For some people, moving will seem like a breeze. For others, it will feel overwhelming because of the numerous things to keep track of. Don’t hit the panic button just yet. Here we will walk you through what you need to do to successfully (and quickly) transfer your utility bills.

1. Create a List of Utility Services

Make a list of the utility services you use, alongside the provider information and account details. Create an excel spreadsheet for this information. Keep the information on the spreadsheet clear and concise. Note each time you contact the company and why.

Some regular providers will form the core of your list including water, television, internet, telephone, gas, electricity, mail, home security, and waste removal.  

2. Decide a Cut-off Date

Depending on whether new homeowners will move in as soon as you vacate your old home or not, you may choose to have your disconnection date scheduled for a day or two after you are expected to move out.

Giving yourself a day or two window is wise in case something happens and your move is delayed slightly. This will mean that at least you’ll be able to use the lights and water.

3. Contact Providers

Once you have decided your disconnection date, give yourself a month to notify each provider of your moving plans. Some will only require a telephone call while others may need confirmation in writing.

Providers will send you a final invoice, so keep an updated note of when this arrives on your spreadsheet. If, for any reason, the final invoice does not come before your move date, remember to contact the provider and give them your new address. This will save you from any unfortunate late fees or credit issues.

4. Take Final Meter Readings

This is one step some customers forget, and it is harder to resolve once you have moved. Write down on your excel spreadsheet your final meter readings. Also take a photo of the meter, to combat any potential discrepancies down the line.

Request a final email or letter stating that the account has been cleared and is now closed. Keep this for your future records. If moving within the same state, ask your current provider if they offer services in your new zip code area.

5. Forward Your Mail

The fastest and easiest way to change your mailing address is to visit USPS online. There is a $1 charge, and you will receive confirmation via email almost immediately. Or, drop in at your local post office and handle it in person. Just complete and return a form to change your address. Confirmation will take a minimum of five days and will be sent to your new address.  

6. Find Service Providers for Your New Location

If you are moving into a shared property or an apartment, the landlord or realtor will have service providers’ information. For those moving into a house, contact the local electricity distribution company. Or, check here.  

Take the opportunity to meet your neighbors and ask them who provides the services to their home. You never know, their provider may have a ‘refer a friend’ style deal which you can take advantage of.

Stay Organized

One of the most important things to be aware of when moving is that you will have many things happening at once. From packing up boxes to organizing the movers and even forwarding your mail. The easiest way to stay calm and relaxed during this busy time is by keeping clear notes and staying organized.

Need help with your relocation? Contact us at Browning Moving & Storage. We can help you make the move.

Moving to a new place?

If you don’t want to spend your first night without power, water or Internet you need to move more than your furniture and clothing.

Make a plan for setting up utilities so everything is active when you arrive.

Here are tips to help you with a smooth move.

1. Plan Ahead

The time for setting up utilities is when you finalize your new apartment or home.

Give yourself a month to contact providers. Ask how much notice is required to stop or start service.

Here are common utilities:

• Water/Sewer
• Electric
• Gas
• Cable or Satellite TV
• Internet
• Security or Alarm System

If you’re moving across town, transfer current accounts to the new location.

Moving across the state or country means new accounts. That can involve deposits and credit checks.

Is your new residence ready for your services? You may need to schedule an installation if you add a gas line or home security system.

2. Research and Referrals

Are you familiar with local providers? Ask the landlord, realtor, previous tenants, and neighbors for recommendations on service, rates, and deals.

Read reviews on Google, Yelp, and social media to determine customer satisfaction.

Visit utility websites to get quotes. Comparison shop so you can ask the provider to match a competitor’s price.

3. Setting Up Utilities

Once you choose your providers, sign up online, over the phone or in person at a business office.

Utilities like water or electricity don’t require your presence. Others, like Internet service, can only be set up when you’re home.

If you’re moving into a house, it’s easier to use providers that already serve the home.

Changes to existing services, like switching from DSL to fiber optic, will take more time and cost more.

4. Pay Attention to Details

Make a list of questions for each utility. When you call take detailed notes.

Note the price you’re quoted and the name of the person who handled your order.

Ask about charges for installation or equipment. This information will help if you have discrepancies on your first bill.

Confirm if you must be present for installation. Some companies charge for simple things you can do yourself. If you know how to set up a wireless router, do it.

