How Do You Change Utility Bills When Moving Houses? A Step-by-Step Guide
Book a contract online or by phone. Inform your current supplier about the switch, settle any overdue balances, and provide a forwarding address. Verify the disconnection date for utilities at your old place and the activation date at your new address.
Moving houses involves a lot of planning and preparation, and one crucial task is changing your utility bills. Ensuring that your utilities are properly transferred or set up in your new home can save you from unnecessary stress and extra charges. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you change your utility bills smoothly when moving houses.
1. Make a List of Utilities
Before you start, make a comprehensive list of all the utilities you need to transfer. This typically includes:
- Electricity and Gas
- Water
- Internet and Phone
- Cable or Satellite TV
- Waste Collection
Having a complete list will ensure that you don’t miss any essential services.
Tip! Most companies require a contract of at least 1-2 years, but you can often find deals offering the first few months free for customers switching utilities when moving house.
2. Contact Your Current Providers
Notify your current utility providers about your move at least two weeks in advance. Provide them with the date of your move and your new address. This will ensure that your services are terminated or transferred to the new address on the appropriate date.
Helpful Link: Citizens Advice: Contacting Utility Providers
3. Set Up Utilities at Your New Home
If you are moving to a new area, you may need to set up services with different providers. Research the utility providers in your new location and set up accounts to ensure services are active by the time you move in.
Helpful Link: Ofgem: Energy Supplier Comparison
4. Take Final Meter Readings
On the day you move out, take final meter readings for electricity, gas, and water. Provide these readings to your current utility providers to ensure your final bill is accurate. Keep a record of these readings for your own reference.
Helpful Link: How to Read Your Meters – Energy Saving Trust
5. Update Your Address
Make sure to update your address with each utility provider. This will ensure that you receive any final bills or refunds and that your new accounts are set up correctly.
6. Pay Outstanding Bills
Ensure all outstanding bills are paid before you move out. This will prevent any potential issues with your credit score or future utility setups.
7. Cancel or Transfer Services
For services like internet and TV, you may need to cancel your existing contract or transfer it to your new address. Contact your provider to discuss your options and avoid any early termination fees.
Helpful Link: MoneySuperMarket: Moving Broadband
8. Confirm Service Activation
After moving into your new home, confirm that all utilities are active and functioning correctly. If there are any issues, contact the providers immediately to resolve them.
Managing Your Internet Service
Lastly, but certainly not least, is ensuring your internet services are set up as part of your moving checklist. First, decide whether to switch to a new broadband provider or stick with your current one. If you’re still within a 12 or 18-month contract, it typically makes sense to stay with your provider and transfer your existing contract to the new address. This avoids heavy penalties and the cost of remaining months on your contract.
Tip! If you choose to stay with your current provider, confirm that changing addresses won’t initiate a new minimum term contract.
You might also want to explore whether superior broadband options are available at your address.. You can use broadband checkers to see what is available at your address and what speeds and prices. A few examples of internet providers are:
Conclusion
Changing your utility bills when moving houses can seem daunting, but with proper planning and timely communication with your providers, it can be a smooth process. By following these steps, you can ensure that your utilities are managed efficiently, allowing you to focus on settling into your new home.
For more moving tips and professional removal services, visit MTC Removals.
External Links for Further Reading:
By using this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to manage your utilities effectively during your move. Happy moving!