Moving and Utility Providers

Whatever you do, don’t leave arranging the connection and disconnection of your gas and electricity to the last minute. To be super organised, a few weeks before your move, contact relevant providers in your new area so you can establish which company will suit your needs – utility providers often require at least a few days notice to ensure you are connected on the day that you move in.

There have been some nasty experiences of families that have moved into homes in the middle of winter and discovered they have forgotten to arrange utilities connection.

When you call prospective suppliers, you need to have your new address and telephone number and proof of ID readily available. The company is likely to run a credit check on you as well.

Ask the provider how long it takes to connect the services you require. Also ask about establishing payments and determine how regularly you will be billed.

Generally, all the conditions of the gas and/or electricity plan that you agree to will be read out and the commencement of service date confirmed. A written contract will be posted to you.

If your property is on bottled gas, you need to find out who the local provider is and check how much gas is left in each bottle – the prior owners might have left them empty!

Also, you need to arrange to disconnect the gas and/or electricity at your current address. Remember, you probably need some power for vacuum cleaners and other cleaning essentials on your ‘move’ day.