Checklist for Setting Up Apartment Utilities

Setting up apartment utilities is a very important step in the moving process. Without utilities, you can forget about taking a hot shower, turning on the lights, or catching your favorite TV show.

Use this handy utilities set-up checklist to stay on top of all the apartment utility to-do items both before and after your move.

Pre-set-up utilities checklist
The best time to start setting up apartment utilities is two weeks before your move-in date. Many utility companies are able to start service with only a few day’s notice, but it’s a good idea to initiate the set-up process two full weeks in advance to ensure that the details are in place when you are ready to move in.

If you’re moving into your first apartment, keep in mind that some utility companies may require credit checks or a security deposit for new customers prior to starting service. These details can delay set up, so it’s a good idea to give yourself plenty of time.

Utilities you need to arrange service for may include:

• Electric and/or gas
• Water
• Cable or satellite for television
• Internet
• Trash removal

The following items on the utilities set-up checklist should all be taken care of before moving day:

• For utilities at your old apartment that you are responsible for, call your current utility providers and schedule shut-off or transfer dates. (If you receive a monthly bill for service, then you likely are responsible for ending or transferring that service yourself.)
• Determine which apartment utilities you will be responsible for paying at your new apartment. Talk to the property manager or check your lease for details.
• Research apartment utility providers in your new area to learn about your options. Your new apartment community may provide you with a list of companies who service the area. If you do not receive a list like this, you can also research utility providers yourself by visiting sites like MoveUtilities.com.
• Shop around for the best apartment utility rates. You may be able to save money if you bundle utilities like phone, Internet, and cable.
• Once you’ve chosen utility providers, call the companies to set a start date for service. Schedule your new service to start one to three days before you move in.
• Schedule appointments for utility providers who have to make a service call to your new apartment. (This is common with Internet or cable providers.) Make sure you’re available to wait for the visit during the time window the company indicates.

As your moving date approaches, refer to this utilities checklist often to be sure that each service is “move-in ready” for your arrival.

After you start service
Even after you move in and start service with your new utility providers, there are a few things you need to double-check to ensure you receive the best service. The items on this part of the utilities checklist should help you save money and time when dealing with apartment utilities.

• Read your first few apartment utility bills carefully. Double-check for billing errors to make sure that you are being billed only for the services you signed up for and nothing extra that you did not request.
• If you elected to receive electronic statements instead of paper utility bills, be sure to create online accounts so you can keep up with your bills. Don’t forget to check them each month for accuracy.
• You may also wish to set up automatic billing using a credit card or automatic withdrawals from your bank account. Automatic utility payments help ensure you always pay your bills on time and avoid costly late fees.

You may think it’s OK to kick back and forget about your apartment utilities after your new apartment’s all set up, but returning to this part of the utilities checklist every once in a while can really pay off. If you monitor your apartment utilities closely, you may spot an unusually high bill and be able to make energy-saving changes in how you use that utility in your apartment. There are plenty of ways to save money on utilities, and those savings start with being a conscientious consumer.

Source: http://moving.apartmentguide.com/setting-up-utilities/checklist-for-setting-up-apartment-utilities/