7 Common Mistakes People Make When Setting Up Utilities in a New Home

Moving into a new home is an exciting milestone, but the process can be filled with logistical challenges—especially when it comes to setting up utilities. From electricity and water to internet and waste collection, these services are essential to making your new home livable. Yet, many people overlook critical steps during this setup, resulting in unexpected delays, surprise costs, or even moving in without basic services.

To help you avoid common pitfalls, here’s a detailed look at seven mistakes people frequently make when setting up utilities in a new home—and how to steer clear of them.

1. Waiting Until the Last Minute

One of the most common and costly mistakes is leaving utility setup to the final days before your move. While some services like electricity or water can be turned on quickly, others—like internet or natural gas—often require scheduled appointments, equipment installations, or administrative approval.

Why it matters:

Delaying setup can result in moving into a house without power, water, or Wi-Fi—frustrating and avoidable situations.

How to avoid it:

Begin contacting providers at least 2–3 weeks before your move-in date. Early planning allows you to schedule service appointments, avoid rush fees, and ensure everything is ready when you arrive.

2. Not Researching Available Providers

Assuming your current utility provider services your new address is another frequent mistake. Utility providers vary by region, and even if the company name is the same, service offerings and rates may differ between municipalities or states.

Why it matters:

You may end up missing out on more affordable or suitable plans—or worse, trying to set up with a company that doesn’t serve your new area.

How to avoid it:

Use online tools or your city’s utility directory to confirm which providers are available. In deregulated energy markets, compare pricing and contract terms for electricity or gas. The same goes for internet, where speeds and coverage can vary dramatically.

3. Overlooking Connection Fees and Deposits

Many people forget to account for the one-time costs associated with utility activation. Depending on the provider and your credit history, you may need to pay connection fees, deposits, or installation charges.

Why it matters:

These charges can add up and strain your moving budget if not anticipated.

How to avoid it:

Ask each utility provider about:

• Activation or connection fees

• Security deposit requirements

• Whether fees can be waived or refunded after account history is established

Include these costs in your moving budget so you’re not caught off guard.

4. Failing to Cancel Previous Utilities

In the chaos of moving, it’s easy to forget to shut off utilities at your old residence. This can result in overlapping bills or, worse, paying for services the new tenants or owners are using.

Why it matters:

You might end up double-paying or dealing with late charges on accounts you thought were closed.

How to avoid it:

Call each provider to schedule a shut-off date, ideally the day after your move-out. Be sure to:

• Request final meter readings

• Document readings with time-stamped photos

• Provide a forwarding address for the final bill or deposit refund

This protects you in case of billing disputes.

5. Not Taking Final or Initial Meter Readings

Whether you're leaving an old home or entering a new one, failing to check meter readings can lead to inaccurate billing. Without recorded readings, providers might estimate your usage, which could inflate your bill.

Why it matters:

Incorrect readings can result in charges for electricity, water, or gas you didn’t use.

How to avoid it:

On your move-out and move-in days:

• Take clear photos of all meters (electric, water, gas)

• Note the date and time

• Send the readings to your provider

• Keep the images saved in case of disputes

This is especially important in older homes where automated readings aren't installed.

6. Ignoring Trash and Recycling Setup

Trash and recycling services often get overlooked, particularly because they’re sometimes bundled with water bills or managed by local governments. But assuming service will automatically begin can lead to a pile of moving boxes sitting outside with nowhere to go.

Why it matters:

Uncollected trash not only creates a mess but may violate local waste disposal rules and lead to fines.

How to avoid it:

Check your city or county website for:

• Trash and recycling schedules

• Required bin types (some cities require you to purchase them)

• Rules for bulk or hazardous waste disposal

• How to subscribe or set up billing

Make sure this is done before or during your first week at the new home.

7. Forgetting to Set Up Online Accounts and Alerts

Once utilities are connected, many people fail to take the extra step of creating online accounts or enabling usage alerts. Without these tools, it’s harder to monitor your consumption, manage payments, or get outage notifications.

Why it matters:

Missing a bill or usage spike can lead to service interruptions or unexpected expenses.

How to avoid it:

After setup is complete:

• Register for each provider’s online portal

• Opt in for paperless billing and auto-pay (if comfortable)

• Enable alerts for service disruptions or abnormal usage

• Track your first few bills to understand seasonal patterns

Being proactive helps you catch problems early and manage household expenses more efficiently.

Bonus Tip: Document Everything

Throughout the utility setup process, keep records of every interaction. This includes:

• Confirmation numbers

• Customer service notes

• Screenshots of chat transcripts or emails

• Any receipts for deposits or fees

Having detailed records can resolve disputes faster if something goes wrong. It also makes it easier to manage services during future moves or account updates.

Final Thoughts

Setting up utilities may seem like a minor part of moving, but it can have a major impact on your comfort and peace of mind. Avoiding these seven common mistakes ensures you’re not left without power, water, or internet on your first night—and helps you stay on top of bills and service quality in the months ahead.

By starting early, doing your homework, and double-checking the details, you’ll be well prepared for a stress-free move-in experience. After all, the last thing you need on move-in day is to be fumbling in the dark—literally or figuratively.