Moving into a new place is exciting… right up until you realize you’re sitting on the floor surrounded by boxes, your phone is at 9%, and you don’t know how to turn on the lights. Utilities are the unglamorous side of moving, but they’re also the difference between a smooth first night and a “why did we do this?” kind of evening.
This guide walks you through what utilities to set up before moving day—especially electric, water, and internet—plus a few other services people often forget until it’s too late. I’ll also share practical timelines, what information you’ll need when you call providers, and a few tips to avoid deposits, delays, and surprise fees. Whether you’re moving into a rental, buying your first home, or relocating for work, you’ll be able to build a simple checklist that actually works.
Start With a Utility Game Plan (So You’re Not Calling Providers From a Box Fort)
The best utility setup plan is the one you start early. Many providers can activate service within 24–48 hours, but that’s not guaranteed—especially during peak moving months, weekends, or in areas where a technician visit is required. If your move lands near a holiday, assume everything will take longer than you’d like.
A good rule of thumb: begin researching providers 2–3 weeks before your move, and schedule start dates at least 7–10 days in advance. If you’re moving long-distance, you may want to push that to 3–4 weeks, just to avoid last-minute complications.
To make this easy, write down your move-in date and work backward:
- 3–4 weeks out: confirm which utilities you’re responsible for and who the providers are
- 2–3 weeks out: schedule electric + internet (often the most time-sensitive)
- 1–2 weeks out: schedule water/sewer, trash pickup, gas (if applicable)
- 48–72 hours out: confirm activation times, logins, and any technician appointments
If you’re coordinating the move itself and also juggling service transfers, it helps to have a reliable moving team so your mental bandwidth isn’t completely gone. If you’re looking up details about Premier Movers Jacksonville, it can be useful to pair the physical move timeline with your utility activation timeline so everything lines up.
Electricity: The One You Feel Immediately When It’s Not On
Electric is usually the first utility you should set up because it impacts everything—lights, HVAC, charging devices, cooking, even the ability to run your internet equipment. In many homes, electricity also powers the water heater, so no electric can sometimes mean no hot water (or no water pressure in some setups).
Some buildings keep power on between tenants and simply transfer billing. Others shut it off entirely until a new account is opened. Don’t assume anything—confirm with your landlord, property manager, or realtor how it works in your specific unit.
How to choose the right electric setup (especially if you can pick a plan)
In some regions, you’ll have a single local utility company and you just open an account. In other areas, you may have a choice of suppliers (with different rates, contract terms, and renewable options). If you have options, don’t just click the first plan you see.
Look for these details before you commit:
- Fixed vs. variable rate: fixed is predictable; variable can spike during high-demand seasons
- Contract length: if you’re renting short-term, avoid long contracts with cancellation fees
- Time-of-use pricing: great if you can shift usage to cheaper hours; annoying if you can’t
- Renewable energy add-ons: sometimes worth it, sometimes a pricey checkbox—compare carefully
If you’re unsure, choose a straightforward plan with no surprises. You can always switch later once you’ve lived in the space and understand your real usage.
What you’ll need when you call or sign up online
Most electric providers will ask for the service address, your move-in date, and identification details. If you’re transferring service from an old address, they’ll also ask for your existing account number.
Have these ready:
- Full service address (including unit number)
- Move-in date and preferred activation time (if available)
- Government ID details (varies by provider)
- Social insurance / SSN or credit check authorization (sometimes required)
- Landlord contact info (occasionally requested for verification)
One more thing: ask whether a technician has to come out. If the meter can be activated remotely, you’re in great shape. If a visit is required, book it ASAP and try to schedule it before your moving truck arrives.
Deposits, credit checks, and how to avoid extra costs
Electric providers sometimes require a deposit, especially if you’re new to the area or don’t have established credit history. The deposit can be waived in a few situations—like showing a good payment history from a previous provider or setting up autopay.
It’s worth asking directly: “Is there a deposit? What would waive it?” That single question can save you a few hundred dollars and a lot of frustration.
Water and Sewer: Sometimes Automatic, Sometimes Your Responsibility
Water is a little tricky because responsibility varies widely. In many rentals, water (and sometimes sewer) is included in rent and managed by the building. In other cases, you have to set it up yourself through the city or a municipal utility provider.
If you’re buying a home, water and sewer are almost always on you, and you’ll want to confirm whether the property uses municipal water, a well, septic, or a combination. Each setup changes what you need to do before move-in.
How to confirm who controls water at your new address
Start by asking the simplest question: “Is water included, or do I need to open an account?” If it’s included, ask how billing is handled—flat fee, usage-based, or divided among units. If it’s not included, ask for the exact provider name and contact info.
