In the middle of packing, scheduling movers, and managing everything else that comes with a move, utilities tend to fall to the bottom of the list. Then moving day arrives, and someone realizes the power at the new place isn’t on yet — or that they’re still being billed at their old address three months later.
Utility transfers are not complicated, but they do require a little lead time. Here’s how to handle them without the headache.
Start with a Full List of What You Have
Before you contact a single provider, write down every service connected to your current home: electricity, natural gas, water and sewer, trash pickup, internet, cable, and any security system or smart home subscriptions. Include the provider name, account number, and contact information for each one. That list becomes your checklist as you work through the transfer process.
Contact Providers at Least 30 Days Out
Nationwide recommends notifying your current utility providers at least 30 days before your move. Some utilities — especially cable, internet, and gas — require a technician visit to disconnect or connect service, and scheduling slots can fill up fast in busy seasons. Getting on the calendar early helps prevent gaps in service.
A good rule of thumb: schedule service to stop at your old address the day after you move out, and start at your new address the day before you move in. That one-day buffer on each end gives you time to call if something goes wrong.
Check Whether You Can Transfer Your Existing Accounts
If you’re moving within the same provider’s service area — which is common for moves within northeast Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley — you may be able to transfer your existing account rather than closing one and opening another. This can save you from restart fees and new customer deposits. Call each provider directly to ask before assuming you need to start fresh.
Research New Providers for Your New Area
If you’re moving somewhere your current providers don’t serve, you’ll need to set up new accounts. Your real estate agent or a neighbor can often point you to the right providers quickly. For electricity and gas in Pennsylvania, your local utility commission’s website lists which companies service each zip code. Give yourself enough time to compare plans, especially for electricity, where multiple providers may serve the same area.
Internet and Cable Need the Most Lead Time
Of all utility transfers, internet installation tends to require the longest scheduling window — sometimes two to four weeks for an in-home appointment. If you work from home, this one is especially important to book well in advance. When you call, ask specifically when the earliest available installation date is, and plan your move-in date around it if you can.
Get Final Meter Readings
Before you leave your current home, request a final meter reading for electricity, gas, and water. Keep a written record with the date and reading figures. Do the same at your new address on move-in day. These readings protect you if a billing dispute comes up later — and disputes are more common than most people expect during the first billing cycle at a new address.
Confirm Everything After You Move In
Once you’re in your new home, verify that all services are active before you unpack the truck. Test the hot water, flip on lights in every room, check the internet connection, and confirm trash pickup days with your municipality. Then call or log in to your accounts at your old address to make sure everything has been properly closed out.
Your Fresh Start Starts Here
Moving across town or across the state, AAA Moving handles household relocations throughout northeast Pennsylvania and New Jersey with care and reliability. Contact us today for a free quote and get moving with a team you can count on.