Forward your mail and provide your new address to your previous providers. You don’t want to miss your last bill or refunds.

5. Cost-Savings

Here are money-saving tips for setting up utilities.

Ask for a Discount

If you’re a student, a senior or a veteran, ask for a discount. Some companies offer new resident and first-time customer discounts.

Call in the Morning

You’ll receive better customer service if you call at 9 A.M. Associates are fresh and in a better mood to offer discounts.

Renegotiate

Your bill may increase at the end of your first year. This is usually true with a promotional offer.

Call a month before the contract ends to renegotiate service.

It’s Time to Move It, Move It

Setting up utilities in your new home is faster and easier when you follow these tips.

Are you looking for a moving company to take the rest of the stress out of moving? Contact Browning Moving Company for a quote.

Embarking on the journey of moving to a new home is undoubtedly thrilling, yet it entails not only excitement but also potential stress and financial considerations. Developing a reliable budget for your residential move is crucial to ensuring a seamless transition without unforeseen financial burdens. Let’s explore the key aspects to consider when formulating a budget for your impending move.

1. How much will it cost to hire professional movers?

Hiring professional movers will be one of your initial and most significant expenses during the move. The cost of professional movers can vary widely based on factors like distance, home size, and required services.

Gather quotes in advance to gain a clear understanding of the potential costs. Inquire about additional charges for packing, unpacking, and storage services. This will enable you to allocate a realistic budget for this pivotal aspect of your move.

2. Determine the cost of your moving supplies.

The expenses associated with moving supplies, including boxes, packing materials, and tape, can accumulate quickly, and you should incorporate this into your budget. Take stock of your possessions and try to estimate the number of boxes you’ll need. Angi offers a good reference guide to help you determine the number of boxes you may need according to several factors. Additionally, compare prices for cost-effective packing materials before making a purchase.

3. Will you need to hire a pet or babysitter?

Moving can be chaotic and demanding, particularly if you have young children or pets. Ensuring a smooth and efficient moving experience might necessitate hiring a babysitter or pet sitter on moving day. While this might entail extra costs, it can significantly reduce stress and enable you to focus on the move—factor in these potential expenses when devising your budget.

4. Is taking time off work necessary?

Although the temptation to manage your move alongside work commitments might be strong, taking time off is often more practical. Doing so allows you to oversee the moving process, address unexpected issues, and settle into your new home without additional stress. However, it’s crucial to include the potential loss of income when formulating your moving budget. Calculate your hourly wage or salary to determine the amount needed to cover your time off while ensuring a seamless move.

5. Are there costs related to utilities?

Remember to account for the expenses of transferring or setting up utilities in your new home. This encompasses fees for connecting electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable services.

For example, power companies require a deposit of 20 percent of the annual cost of supplying power to the address. Likewise, you may owe final bills upon disconnect and fees associated with transferring services within the same city. Contact your utility providers to understand the associated costs and timelines. Integrate these expenses into your budget to avoid surprises upon arrival at your new residence.

Talk to a Professional Moving Company

Creating a reliable budget for your residential move involves contemplating diverse factors. Estimating costs and creating a financial plan can ensure a smooth and financially manageable relocation. Do you need a no-obligation moving quote to help with your moving budget? Contact us to get started with a free moving quote.

Planning for your move to a new home requires coordination. While you can set up a “to-do” list, things can go awry if you don’t complete specific tasks promptly. Therefore, it’s helpful to outline a moving timeline when writing your to-do checklist as you plan your move to ensure you don’t miss anything crucial.

90 Days Before Your Move

During the three months before you move, start purging your belongings. This way, you aren’t scrambling to sell, donate, recycle, throw out, or give away belongings during the days leading up to your move when everything else is hectic.

Next, turn an eye to your moving budget. As you make important decisions, figure out what funds you must work with for planning transportation, security, down payments, etc. Other checklist items to tick off include collecting packing supplies: boxes, tape, packing paper, bubble wrap, labels, and other supplies.

If you have children, start planning for them to transfer schools and ensure all required immunizations are up-to-date.

45 Days Before Your Move

Now, decide whether to hire a professional mover or tackle a DIY move. In some cases, a moving company might be comparable in costs, and you can significantly reduce your stress. When comparing options, weigh the costs, and remember to factor in the following for DIY moves.