If you can’t get a clear answer, look for clues in your lease or closing documents. You can also search your city’s utility department website using your address. Many municipalities have an online lookup tool that shows service zones and account setup instructions.
Timing and activation details (and why you shouldn’t wait)
Water service activation is often faster than electric, but municipal offices can have limited hours, and some require in-person verification or additional paperwork. If you’re moving on a weekend, you don’t want to discover on Saturday afternoon that the city utility office is closed until Monday.
Schedule water service to start the morning of your move-in date (or the day before). That way, if there’s an issue—like a valve problem, a billing mismatch, or a previous owner’s account still attached—you have time to fix it before you’re trying to shower or run the dishwasher.
Homes with wells or septic: what to check before you unpack
If your new home uses a well, you typically won’t “set up” water service, but you should verify the well pump is working, the pressure tank is functioning, and the water quality is acceptable. If you’re not sure when the water was last tested, schedule a basic test for bacteria and common contaminants.
For septic systems, ask when it was last inspected or pumped. If you’re moving into a property that’s been vacant, it’s smart to run water and flush toilets before move-in day to ensure everything is flowing properly. A surprise septic issue is not the kind of housewarming anyone wants.
Internet: The Utility That Feels Optional Until You Need It for Everything
Internet is a must-have utility for most households now—work calls, school platforms, streaming, smart home devices, security cameras, and even some thermostats rely on it. The catch is that internet setup can take longer than people expect, especially if a technician visit is required.
It’s also the utility most likely to cause “moving week chaos” because you may need to return old equipment, schedule installation windows, and coordinate building access if you’re in a condo or apartment complex.
Picking the right type of connection (fiber, cable, DSL, fixed wireless)
Not all internet is created equal, and availability depends on your neighborhood. Here’s a quick way to think about the common types:
- Fiber: fastest and most reliable (when available), great for remote work and heavy streaming
- Cable: widely available, solid speeds, can slow down during peak usage in some areas
- DSL: older tech, often slower, but can be stable in areas without better options
- Fixed wireless / 5G home internet: quick setup, performance varies by signal strength and network load
If you work from home, upload speed matters more than most people realize. Video calls, large file transfers, and cloud backups all depend on upload performance, not just download. When comparing plans, check both numbers.
Installation timing and how to avoid being offline for a week
If you can do a self-install, you might be online the same day you move in. If you need a technician, you may be dealing with appointment windows that are 4–8 hours long and booked several days out.
Here’s the move-proof approach:
- Schedule installation for the day before move-in if you have access to the unit
- If not, schedule it for move-in morning and keep the afternoon open as a buffer
- Confirm whether your building needs a concierge booking, elevator reservation, or access permission
Also, ask the provider if the previous resident’s service needs to be disconnected first. Sometimes there’s a “port” or line assignment issue that can delay activation even if you have equipment ready.
Modem/router choices that make life easier
Providers love to rent you equipment. Sometimes it’s convenient, but it can also become a monthly fee you forget about for years. If you’re staying long-term, buying your own modem/router can be cheaper and often performs better.
Before you buy anything, confirm compatibility with your provider and plan speed. If your home is larger or has dead zones, consider a mesh Wi‑Fi system. It’s one of those upgrades that quietly improves daily life—especially if your workspace is far from the modem.
Natural Gas: Only If Your Home Uses It (But Don’t Assume It Doesn’t)
Gas is easy to overlook because not every home uses it. But if your new place has a gas furnace, stove, fireplace, or water heater, you’ll want to set up service before you arrive—particularly in colder months.
Some homes use electric for most appliances but still have a gas line for heating. Others are the opposite. The easiest way to confirm is to ask the landlord/realtor and check the appliance labels (or the listing details).
Safety checks and service transfers
Gas providers may require a safety inspection or a technician visit if the service has been off for a while. If the property has been vacant, plan ahead. You don’t want a delayed inspection to turn into a week without heat.
When you set up the account, ask if the pilot lights (if any) need to be relit by a tech, and whether you’re allowed to do it yourself. Rules vary by region and by provider.
Budgeting for seasonal swings
Gas bills can jump dramatically in winter. If your provider offers equal billing (sometimes called budget billing), it can smooth out the spikes by averaging your payments across the year.
This can be helpful right after a move, when you’re already paying for furniture, deposits, and all the little “new home” purchases that add up fast.
Trash, Recycling, and Bulk Pickup: The Secret to a Stress-Free Unpacking Week
Trash service isn’t glamorous, but it becomes extremely important the moment you start unboxing. Cardboard piles up instantly, and packing paper somehow multiplies when you’re not looking.
Depending on where you live, trash and recycling might be handled by the city, included in HOA fees, managed by your building, or set up privately. It’s worth confirming before move-in so you’re not stuck storing boxes in your living room.
