How to Cancel Utilities When Moving: A Step-by-Step Guide
MOTM
July 19th, 2022
When you move to a new home, there are a lot of things you need to do before you can officially move in and start living there. One of these tasks is figuring out how to cancel your utilities at your old place and set them up at your new place. This guide will walk you through the process of canceling utilities when moving so that you won't have any unpleasant surprises on moving day.
Find Your Move Date
Once you have your move date, you'll want to start by creating a moving checklist. This will help you keep track of everything you need to do in the weeks leading up to your move. One of the items on your moving checklist should be canceling your utilities. You'll want to call your utility companies a few weeks in advance to let them know you'll be closing your account. They may need to schedule a final meter reading and will likely give you instructions on how to pay any outstanding balances. Some utility companies may require a security deposit, so be sure to ask about that when you call. Don't forget to get the account numbers for each of your utilities so you can easily transfer service to your new home.
Notify Your Electric, Gas, and Water Providers
It's a good idea to notify your utility providers at least two weeks before you move. This will give them time to send you a final bill and shut off your services. To do this, you'll need to find the phone number for each of your utilities on your bill. Once you have the numbers, give each company a call and let them know you're moving. They'll ask for your new address and some other information, so be sure to have that handy. In most cases, you'll be able to transfer your utilities to your new home with no problem. However, if you're moving out of state, you may need to cancel your current services and start new ones at your new location.
Stop Delivery of Mail and Newspaper
The first step is to contact your local post office and fill out a change of address form. This will ensure that your mail gets forwarded to your new address. You should also contact your newspaper and ask them to stop delivery. You may be able to do this online or over the phone. Once you have taken care of the mail, it's time to focus on utilities.
Pack Valuables and Disassemble Furniture You Want to Move
Packing your valuables is an important step in the moving process. You'll want to make sure you have a plan for how to pack them, so they are protected during transport. To save money, you may want to disassemble furniture you don't plan on taking with you and move it yourself. This can be a time-consuming process, but it will be worth it in the end.
Contact Movers (If Applicable)
If you're hiring a moving company, be sure to contact them well in advance of your move date and let them know that you'll need utility services shut off at your old home and turned on at your new one. Most movers are happy to do this for you as part of their service. You may want to provide them with the account numbers and contact information of each provider before they arrive so they can make the necessary arrangements on your behalf.
Leave the House Clean As Possible Prior To Move In
You don't want your new home to be dirty when you move in, so make sure you leave your old home as clean as possible. This includes shutting off all utilities, such as water, gas, and electricity. You should also make sure there's no food in the fridge or any trash left behind. By taking these steps, you'll help make your move go as smoothly as possible.
Long Island's Moving and Storage Blog