Utility Information Cheat-Sheet

Utility Information Cheat-Sheet

A one-page sheet to track every utility you need to turn on or off before the big move.

When you're moving, utilities are easy to forget until the night you walk into a dark house with no internet. This one-page cheat sheet is for buyers, sellers, and anyone renting out a home who wants every utility and account written down in one spot.

It's simple on purpose: a line for each service, the company, the date you need it started or stopped, and a box to check once you've made the call.

What the cheat sheet tracks

There's a spot for each of the services most homes have:

For each one, you'll write the company name, your start or stop date, and whether you've contacted them yet. Turning service on at the new place and off at the old one are separate calls, so it helps to see both on one page.

Who provides what depends on the address

Here's what surprises a lot of people: you don't always get to pick your provider, and the same company doesn't serve every home in the same town. Your water provider depends on whether you're in city limits or the county. Electric service is tied to the address too, so two homes a few miles apart can have different electric companies. Trash pickup might come through the city, through an HOA, or through a private hauler you set up yourself, and internet options can vary from one street to the next.

So before you call anyone, find out who serves your specific address. Ask the seller, ask your agent, or check your most recent bills if you're the one moving out. Then write it on the sheet so you're not looking it up twice.

Timing your start and stop dates

If you're buying, plan to have service in your name starting the day you take ownership, so nothing lapses when the keys change hands. If you're selling, keep your utilities on until closing, since the buyer's final walkthrough goes a lot better with the lights, water and heating or cooling working. And give yourself lead time. Some services, especially internet, may need an installation appointment, so don't wait until moving week to call.

Handy for landlords and the next owner

The same page works if you're renting out a home or handing it off to a buyer. Fill it in once and you've got a ready list of every provider and account to pass along, without digging through old emails.

Download the free cheat sheet and keep it with your moving paperwork.

Common questions about setting up utilities

When should I set up utilities for a new home?

Call before you move, with service starting the day you take ownership. Reaching out well ahead of moving day gives you time to schedule anything that needs an appointment, like internet.

How do I find out which utility companies serve my new address?

Ask the seller or your agent, and remember that providers can change from one address to the next. Water, for example, depends on whether the home is in city limits or the county.