Don’t Get Left in the Dark: Managing Utilities During Your Move

Amid the packing, the scheduling, and the hundred other things on your moving checklist, it’s easy to push utility transfers to the bottom. But if the power isn’t running when you arrive at your new home — or the water gets shut off at your old place before you’ve finished cleaning — you’ll feel it fast. Managing utilities during a household move is one of those behind-the-scenes tasks that, when done right, you’ll never think about. When it goes wrong, it’s hard to miss. Here’s how to stay ahead of it.

Start Your Utility List About a Month Out

Most utility providers ask for two to four weeks’ notice when you’re making service changes. Starting the process about a month before your move gives you enough lead time to handle everything without scrambling at the last minute. Begin by listing every service connected to your current home: electricity, natural gas, water, sewer, trash collection, internet, cable or streaming services, and your home phone if you have one. For each one, you’ll decide whether to transfer service to your new address or cancel it entirely.

How to Coordinate the Transfer

For most utilities, the process is straightforward — log in online or call your provider, request a stop date at your current address, and schedule a start date at the new one. The timing here matters. Your service at the new home should begin at least a day before you arrive, so the lights and water are on when the movers pull up. Your service at the old address should stay active through your final walkthrough and cleaning — you’ll need electricity and running water to properly clear out and hand over the space.

Don’t Let Internet and Cable Catch You Off Guard

Internet and cable transfers are consistently the most frustrating for homeowners, largely because installation appointments can take weeks to schedule — especially during peak moving season in Ohio. Book these as early as possible. Providers serving the Columbus, Chillicothe, and Athens areas can fill appointment windows quickly in spring and summer, so acting early means you don’t spend your first weeks in a new home without internet service. If you’re switching providers, research what’s available at your new address before canceling your current service.

Small Details That Often Get Missed

A few utility-related tasks tend to fall through the cracks on a standard moving checklist. Security system monitoring is often overlooked — contact your provider ahead of time, as some require technician visits at both locations. Lawn care and pest control subscriptions tied to your address need to be paused or transferred. Forwarding your mail through the U.S. Postal Service takes only a few minutes online and ensures nothing important arrives at your old address after you’ve left. And don’t forget to check whether your home warranty or renters’ insurance needs to be updated to reflect your new address.

Avoid Paying for Two Homes at Once

One of the most common utility mistakes is forgetting to set a stop date and ending up billed for service at a home you’ve already vacated. Once your move-out date is confirmed, schedule your shutoff at the same time you set up your new service. Keep records of all your requests — confirmation numbers, service dates, and contact names — in one place. This makes it easy to follow up if something doesn’t go as planned and provides documentation if a billing issue arises later.

A Few Final Touches Before You Hand Over the Keys

Take final utility meter readings on moving day at both homes and photograph them. These serve as documentation of your usage and can prevent billing disputes later. Leave copies of any relevant appliance manuals for the new occupants — it’s a considerate gesture they’ll appreciate. And if you’re moving into a purchased home, take a few minutes to locate the shutoffs, breaker box, and utility meters from the start.

Move Ready, From Every Angle

When all the practical details are handled — including your utilities — moving day runs smoothly. At Herlihy Moving and Storage, our experienced team has been helping Ohio families prepare for and execute successful moves since 1920. Whether you’re planning a local move or a long-distance relocation, we’re here to help the whole process come together. Request your free quote today.