What to Set Up When You Move Into a New Home

Call your utility companies before you move in

Contact the electric, gas, water, and internet providers serving your new address at least one week before moving day. Most utilities need 24 to 48 hours' notice to turn service on, and some have longer wait times during peak moving seasons. If you wait until after you arrive, you may spend days without heat, hot water, or the ability to charge devices.

Start by finding which companies serve your address. Your real estate agent, the previous owner, or a quick online search for "[your city] utility providers" will show you the names. Call each one directly — do not rely on their website alone, because phone representatives can often schedule same-day or next-day activation if you call early enough.

When you call, have your new address, move-in date, and a phone number where they can reach you ready. Ask whether you need to set up a new account or take over an existing one. Some utilities let you start service online, but calling is faster because the representative can answer questions about deposits, billing dates, and what to expect on your first bill.

Key Takeaways

• Contact electric, gas, water, and internet providers at least one week before you move in, because most need 24 to 48 hours to turn service on.
• You will likely need to provide a photo ID, proof of address, and sometimes a deposit or credit check before service starts.
• Read your meter or note the starting numbers on your first day so you can verify your first bill is accurate.
• Set up automatic payments or calendar reminders for due dates so you do not miss a payment and trigger a late fee or service interruption.
• Some utilities offer budget billing or time-of-use rates that can lower your monthly costs if your usage pattern fits the program.

What documents and information you will need

Utility companies will ask for a photo ID and proof of your new address. A driver's license works for ID. For proof of address, bring your signed lease, closing documents, or a utility bill from your previous home — anything with your name and the new address printed on it. If you do not have a document yet, ask the utility company what they will accept; some take a signed lease or a letter from your landlord.

You may also be asked for your Social Security number so the company can run a credit check. This determines whether you need to pay a deposit before service starts. Deposits vary widely by utility and by your credit history — some companies charge $100 to $300, while others charge nothing. Ask the representative what the deposit will be before you hang up, so you can budget for it.

If you are moving from out of state or have no credit history with that utility company, a deposit is more likely. If you have been a customer of the same company before, mention it — they may waive the deposit or lower the amount.

Meter readings and your first bill

On your first day in the home, take a photo of every meter: the electric meter, gas meter, and water meter if you can access it. Write down the numbers and the date. This creates a record of where the meter started under your name, which protects you if the previous owner's final bill or your first bill looks wrong.

Your first bill will cover the days from when service started until the utility's regular billing cycle. This means your first bill may be shorter or longer than a typical month, and the amount may be higher or lower than you expect. Comparing the meter reading on your first bill to the photo you took on move-in day will show you whether the charges match the actual usage.

Keep these photos and meter readings for at least one year. If a bill seems too high, you can use them to dispute the charge with the utility company.

Setting up billing and payment

Most utilities offer three ways to pay: online through their website, by phone, or by mail. Ask the representative which method has the lowest fees — some charge extra for phone payments but not for online payments. Many utilities also offer automatic payments from your bank account, which ensures you never miss a due date.

Write down or save the due date for each utility. Utility bills typically come due 15 to 30 days after the bill date. If you miss a payment, the utility will usually send a notice and give you 10 to 30 days to pay before they shut off service. Late fees range from $10 to $50 depending on the utility.

If you are on a tight budget, ask whether the utility offers budget billing. This spreads your annual costs evenly across 12 months, so your bill is the same amount each month instead of spiking in summer or winter. Some utilities also offer time-of-use rates, where electricity costs less during off-peak hours — this saves money if you can shift usage like laundry or charging devices to cheaper times.

Internet and phone service

Internet and phone setup works differently from utilities like electric and gas. Most internet providers need to send a technician to your home to install equipment, which can take one to two weeks to schedule. Call at least two weeks before you move in if possible, or immediately after if you are moving on short notice.

Ask the internet provider whether installation is included or costs extra, and whether they provide a modem and router or whether you need to buy your own. Some providers charge $100 to $200 for installation, while others include it. If you buy your own equipment, you avoid monthly rental fees — a modem rental typically costs $10 to $15 per month, which adds up to $120 to $180 per year.

For phone service, decide whether you want a landline, cell phone only, or both. If you keep a landline, it goes through the same company as your internet or through a separate phone provider. Cell phone service does not depend on your address, so you can keep your existing plan and carrier.

Deposits, fees, and what to expect on your first bill

Utility deposits are refundable — the company holds the money as security and returns it after you have paid on time for 12 months or more, depending on the utility's policy. Ask when you can expect the deposit back and whether it earns interest. Some utilities pay interest on deposits; others do not.

Your first bill will include the cost of service from your start date to the end of the billing cycle, plus any deposits or fees. If you paid a deposit, it may appear as a separate line item. Connection fees, which cover the cost of turning on your service, range from $0 to $50 depending on the utility and whether you are a new customer or taking over an existing account.

Budget for deposits and connection fees when you plan your moving costs. If you are moving to a new city and signing up for multiple utilities, deposits alone could total $300 to $600. Knowing this in advance means you will not be surprised when your first bills arrive.

Transferring or closing service at your old home

Contact your old utility companies at least one week before you move out. Give them your move-out date and ask them to schedule a final meter reading. The utility will send you a final bill covering the days you lived there, and if you paid a deposit, they will refund it after your account closes.

Do not assume the utilities will turn off automatically on your move-out date. If you do not call, service may continue and you will be billed for it. Some utilities will try to reach you at the address you are leaving, and if they cannot, they may send the bill to a collection agency.

Ask the old utility company for a final reading and a letter confirming your account is closed. Keep this for your records. If you are renting, your landlord may also need proof that you left the utilities in good standing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I start service before I officially move in?

Yes. Most utilities will turn on service on any date you request, as long as it is at least 24 to 48 hours away. If you need to do work in the home before moving day — cleaning, repairs, or inspections — ask the utility to start service a few days early. You will be billed from the start date, so budget for a few extra days of usage.

What if a utility company says they cannot start service on my move-in date?

Ask whether they have any earlier openings or whether you can schedule service for the next available day. During peak moving seasons (spring and summer), wait times can be two to three weeks. If you are moving during a busy time, call as early as possible. If no date works, ask whether a neighbor or friend can let you use their address temporarily so you have service while you wait.

Do I have to pay a deposit?

It depends on your credit history and the utility company's policy. If you have good credit or have been a customer of that utility before, you may not owe a deposit. If you do, ask whether you can pay it in installments or whether the company will waive it if you set up automatic payments. Some utilities lower deposits for customers who sign up for budget billing.

What should I do if my first bill seems too high?

Compare the meter reading on your bill to the photo you took on move-in day. If the numbers do not match the usage, contact the utility and ask them to investigate. They may have misread the meter or made a billing error. Keep your meter photos for at least a year so you can dispute any bill that looks wrong.

Can I switch internet providers after I move in?

Yes, but check what providers serve your address before you sign a contract. Some areas have only one or two options. If you are unhappy with your current provider, you can usually switch to another one, though you may owe an early termination fee if you are still in a contract. Ask about contract length and cancellation fees before you sign up.