thirteen states, including Pennsylvania, California, New York, New Jersey, and Delaware, allow homeowners to choose their electricity suppliers based on price, renewable energy sources, fixed-rate or time-of-use billing, and other factors. If you don’t make a selection, you’ll automatically be billed at the local electric company’s default rate.

Wherever you’re moving, contact the provider at least two weeks before your move-in date and have the following information handy:

  • Your new address

  • Move-in date

  • Proof of ownership (closing documents for purchase) or a landlord letter (for rentals)

  • Government ID with a photo (driver’s license or passport). If you lack a photo ID, you can use an alternative ID with a photo, like a school or work ID, plus a supporting alternative document such as a Social Security or health insurance card.

Activation typically takes two to three business days, but some areas may require more notice, so you should ask when you contact the provider. Sometimes utilities require a deposit to mitigate the risk of customers not paying their bills on time. Electric companies typically run a soft credit check during sign-up to assess your creditworthiness. If your credit score falls below a certain threshold or your credit history is limited, you'll likely need to pay a deposit.

That deposit amount varies depending on the customer type. Residential deposits typically range from $150 to $300. The good news is that your deposit isn't a lost expense. If you consistently pay your bills on time for a set period, the electricity company usually credits your account with the deposit amount.

While setting up electricity doesn’t generally require physical access to the premises, gas might if the residence needs a new meter. Most companies ask you to allow them seven business days to process a request for a natural gas start, stop, or transfer after submitting the initial request.

Just as you can choose an electric supplier, some states allow you to choose your gas provider. To request gas service, you’ll need to provide the same information as you did when securing electric service.

The number of available cable or internet providers varies by state and city. For example, Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley has 10 cable and internet providers, including Service Electric Cable TV (SECTV), Astound (formerly RCN), Earthlink, Pen TeleData, and Verizon. The companies all have similar offerings, though prices vary widely.

Take time to research all available options in your area. You can enter your zip code on each website to see which ones service your new address. Look online, compare plans and pricing on provider websites, and ask your realtor, neighbors, or friends in the area for recommendations.

Do you work from home part- or full-time? Does your household have many streaming devices? Are there many online gamers in your home? Consider factors like download speeds, data caps, bundle deals (phone, internet orcable), and customer service reviews.

You should plan further ahead to set up cable and internet service. Contact your chosen provider at least two to four weeks before your move-in date if you want to be online immediately. You’ll need:

  • Your new address

  • Move-in date

  • Government ID or Social Security number

The lead time for installation can take five to seven business days, so plan accordingly. Depending on the company, you may also need to pay an installation fee (generally rolled into the first month’s payment), equipment rental fees, or a deposit.

A technician will also likely need access to your home (or apartment) for installation. To reduce stress, schedule the appointment for the day after you have your new key.

The city or municipality where you live typically handles water service. Generally, you receive a quarterly water and sewer bill from your city or borough. Contact your local municipality (ask your realtor if you’re unsure what it is) at least two weeks before your move-in date to add your residence. You’ll be asked to provide:

  • Your new address

  • Move-in date

  • Proof of ownership (closing documents for purchase) or a landlord letter (for rentals) if water and sewer aren’t included in your rent

Water service activation happens fairly quickly, and it’s unlikely anyone will need access to your meter as it’s read remotely. Any deposit you pay for water service, such as an account activation fee, is minimal (around $15).

Depending on where you move, you may have the option to choose your trash collection company. Some boroughs and municipalities, however, contract with one trash hauler for all residents. While many trash companies allow you to provide your own container, some might require you to purchase their bins.

Ask your realtor about how trash service works at your new address. If you can pick a hauler, use Angie’s List or do a Google search and read reviews to compare options. If you’re moving into a borough that contracts with one trash company yearly, contact the borough office to sign up for service. You typically receive a confirmation email with the date service starts, usually within a week.

Here are the takeaways worth remembering:

  • Start early. The sooner you contact utility providers, the smoother your transition.

  • Have your new address, move-in date, and other necessary documents (like identification) readily available.

  • Apply online if possible. Opting for paperless billing and autopay can help streamline the process and avoid late fees.

  • Create a checklist with all your utilities and their contact information, service start dates, and confirmation numbers.

By following these steps and planning you can ensure a smooth transition to your new home with all the comforts of modern utilities without delays.

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