• Time off work
• Lost wages
• Wear and tear on your car
• Costs of a moving truck
• Reliability of those you enlist to help

If you decide to go with a professional mover, research now. Get three estimates and choose one as soon as possible to book your preferred date at the best price.

Finally, take measurements of your new place to plan where things will go.

30 Days Before Your Move

At this time, finish collecting any moving supplies you don’t have and start packing. Begin with items you rarely use, pack things you don’t use frequently, and so on. Other tasks to do at this time include:

• Putting in a change of address form with the USPS
• Notifying utility companies about opening new accounts, closing ones you won’t need, or transferring services
• Contacting banks, credit unions, credit card companies, and other financial institutions to let them know you’re moving (including online accounts such as Venmo and PayPal)
• Informing delivery services, such as food boxes, pet supplies, magazines, and Amazon

Now’s the time to steadily continue packing for the next few weeks. Additionally, order new furniture since many big-ticket items take several weeks to order and deliver.

1 – 7 Days Before Your Move

During the final week before you move, finish packing, carefully label boxes, and, if you haven’t done so yet, make arrangements for your children and pets for moving day. Double-check that utilities will be turned off and on as scheduled. As moving day approaches, clean your old residence and, if you have access, clean vital areas of your new place.

Do a final walk-through with your landlord if you rent and return the keys. If you sell your home, hand over the keys at closing. Finally, pack your first-night containers into your personal vehicle and lock all windows and doors before you leave.

Moving Made Easy

Even with the best-laid plans, things might go astray. However, a moving checklist and timeline reduce the number of possible hiccups. Want a free quote? Contact us today!

Office relocations involve many moving parts. Making a schedule for your moving plans can help you stay organized and ensure you don’t forget any important details. A wise strategy is to start planning your office move at least six months to a year before your move.

Six to 12 Months Before Your Relocation

These are likely to be the earliest tasks to take care of and will include the following:

• Choosing an appropriate space to ensure you have enough room and the location is strategic
• Assembling an office design team to help plan space planning
• Checking electricity and cable needs to ensure they meet telecommunication needs – if not, start to plan for a contractor to add necessities
• Determining office equipment and furniture not being moved and start to make arrangements to donate, sell, or recycle these items
• Setting a moving date, or at least an estimate
• Informing employees about the upcoming move
• Establishing a moving budget

Once you have a baseline plan, start to make arrangements for moving day.

Three to Six Months Before Your Move

As soon as reasonably possible, get moving quotes. Even if you don’t have an exact date but a timeframe, speak to movers to get an estimate of costs, so you know what you’re working with. The sooner you book a date with your mover, the better your chances of getting the dates you want at the best prices. Other details to manage include:

• Contacting customers, clients, office suppliers, vendors, and other companies you directly work with to let them know when and where you’ll be moving
• Initiating new services with any new suppliers or vendors
• Bringing IT on board (or contractors to help) to plan technology needs
• Ordering new furniture or equipment

Lastly, keeping transparency with employees during this significant change is vital. You don’t want to isolate them, allow misinformation to spread, or hurt their morale by leaving them in the dark. Instead, give them a heads-up three to six months out so they can prepare too.

One to Three Months Before Moving

Start to develop your moving day schedule and assign tasks to key personnel. Other tasks to take care of are:

• Initiating utilities and other services to close and open accounts on both sides of the move
• Updating social media, website, business cards, etc.
• Speaking to building managers at each location about access and security on moving day
• Announcing relocation plans publicly

This timeframe is a good one to prepare your business for its new location, help with a seamless transition, and distribute vital information relating to your move.

Two Weeks Before the Big Day

Review all plans for the remaining weeks before your office move to ensure you have included everything. Other necessary steps to take include the following:

• Packing any files or equipment not being used daily
• Gathering packing materials
• Labeling all furniture and equipment that you’re moving to the new office
• Asking team members to pack their belongings into boxes with labels

The last two weeks are good to use as a “buffer” in case you accidentally forget something. This way, you can use this time to quickly correct or take care of anything before you vacate your current location.

Professional Movers Help With a Stress-Free Relocation

Every office move is different, but establishing general guidelines can make things easier and ensure you and your team remember all essentials. In addition, working with a professional mover can free up your time and empower you to focus on other important details.

If you’d like a free quote or to obtain information about our other moving services, contact us today!