Find out pickup days and rules before you move
Ask for the pickup schedule and any sorting rules (some cities require specific bins or bag types). If you’re moving into a condo or apartment, ask where the disposal area is and whether you need an access code.
If you’re in a neighborhood with curbside pickup, check whether bins are provided or if you have to purchase them. Some municipalities deliver bins after account setup, which can take a week or two—another reason not to leave it until the last minute.
Plan for bulk and cardboard (because moving creates a lot of it)
Many areas have limits on how much cardboard you can put out at once. Some require you to bundle it, cut it down to specific sizes, or schedule a separate pickup.
If your move will generate a ton of packaging, consider timing a bulk pickup for the week after you move in. It’s a small planning step that makes your home feel “livable” much faster.
Security and Building Access: Utilities Adjacent, But Still Essential
These aren’t utilities in the strict sense, but they’re part of the same “services you need active on day one” category. If you’re moving into an apartment, there may be building systems—like intercoms, fobs, parking gates, and package lockers—that require setup.
If you’re moving into a house, you might be dealing with door codes, smart locks, cameras, or alarm monitoring. The earlier you sort this out, the safer and calmer your first week will feel.
Intercoms, fobs, and elevator bookings
Some buildings require you to register your phone number or download an app for the intercom. Others need you to pick up fobs in person during office hours. If you’re arriving after hours, you’ll want a backup plan to get in.
Also ask about elevator reservations and move-in rules. Many condos require a booking, proof of insurance from movers, or specific move-in hours. It’s not fun discovering those rules the day your truck shows up.
Home security systems and monitoring transfers
If the home already has an alarm system installed, find out whether it’s tied to a contract. You may be able to take over the existing equipment and just start a new monitoring plan, or you may need to reset the system entirely.
If you’re adding smart devices, remember that many need stable Wi‑Fi—so it helps to have internet active early, even if you’re not fully moved in yet.
Setting Up Utilities for a Business Move (Offices, Retail, Warehouses)
If your move involves a workplace rather than a home, utilities become even more time-sensitive. A residential move can be inconvenient if the internet is delayed; a business move can be expensive. Point-of-sale systems, VOIP phones, security cameras, and staff workflows often depend on reliable power and connectivity from day one.
Business spaces also tend to have more complexity: after-hours access rules, building management approvals, and vendor coordination. That means you’ll want a tighter timeline and a clearer checklist.
Power requirements and service classifications
Some commercial spaces have different electrical service needs—higher amperage, dedicated circuits, or special equipment hookups. If you’re moving into a unit that previously housed a different type of business, confirm that the power setup matches what you need.
It’s also common for utility companies to classify accounts differently for businesses, which can affect deposits, billing cycles, and support channels. Set expectations early so you’re not surprised by paperwork.
Internet and phone: plan for installation lead times
Commercial internet installation can take longer than residential, especially if you’re installing fiber, dedicated lines, or structured cabling. If you need static IP addresses, failover connections, or network hardware installed, build in extra time.
If you’re coordinating a business relocation, it can help to work with movers who understand the operational side of relocating offices and equipment. Teams that offer commercial moving solutions often plan around downtime windows and can help you think through sequencing—like what must be online first, what can be packed last, and how to keep the business running during the transition.
Information to Gather Before You Call Any Provider
Utility setup feels easier when you treat it like a small admin project: gather the details once, then knock out the calls or online forms in a single sitting. This also reduces the odds of making mistakes with addresses, unit numbers, or dates.
Here’s a quick list of what you’ll want in front of you:
- Your full new address (including unit, buzzer code, and postal/ZIP code)
- Move-in date and time window
- Landlord/property manager contact info (if renting)
- Proof of occupancy if needed (lease, purchase agreement, or closing docs)
- Billing address (sometimes different from service address)
- A note with your preferred email + phone number for account alerts
It also helps to create a simple document (or note on your phone) with account numbers, login URLs, and support phone numbers. When something goes wrong—and occasionally it will—you’ll be glad you don’t have to hunt through email threads while standing in an empty kitchen.
Move-In Day Utility Checks That Save You From Panic Later
Even if you schedule everything perfectly, it’s smart to do a quick utility walkthrough on move-in day. Think of it as a “systems check” before you get too comfortable.
Do this early in the day if you can, while providers and building staff are still reachable.
Electric check: outlets, breakers, and HVAC
Turn on lights in multiple rooms, test a couple of outlets with a phone charger, and locate the breaker panel. If something isn’t working, it might be a tripped breaker—or it might be a bigger issue that you’ll want documented immediately.
