When should you transfer utilities before moving?

1–2 weeks before moving

This is a planning window, not a universal provider deadline. Work backward from the date the lease or closing documents make the household responsible, then ask each confirmed provider for its actual lead time. A same-city move can still cross service territories; a long-distance move makes provider changes more likely.

1. Confirm the responsibility date and exact service address.
2. Identify possible electricity, water, sewer, internet, and trash providers.
3. Ask each provider about current lead time, deposits, documents, and access.
4. Check internet availability and technician timing early.
5. Confirm whether the lease, HOA, or property handles any service.

A few days before moving

Reconfirm the essential starts and property access without changing another occupant's account.

1. Reconfirm electricity and water for the responsibility date.
2. Reconfirm internet equipment delivery or technician access.
3. Confirm whether trash starts automatically or needs an account.
4. Keep confirmation details privately.
5. Plan only the old/new service overlap the household actually needs.

Move-in day

Do not request a shutoff for another person's account and do not manipulate meters or sealed equipment.

1. Confirm essential service is active at the new address.
2. Record visible meter readings when appropriate.
3. Make sure an expected technician can enter approved areas.
4. Report missing, leaking, or unsafe service through the official provider or property contact.

Immediately after move-in

Close or transfer old accounts on the authorized date, return rented internet equipment as instructed, and verify the first statements.

1. Check the service address and start or stop date on every account.
2. Confirm deposits and approved charges.
3. Save electric outage and water or sewer emergency contacts.
4. Find the current trash and recycling schedule.
5. Contact the provider promptly if the first statement is wrong.

Renters and homeowners use the same sequence differently

Renters should start with the lease because water, trash, or internet may be included or billed through management. Homeowners typically coordinate every service and should also save utility emergency contacts and locate safe household controls.