Book these first
Internet. Installation appointments are the longest lead time of anything on this list — three to four weeks in many markets. Book it the moment you have a firm closing date.
Electric and gas. Schedule the start date for closing day. Some providers require a technician visit or a deposit for new customers, which takes time to arrange.
The full utility list
- Electric
- Natural gas or propane
- Water and sewer (often municipal, sometimes requiring a deposit)
- Trash and recycling
- Internet and TV
- Security or monitoring service
- Lawn, pool, or pest service if you're continuing the seller's vendors
Ask your agent whether water and trash are billed by the city or the HOA (homeowners association — a neighborhood or condo group that charges a monthly or yearly fee and sets community rules; lenders count that fee in your payment). In some communities they're bundled into dues, and you'll waste an afternoon calling a utility that doesn't serve you.
Address changes to make
- USPS mail forwarding (do this 7 to 10 days before the move)
- Bank, credit cards, and loan servicers
- Employer and payroll
- Auto and health insurance
- Driver's license and vehicle registration — many states have a deadline measured in days
- Voter registration
- Subscriptions and recurring deliveries
- Doctors, dentists, veterinarian, and schools
- IRS and your state tax agency
Timing the overlap
Start new services on closing day and end old ones the day after your final move-out. A one-day overlap costs a few dollars and prevents the scenario where you're cleaning your old place in the dark.
Take photos of every meter reading at both properties on the day of transfer. Disputed final bills get resolved fast when you have a timestamped photo.
Frequently asked questions
When should utilities start at the new house?
The day you close. You want power and water on for the final walkthrough if possible, and certainly before movers arrive.
Can I set this up before closing?
Yes, and you should. Most providers let you schedule a future start date. Just don't schedule it before your closing date in case of a delay.
How long does mail forwarding last?
Standard USPS forwarding covers first-class mail for a year, but it's a safety net — update accounts directly rather than relying on it.
What if the seller's utilities are still on?
You still need accounts in your name effective at closing. Transfer requests handle this cleanly when both parties schedule the same date.