How to Transfer Your Utilities When Moving Long Distance
Moving to a new home will require a lot of time and planning. There are many things to accomplish, from packing up to finding a reliable moving company. A good mover can help us with many different things, but there are some things we must do on our own. And, transferring utilities is one thing we must do by ourselves. However, this may seem like a big challenge, especially to those who are moving long distances for the first time. To help you, we at Best Long Distance Movers have prepared a useful guide on how to transfer your utilities when moving long distance.
Start off by making a list of all utilities
As we have said, moving is stressful. So, sometimes we can forget to do things simply because there are so many things to think about. To avoid forgetting to cancel a utility at your new home, you should first make a list of all the utilities you currently pay. When you do this, write down all the different utilities, such as cable and internet providers, sewage, gas, electricity, and others. Remember to write down contact details next to each utility provider. Write down their phone number or email address, as well as their address. Different utilities may have different cancelation policies. Some allow you to cancel over the phone, while others may require you to come to their office in person. Get in touch with them over the phone first, and you can get more information about canceling their services this way.
Next, do some research on the utility providers in your new city
If you are moving long distance, then it probably means you will start using completely different utility providers. Some areas have few choices, especially smaller towns. On the other hand, big cities like New York offer plenty of choices regarding utilities. Of course, you will not be able to choose the electricity and sewage providers. But, you have plenty of choices when it comes to other providers. That is why you should research the utility providers before the long distance moving companies in New York complete your relocation. Try to find a few providers and compare their rates and what they offer. Then, select the utility provider that best suits your needs. And, remember to check their references online if they are not so well-known to make sure you are selecting a reliable provider.
Remember to notify current utility providers well in advance
Before you can transfer your utilities when moving long distance, you will have to notify all providers that you will be canceling your subscription. You should do this well in advance as some providers might have longer cancelation periods. So, get in touch with them as soon you find out about the move. Then, inquire about the cancelation policy and make arrangements to cancel utilities on the day of the move or even a few days before the move. And, you can inform them about the start/stop dates so that they know when to stop all services.
Before you can transfer your utilities when moving long distance, you must pay all bills
With all the chaos of moving, paying your bills can be easy to forget. However, you should not move to a new place with unpaid bills following you. In the long run, outstanding bills could hurt your credit score. And, they can prevent you from getting a good deal when buying a new home. So, when you get in touch with the different providers, remember to ask them whether you owe them anything. You should pay all outstanding balances before the best long distance movers in California come to take you to your new home. Also, you will feel more at ease knowing you get a fresh start in the new city without any outstanding debt.
When transferring your utilities, remember to update your address when moving long distance
If you are keeping some utility providers, such as your cell phone provider, remember to inform them about your change of address. When you call them, tell them about your upcoming move and give them the new address. Updating your address means you will continue receiving your bill, and it will prevent you from piling up unpaid bills. You can also change your address with the USPS directly. Simply go to their website and input a forwarding address for all your mail.
Get a final meter reading and confirm that everything is ready
Getting a final meter reading is very important because you wish to avoid getting any unexpected bills after you move. So, get the utility providers to come to your house before the move and have them do a meter reading. Keep a copy of all the electricity, water, and gas meter readings should you receive any bills after the move. This way, you will know whether you really owe anything or not. Also, you should double-check all the stop/start dates. Make sure they are correct and that all service providers are informed about the correct dates of your move. You would not want to move and see there is no electricity or gas yet. Also, you do not want to pay for utilities after you have left your old place. Once everything is in order, contact your long distance moving company and confirm the moving dates with them as well.
As we have seen, transferring your utilities does not have to be stressful. Careful planning and good organization mean you will transfer your utilities when moving long distance easily. Just remember to start the process early. Notify all service providers about the start/stop dates and set up a forwarding address with the USPS. Remember to get final readings and pay off any outstanding bills. Hopefully, you will have an easy time getting your utilities in order by following our advice.