One of the biggest things people overlook is setting up essential utilities before moving. Think about it, you are walking into your new home with boxes, only to realize you have no electricity, no water, and no internet… not exactly the dream start you were looking for.
According to a Bankrate study, the hidden annual costs of homeownership in the U.S. add up to an average of $18,118 a year, with utilities alone costing about $4,494 of that total. And when you factor in internet (around $77/month), water ($47/month), electricity ($137/month), and other services, you start to realize that getting these in place before you move isn’t just about convenience, it’s about avoiding stress, wasted time, and unexpected costs.
Making a utility setup checklist for a new home is one of the smartest moves you can make. It will make sure your electricity setup before moving is ready, your water and gas connection is smooth, your internet installation doesn’t leave you waiting weeks, and even that your trash and recycling setup is sorted so you’re not staring at a mountain of cardboard.
If we do this right, you’ll walk in on moving day, flip the lights on, take a hot shower, go online to order pizza, and breathe a sigh of relief because everything is already running.
So, let’s break it down and make sure you’re fully prepped for one of the most important parts of moving.
Why is it Necessary to Set Up Essential Utilities Before Moving in?
Without the essential utilities to set up before moving, even the most beautifully decorated home can feel unlivable. Here’s why getting them in place ahead of time is so important:
Comfort and livability from day one
Imagine moving in on a hot August afternoon in Texas or a freezing January morning in Minnesota, only to discover you have no electricity or gas to run the air conditioning or heating. Arranging your electricity, water and gas connections ensures your home is comfortable and functional the moment you step inside.
Avoiding costly delays
Some services, such as internet installation or cable setup, can have long wait times for technician appointments. If you schedule these after you’ve moved in, you might be waiting days or even weeks, which can disrupt work-from-home schedules, online classes, and everyday entertainment.
Preventing logistical headaches
Without services like water, sewer, trash and recycling setup, basic tasks like cleaning, cooking, or getting rid of packing materials become frustrating chores. Setting these up ahead of time means you can focus on settling in.
Ensuring safety and security
If you plan to set up home security before moving, doing it early means your belongings are protected from the moment they arrive. A fully functional security system also offers peace of mind when you’re still unfamiliar with your neighborhood.
Smooth financial transition
By taking care of the services to set up before moving in early, you can budget for deposits, first-month bills, and connection fees in advance. This helps avoid unexpected expenses.
Plan Your Setup Timeline
Many services, especially internet, cable, and security, can require scheduling weeks in advance. Following a clear timeline ensures you’re not scrambling at the last minute or spending your first night in the dark.
Here’s how to plan it out step-by-step:
4–6 Weeks Before Move
This is your research and decision-making stage.
- Identify providers for each service: electricity, gas, water, sewer, trash and recycling setup, internet, cable, and home security.
- Compare rates, packages, and connection fees in your new area. In the U.S., some utilities are monopolized (e.g., one water provider per city), while others, like internet or cable, offer multiple options.
- If you’re transferring services from your old address, contact current providers to schedule the transfer.
2–3 Weeks Before Move
Now it’s time to get your appointments.
- Schedule installation dates for services that require technicians, like internet installation or setting up cable before move-in.
- Confirm the electricity setup, water, and gas connection activation dates.
- If your new place uses city-provided trash services, arrange for containers or bins to be delivered before move-in.
5–7 Days Before Move
You’re now in the confirmation phase.
- Double-check all appointments and activation dates with your providers.
- Make sure your utility setup checklist for the new home is complete; no service should be unaccounted for.
- If you're installing home security before moving, confirm the technician’s arrival time and prepare any necessary access to your home.
Move-In Day
The big day should be about unpacking, not troubleshooting.
- Test all utilities as soon as you arrive: lights, outlets, water pressure, heating/cooling, internet, and cable.
- Report any issues immediately so they can be resolved while you’re still settling in.
- If your trash and recycling setup is active, start breaking down and disposing of moving boxes right away to keep your new space clear.
Core Utilities to Arrange First
Some services are non-negotiable if you want your home to be livable from day one. These essential utilities to set up before moving should be your top priority:
- Electricity: Schedule your electricity setup before moving so power is ready at least a day before you arrive. Without it, lights, appliances, and heating/cooling won’t work.
- Water and Sewer: Arrange your water and gas connection moving day early to avoid delays in cooking, cleaning, and bathing. Many cities handle both water and sewer together.
- Natural Gas: If your home uses gas for heating, hot water, or cooking, book activation in advance, as it may require a technician visit.
- Trash and Recycling: Contact your local service for trash and recycling setup so you can dispose of boxes and packing materials right away.
- Home Security: If safety matters, set up home security before moving so your property is protected from the start.
Connectivity & Communications
In today’s world, staying connected is almost as essential as having running water or electricity. When planning the essential utilities to set up before moving, your communication services should be high on the list.
