Moving is a big task with numerous details to juggle. You don’t want to overlook any details inadvertently — to shut off any utilities and services you won’t transfer to your new place. Today we’ve got some tips to help walk you through this process so that you don’t miss a step.
1. Start the Process Early
Ideally, you want to notify companies about four weeks before the move. Don’t wait until the last minute because it could result in you being billed for services not used or important deliveries not being rerouted.
2. Make a List of Utilities and Services
Start by compiling a list of all utilities and any other delivery services used. The list should include electricity, gas, oil, water, internet/TV/telephone, and waste removal. Services to discontinue or move include things like recurring Amazon deliveries, newspapers, magazine subscriptions, etc. Be sure to have any account numbers handy to save time in the disconnection or change of address processes.
3. Contact All Companies
Contact each company one by one to stop or, if applicable, transfer services. Some companies enable customers to do this online, while others require a phone call. Be prepared to give them:
- Name of the account holder
- Account number
- Stop or transfer date
- Forwarding address for the final bill and return of security deposit
Consider discontinuing services for the morning after moving day so essential services, such as water and electricity, are functioning during the move. Coordinate with metered utilities for a service person to read the meters right before they terminate services; this way, final charges are accurate.
Pro Tip: Take a photo of the meter to have a record that displays a date/time stamp.
4. Get Confirmation of Termination
Once shutting off utilities and services, be sure to get confirmation and the name of the person who completed the request for suspension of services. This way, if something goes wrong, you’ll have documentation to clear up discrepancies or bills for unused services. Be sure always to check the day after services are to be terminated to confirm that they did turn them off.
5. Pay Off Balances
Pay off any balances to ensure the account is correctly closed in a timely fashion. You don’t want your account sent into collections, which can drag down your credit scores.
6. Return Any Required Equipment
Many service providers, such as internet or cable, require equipment return before closing an account. Companies often charge a hefty fee for unreturned equipment. Most companies will offer customers the ability to physically drop off equipment at one of their service centers or send pre-paid packaging to allow customers to mail the equipment back to them.
7. Check the House
Before leaving your home for the final time, do a walkaround to ensure you have turned all of the faucets off and that the toilet isn’t running. Adjust the thermostat on the HVAC, so heating or cooling is not continuously running while the house or apartment is empty. Set a temperature to ensure pipes don’t freeze or encourage mildew to accumulate, depending on the season.
A Move With Less Stress
The more organized you are before your move, the less likely you will forget important details, such as stopping utilities. Moving is a lot of work, but a professional mover can help significantly reduce the stress. To learn more about the variety of moving services we offer, contact us today.