Make Sure Your New Home is Move-In Ready

Moving and getting settled into a new place can be a bit complicated. We are here to help you organize and figure out exactly what you can do to make sure your new home is ready to go when you arrive. Setting up utilities should be at the top of the list of things to do when making a move. 

Before you set up any accounts, think about what utilities you may need and want. These will more than likely include electricity, gas, water, cable, internet, and trash pickup. This is the perfect time to re-evaluate both your priorities and your budget. You will need to remember that you will be in a new home with new expenses. This may switch up your budget and is something to always keep in mind.

You have two basic options when setting up your new home, transfer existing utility accounts over to your new home or establishing fresh accounts. The route you choose depends on the circumstances of your move. If you’re not moving too far you should easily be able to keep all of your current utility providers. What gets a little more complicated is when you have to establish fresh accounts, this may not be too much fun but it can be easily managed. Even though this is a tedious thing to do, we’ve made it a bit more simple with some best practices:

1. Timing

• The key to figuring out utilities is make sure you time everything just right. After all, who wants to move into a new home with no internet, air conditioning, or running water? Always give a utility provider adequate notice when canceling to avoid overpaying or incurring fees. Contact the company early to find out how much notice you might need to give.
• Determine how far out you’ll need to set up utilities so they’re operating when you move in. It’s no fun unpacking with no heat in the dead of winter or no air conditioning in the middle of summer. When you make this initial point of contact, also ask if a deposit is required to turn on service. That way you’ll be prepared and can budget accordingly.

2.  Ask Questions

• When choosing your utility provider it is completely fine for you to ask lots of questions. Talk to friends or neighbors about the companies providing their utilities and the quality of service they’ve received. This will help you decide exactly what provider you want and what service you’re looking for.
• Another good idea is research. We live in a hyper-transparent world where people are very honest with how their services were and if they would recommend them. Check out some of the customer’s reviews before making a decision.
• Another easy tactic that I have always lived by is a pro and con list. This is a simple yet effective way to write down and decide exactly what you’re really looking for.

 3. Phone, Internet, or In Person

• When setting up your utilities for your new home you have to decide whether you’d like to set up your services via phone, internet, or in person. Honestly, it is all based on your preference. Phone and internet are undeniably the easiest options but it really is your call. The nice thing about setting up your new service is that it can easily be done from the comfort of your home.

We all know that making sure your new home is “move in ready” isn’t always the most enjoyable thing, but it can be simple if you keep these three concepts in mind. Moving can be stress free if you make sure to stay on top of everything and be prepared.

Now that you have a plan you can start moving!