If it’s hot or cold outside, test the heating/cooling quickly. HVAC problems can take time to fix, and you don’t want to discover them at bedtime.
Water check: pressure, hot water, and leaks
Run the taps, flush toilets, and check under sinks for leaks. If the home has been empty, you may see a little sputtering at first, but it should stabilize quickly.
Test hot water in at least one sink and the shower. If hot water takes forever, you may have a water heater issue—or it may simply need time to heat after service activation. Either way, it’s good to know early.
Internet check: signal strength where you actually use it
Don’t just confirm that Wi‑Fi exists—walk to the rooms where you’ll work, stream, or take calls. If the signal drops, consider moving the router or adding a mesh point before you’ve fully arranged furniture.
If you need stable video calls, run a speed test and check upload speeds. It’s better to troubleshoot now than right before a meeting.
How to Coordinate Utilities With Your Movers and Building Rules
Utilities and moving logistics overlap more than people expect. For example, if your building requires elevator reservations, your internet technician might need that same elevator access. If your power activation is delayed, you may not be able to run tools, charge devices, or keep the space comfortable while unloading.
When you plan your move schedule, leave a buffer between “utilities start” and “truck arrives.” Even a few hours can help.
Scheduling tips that reduce bottlenecks
If possible, schedule utility activations for the day before move-in. If you can’t, aim for early morning appointments and keep the rest of the day flexible. Try not to book multiple technicians during the exact same window—you’ll end up juggling calls and access issues while also trying to direct movers.
If you’re in a building with strict move-in hours, confirm whether technicians can enter outside those hours. Some buildings treat internet installers like any other vendor and require separate approvals.
Where to find verified location details when you’re coordinating a busy day
When you’re juggling multiple moving-day tasks, having accurate location info matters—especially if you’re meeting movers, signing for deliveries, or directing someone to a pickup point. If you ever need to quickly confirm the mover’s location for coordination, you can see their address here and keep it handy while you plan.
That kind of small detail can save time when your day is already packed with check-ins, keys, elevator bookings, and last-minute errands.
A Practical Utility Checklist You Can Copy-Paste
To make this easy, here’s a checklist you can adapt. You can paste it into a notes app and add dates next to each item.
Must-have utilities to set up before move-in
These are the services that most people will notice immediately if they’re missing:
- Electricity (activation scheduled and account confirmed)
- Water/sewer (confirmed whether it’s included or set up in your name)
- Internet (installation date confirmed; equipment ready)
If any of these require a technician, schedule them first. Everything else can often be handled faster or later without ruining your first night.
Often-forgotten services that make the first week easier
These are the ones people tend to remember after they’ve already moved in:
- Natural gas (if applicable)
- Trash/recycling schedule and bins
- Mailbox keys / mail forwarding
- Intercom, fobs, parking registration
- Optional: renters/home insurance effective date
None of these are complicated, but they become annoying when you’re tired, surrounded by boxes, and trying to find your coffee maker.
Common Utility Mistakes (And How to Dodge Them)
Even organized people run into utility issues because moving has a lot of moving parts. The good news is that most problems are predictable—and preventable.
Mistake: using the wrong address format (unit numbers matter)
If your unit number is missing or formatted incorrectly, a provider might attach service to the wrong meter or delay activation. Always copy the address exactly as it appears on your lease or closing documents, including building letters, unit numbers, and any directional markers (N/S/E/W).
If you’re in a multi-unit building, ask the property manager how the utility provider labels units. Sometimes it’s not intuitive.
Mistake: scheduling internet too late (and assuming it’s instant)
Internet is the most common moving-day “oops.” People assume they can walk into a store, grab a modem, and be online. Sometimes you can—but if your address needs a line activated or a technician visit, you may wait days.
Book early, and if you work remotely, consider a backup option like tethering or a temporary hotspot for the first week.
Mistake: not taking meter readings (especially in rentals)
If you’re responsible for utilities in a rental, take photos of meter readings on move-in day if you have access. It’s a simple way to protect yourself from being billed for the previous tenant’s usage.
Also take photos of any existing issues (leaks, broken fixtures, damaged outlets) and send them to the landlord/property manager right away.
Make Your First Night Feel Like Home (Even If the Couch Isn’t There Yet)
When utilities are set up properly, your first night in a new place feels less like camping and more like the start of a new chapter. You can charge your phone, take a hot shower, order food, and unwind—even if you’re still eating on paper plates.
If you take one thing from this guide, let it be this: schedule electric and internet early, confirm water responsibility in writing, and do a quick systems check on move-in day. Those few steps eliminate most of the stress that catches people off guard.
And once the practical stuff is handled, you can focus on the fun part—figuring out where everything goes, exploring the neighborhood, and slowly turning a new space into your space.
