Utility Checklist: What To Transfer Before You Move
When Sarah moved into her new apartment, she was excited — until she realised her power hadn’t been transferred. After a cold, dark night, she learned a valuable lesson: never leave utilities off the moving to do list. Whether you’re moving to a local suburb or across the state, ensuring that your essential services are transferred or terminated on time is critical to a successful transition. Failure to complete this step can result in unnecessary delays, additional expenditures, or an experience similar to what Sarah encountered on her first day in her new home.
In order to steer clear of such hassles, one should plan carefully and be careful. This article will guide you through a thorough checklist for your utilities to ensure you are well prepared with all the necessary service transfers to handle smoothly prior to your move. With the guidance of professional tips and reminders from expert Removalists Gold Coast, you will be ready to carry out a hassle free move. From electricity to internet, this guide will ensure that you’re not leaving anything behind – except you’re old address.
Electricity and gas are one of the most important utilities to address before a move. For this, you need to inform your current service providers about your moving date, and this needs to take place at least a week in advance so as to organise a final meter reading and bill. Simultaneously, you also need to set up the same services in your new home to ensure that all the lights and water outlets are up and running when you arrive with all your belongings there. Some providers allow for a pretty simple and easy transfer of utilities through online processes, while others may require you to make a phone call.
This can also be used as a good opportunity to compare different providers with your current ones and see where you get the best deals. The energy market in Australia is very competitive, so you may find better rates in your new location. Most movers will advise you to activate your utility connections a day before you move in, just in case there are any unexpected delays or complications with the process.
In Australia, water supply is often managed by local councils or state owned utilities. So, in order to carry out the utility transfer, you need to contact your current provider to either close the account or update our details. If you’re renting, your landlord or agent may manage this for you. For homeowners, ensure you notify the water authority of the property transfer and final usage. At your new property, especially if you’re purchasing, double check if the water is connected. Most of the time, this won’t need to be reconnected, but updating the account into your name is necessary. Most trusted removalists in Gold Coast suggest doing this early on to avoid disruptions in your daily routine.
Internet services take several days to be set up properly, especially if you’re home is located in a regional or newly developed area. As soon as your move is confirmed, contact your provider to organise the relocation of your internet and home phone services. You may be required to return the old equipment or request a technician to set up the service at your new location. This is also a prime moment to explore faster speeds or newer plans suited to your new area. It would be a good idea to confirm the availability of the National Broadband Network (NBN) at your new address to avoid any interruptions.
Although streaming platforms like Netflix and Stan don’t require address changes, traditional Pay TV services such as Foxtel might. If you have a satellite or cable connection, you’ll need to inform the provider of your new address and schedule a relocation or installation. It’s also important to ensure that your billing and contact details are updated so you don’t miss any payments or service alerts. Taking care of these small details ahead of time will make it easier to unwind and enjoy entertainment after the big move.
Your local council provides essential services like waste collection, parking permits and pet registration. Before you move, check with your current council about bin collection schedules and whether bins should remain at the property. Update your address to ensure final bills or notifications don’t go astray.
Once settled into your new address, contact the local council to activate or update your waste collection service. If you’re moving into a strata managed property, this may already be arranged. Nevertheless, it’s worth confirming to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Skilled Removalists Gold Coast frequently remind clients to consider these less obvious utilities during the planning phase.
Although not a utility in the strictest sense, redirecting your mail is crucial. Australia Post offers a mail redirection service to ensure all your letters and parcels follow you to your new home. This gives you ample time to update your address with banks, insurance companies, and subscription services.
Beyond the post, remember to update your address with Medicare, the Australian Taxation Office, and your electoral enrolment. Keeping these records up to date prevents potential issues down the line, especially when you need proof of address for new services or official documents.
Relocating is more than just packing and unpacking — it’s about ensuring continuity in your everyday life. Transferring utilities might seem like a small detail amid the chaos, but it can significantly impact your comfort and convenience. With a well-prepared checklist and a clear timeline, you can manage all your essential services with minimal stress. By taking proactive steps and staying organised, you’ll ensure your new home is functional and welcoming from day one. Happy Moving!