- Internet: Schedule your internet installation well in advance. Provider calendars can fill up quickly, and waiting days or weeks without internet can be frustrating. Make sure the activation date is at least the day before your move.
- Cable or Streaming TV: If traditional TV is part of your routine, arrange cable before move-in, along with your internet. Some providers can bundle these services to save money.
- Phone Services: If you use a landline, transfer or set up your service ahead of time so it’s live on move-in day. For cell service, check coverage in your new area to avoid dead zones.
Safety & Security Essentials
A new home should feel safe from the very first night, and that starts with setting up your safety measures before you move in.
- Home Security Systems: Whether it’s a monitored alarm or smart cameras, set up home security before moving so your property is protected while you’re unpacking and adjusting to your new neighborhood.
- Locks & Access Control: Even if your home is brand new, change or rekey all locks before move-in. You never know who might still have a copy of the old keys.
- Lighting: Ensure both indoor and outdoor lighting works properly. Motion-sensor or smart lights can deter unwanted visitors and make late-night arrivals safer.
- Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Test and replace batteries or units if needed. These are basic but vital safety devices every home must have.
Comfort & Climate Setup
Your home should be comfortable from the moment you walk through the door, and that means making sure your climate and comfort systems are ready to go.
- HVAC Power: Confirm your electricity setup is complete so heating, cooling, and ventilation systems work immediately. Without power, even the best HVAC system is useless.
- Gas Service: If your home uses gas for heating or hot water, schedule your water and gas connection well ahead. Gas companies may require safety inspections before activation.
- Thermostat & Climate Control: Test your thermostat before move-in day. If you’re using a smart thermostat, set it up in advance so you can manage the temperature remotely.
- Hot Water: Ensure your water heater is active and functional. Few things are worse than discovering you can’t take a hot shower after a long day of moving.
Cleaning & Health Prep
A fresh start in a new home isn’t just about unpacking boxes; it’s about making sure the space is clean, healthy, and ready for daily living.
- Water Supply: Confirm your water connection so you can clean floors, counters, and bathrooms right away. Without running water, deep cleaning becomes almost impossible.
- Deep Cleaning Services: If possible, schedule professional cleaners to come in before your move-in day. This ensures every surface is sanitized and free from dust, allergens, or lingering odors from previous occupants.
- Air Quality Checks: Consider replacing HVAC filters and checking ventilation systems. Good air quality is part of keeping your home healthy from day one.
- Pest Prevention: If you’re in an area prone to pests, arrange a preventative treatment before move-in so you start fresh.
Mail & Address Updates
While setting up your essential utilities keeps your home functional, updating your address ensures your life outside the house keeps running smoothly.
- USPS Mail Forwarding: File a change of address with the United States Postal Service online or at your local post office. You can set the start date to match your move-in, so all mail is redirected to your new home.
- Utility Providers: As you arrange services to set up before moving in, make sure each provider has your new address for billing and correspondence.
- Banks & Financial Institutions: Update your address with banks, credit card companies, and insurance providers to avoid missed statements or policy notices.
- Subscriptions & Deliveries: Change the address for streaming services, magazines, online shopping accounts, and any regular deliveries.
- Government Records: Don’t forget to update your address with the DMV, voter registration, and the IRS to stay compliant.
Appliances & Home Systems
Once your essential utilities are in place, it’s time to make sure the appliances and systems that rely on them are ready to go.
- Kitchen Appliances: Test your refrigerator, stove, oven, and dishwasher as soon as your electricity, water and gas connections are complete. If you’re bringing appliances from your old home, schedule installation right away.
- Laundry Machines: Make sure your washer and dryer hookups are connected to both power and water. Confirm dryer vents are clear and safe.
- Heating & Cooling Systems: Even after confirming power and gas, check that your HVAC or heating units are fully operational. Replace filters if needed for better air quality.
- Water Heater: Ensure its functioning so you have hot water on move-in day. If it runs on gas, this ties directly to your gas service activation.
- Smart Home Devices: If you use smart thermostats, lighting, or security cameras, set them up once the internet is live to enjoy full functionality.
Move-In Day Checklist
Move-in day can be hectic, but having a clear plan helps you make sure all your essential utilities are working and your home is ready for daily life.
Here’s a simple, easy-to-follow checklist to keep you on track:
|
Task |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Confirm Utility Activation |
Test lights, outlets, heating/cooling, and hot water to ensure the electricity setup is ready before moving, and water and gas connections are ready on moving day. |
|
Internet & Cable |
Check internet installation before move-in and setting up cable before move-in; run a quick speed test. |
|
Trash & Recycling |
Verify that the trash and recycling setup in the new house is active; then, place the bins and start breaking down the boxes. |
|
Home Security |
Test all set up home security features—alarms, cameras, and smart locks. |
|
Appliance Check |
Run refrigerator, oven, washer, and dryer to confirm they are connected and functioning. |
|
Final Walkthrough |
Look for leaks, odd noises, or system issues; contact providers immediately if problems are found. |
