Summary

18 items · 45 to 90 minutes

Why this checklist matters before move day

Utility transfers are easy to underestimate. A gap of even one day without electricity or water at a new address creates real problems, and a forgotten cancellation at the old address means paying for a service you are no longer using. Costs from those oversights can add up faster than expected. For a broader look at first-year expenses that catch new owners off guard, see our guide to hidden homeowner costs.

This checklist covers the accounts and services most households need to address when changing addresses. Work through it starting at least two weeks before your move date. Some steps, such as scheduling internet installation, may need even more lead time.

Person writing utility account numbers onto a moving checklist at a home desk
Keep account numbers and provider contact details in one place before you start making calls.

Your move utilities checklist

Use the groups below to track what you have contacted, what is confirmed, and what still needs attention. Check off each item as you complete it, not when you intend to.

Before you move (two or more weeks out)

Gather all current utility account numbers, provider names, and login credentials into one document. Must
Confirm your new address's utility providers by calling the local municipality or checking the property disclosure documents. Must
Schedule electricity service to start at the new address on or before your move-in date. Must
Schedule gas service transfer or new account setup if your new home uses natural gas. Must
Contact your water and sewer provider; in many areas this is a municipal account that requires a separate application. Must
Book internet installation at the new address, allowing at least one week for a technician appointment. Must

Mail and subscriptions

Submit a mail forwarding request through USPS at least one week before your move date. Must
Update your address with your bank, credit card issuers, and any lenders. Must
Update your address with your employer, insurance providers, and any government agencies such as the DMV and IRS. Must
Review recurring deliveries (prescriptions, subscription boxes, meal kits) and update the shipping address for each. Should

On or just after move-in day

Confirm electricity, gas, and water are active at the new address before unloading appliances. Must
Locate the main water shutoff, electrical panel, and gas shutoff at the new home so you can act quickly if needed. Must
Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors; replace batteries if the devices have not been recently serviced. Must

Closing out the old address

Request a final meter reading from electricity and gas providers on your last day at the old address. Must
Cancel or transfer water and sewer service at the old address effective your last day of occupancy. Must
Cancel internet service at the old address only after confirming the new connection is active. Should
Return any rented equipment (cable boxes, routers, modems) to avoid continued billing. Must
Notify your home insurance provider of the address change and confirm coverage at the new property is in effect. Must

A note on internet and phone services

Internet setup is the most commonly delayed service at a new address. Many providers require a technician visit to activate a line, and appointment windows can stretch a week or more during busy moving seasons. Book your installation date as soon as you have a confirmed move date, not after you arrive.

Coverage and plan types vary by address. Fiber service available at your current home may not reach your new one. Comparing internet service options covers what to look for across fiber, cable, DSL, and fixed wireless before you commit to a new plan.

Mobile phone plans do not require address changes in most cases, but if you use a landline through your internet provider, that service counts as part of the internet transfer, not a separate step.

Share

Home & Lifestyle Editorial Team · Contributor

Home & Lifestyle Editorial Team is the collective byline for our editorial team and contributor network. Articles published under this byline or an editorial pen name are researched, written, and reviewed according to our editorial standards for clarity, consistency, and independence before publication.

The content provided on our blog site traverses numerous categories, offering readers valuable and practical information. Readers can use the editorial team’s research and data to gain more insights into their topics of interest. However, they are requested not to treat the articles as conclusive. The website team cannot be held responsible for differences in data or inaccuracies found across other platforms. Please also note that the site might also miss out on various schemes and offers available that the readers may find more beneficial than the ones we cover.