Utilities are essential for any home, and it’s important to set them up before you move in to your new apartment. This will help make your new apartment as comfortable as possible when you move in.
How To Set Up Utilities Steps
- Look Into Nearby Service Providers
- Decide the Move-In Day
- Consider Scheduling an Appointment
- Set Up Electricity
- Connect Natural Gas
- Set Up Water & Sewer
- Connect Internet, Cable, and Phone
- Set Up Trash Collection
- Establish a Home Security System
1. Look Into Nearby Service Providers
The first thing you need to do is look into service providers that operate in your area. Next, you should talk to your landlord about their preferences. Sometimes, they may be able to offer a discount for preferred providers.
If your landlord has no recommendation, searching online is your best option. Here, you should look at rates, plans, and the coverage the company provides. For example, one company might have an excellent rate but might not have the ideal plan for your new apartment.
It’s critical to select the service provider that will give you the best for your money.
2. Decide the Move-In Day
Next, determine the move-in day. This day is critical so you can communicate with service providers and let them know when the utilities should activate. Once they have your move-in day in your system, they can handle your utilities and provide them for your new home.
Sometimes, utilities are included in the rent already. For example, water, electricity, and trash collection are often utilities already added to the rent or billed directly by the landlord. If this is the case for your apartment, the landlord will automatically activate these utilities when you move in. If not, talk to them about this issue.
3. Consider Scheduling an Appointment
Once you know the date, you might need to schedule a meeting with the provider to inform them of your plans. Many companies are willing to communicate with new customers either over the phone or online. Here, a representative will help you with the best next steps for your utility services.
In some cases, it might be necessary for a technician to come to your apartment to turn on utilities. A rep will help you schedule a time and day for the individual to head to your home. They will need your home address for the technician to turn everything on.
4. Set Up Electricity
The most important utility to set up for your apartment is electricity. Electricity is also one of the easiest utilities to set up in an apartment. There should be many electric companies in the area who are able to supply electricity to your new apartment. All it takes is a little research and a simple phone call to a provider.
You should plan to prepare your electric utilities at least a week in advance, but most electric companies will be able to give you power in less than twenty-four hours. Many apartments include electricity in the monthly rent that comes with the apartment.
5. Connect Natural Gas
Although many apartments have electric appliances and heat, some still utilize natural gas. If this is the case in your apartment, you will need to find a natural gas service provider. A little research online will help you find one in your area.
Most of the time, you can pay for the natural gas plan online. However, you will need to set up an appointment so a technician can come to your home and turn on the fuel. You should give the company at least two weeks to get the natural gas to your new place.
6. Set Up Water & Sewer
Although water and sewer are typically included in the rent, this is not always the case. If you need to have these utilities in your name, you might need to set up an account with the local government. They will give you all the information you need, from when your first bill will appear to when the meter tracking for water and sewer begins.
Plan to prepare this service at least two weeks before you move in to provide ample time for everything to be prepared. Without water and sewer being set up in your new apartment, things will be very uncomfortable.
7. Connect Internet, Cable, and Phone
These items are grouped together because many providers offer discounts when these utilities are purchased together. If you want something like high-speed internet, it will take time for a technician to come to your place and put in the necessary hardware. If you want a landline instead, it will be cheaper and simpler to put in.
8. Set Up Trash Collection
Every apartment should have a way for trash to leave the building. In many cases, your landlord will have already set this up, but at times you will need to pay for trash collection.
Most buildings have a preferred supplier that deals with the debris from the building. There might be a group fee or discounted price you get with the provider. The property manager handles the fee if it comes through the apartment.
Sometimes, you have to set up trash collection by the city. If this is the case, ensure you communicate with them at least one week before you move in. This action will ensure the company is ready to collect garbage from your home.
9. Establish a Home Security System
A security system isn’t necessary to have in a home. However, it will provide peace of mind and keep unwanted intruders out of your apartment. It can even lower renter’s insurance by reducing the risk of break-ins and other security threats to your apartment.
Some apartments come with a security system already installed. If this is the case, you can choose to hold onto the current system and pick up the bill. If not, find a new provider online. You can purchase a plan and then have the providers come to your apartment a week in advance to install everything.
For the best results, you should set up the internet, cable, and phone at least two weeks before you move into the new apartment. This time will give the company ample opportunity to set up necessary items.