Who do I call and when to set up water, electric, gas, trash, and internet at my new US house before move-in?
A practical call order and timing plan for getting water, electric, gas, trash, and internet ready before move-in day, including what to know about deposits, fees, and provider appointments.
Start 1 to 2 weeks before move-in (3 to 7 days for most utilities, up to 2 weeks for internet), call the electric provider first, then gas, water, trash, and internet, and have your service address, move-in date, ID, and payment method ready for each call. Confirm each provider with a confirmation number and ask about deposits and activation fees before service starts.
Setting up utilities at a new US house comes down to calling the right provider in the right order with the right timing. Most accounts should be active 3 to 7 days before you move in, and internet often needs 1 to 2 weeks because technician slots fill up fast. The simplest order is electric first, then gas (if the home uses it), then water, then trash, and finally internet. If the home is in a managed community or rental, check whether the HOA or landlord already bundles any of these services before you call.
The call order, with timing and why each one matters
Set up utilities in this order
- Electric — call 3 to 7 days before move-in
Start with the local electric utility or the competitive provider allowed in your area. Electric powers lights, the fridge, and HVAC on day one, so it should be confirmed first. Have the address, closing or lease date, and ID ready, and ask whether a service inspection or meter read is needed if the home has been vacant.
- Gas — call 3 to 7 days before move-in if the home uses it
If the home has gas appliances or heating, schedule the gas company next. Gas may require an in-person safety check, especially if the home has been vacant, so book the appointment early. Confirm whether the pilot light or meter needs to be turned on by a technician on move-in day.
- Water and sewer — call 3 to 7 days before move-in
Contact the city, county, or private water provider that serves the address. Ask about a deposit, whether proof of ownership or occupancy is required, and how meter readings are handled. Water should be active so toilets, sinks, and cleaning supplies work when the moving truck arrives.
- Trash and recycling — call 3 to 7 days before move-in
Trash may be run by the city, a private hauler, or bundled into an HOA account, so check first. Pickup schedules vary by neighborhood, and you'll generate a lot of waste during the move itself, so confirm the first pickup date and whether bins are provided or need to be bought.
- Internet — call 1 to 2 weeks before move-in
Internet is the one that takes the longest because technician visits fill up fast. Call 1 to 2 weeks ahead and ask whether a new line, equipment swap, or installation window is needed. If you're under contract with your current provider, ask whether they serve the new address — transferring service can avoid an early termination fee.
What it usually costs to turn utilities on
A new-house utility setup typically runs $0 to $200 in activation or transfer fees, plus any deposit the provider requires. Some companies waive fees for existing customers, while others charge separate start, transfer, or reconnection amounts. Deposits vary based on the provider, your credit history, and whether the account is brand new or transferred from an existing one. Optional charges can include expedited service, smart meter installation, or equipment rental, so ask each provider for the full charge list before move-in.
Utility setup costs at a glance
| Item | Typical cost range | When it appears |
|---|---|---|
| Activation or transfer fee | $0 to $200 | At account start |
| Deposit | Varies by provider | Before service begins |
| Expedited start | Provider-specific | If service is needed quickly |
| Equipment or meter fee | Provider-specific | When required by the utility |
What can go wrong if you set up utilities yourself
The three most common problems with a do-it-yourself setup are service gaps, duplicate bills, and missed deposit deadlines. Each provider runs on a different start window, identity check, and payment rule, so a single late call can leave the home without power, water, or internet on move-in day. Internet may need an installation appointment, gas may require a safety check, and electric service may need a deposit before activation. Building the utility list first, then confirming each provider 7 to 14 days ahead, keeps the timeline from collapsing on move-in day.
When federal interstate rules don't apply to your move
Federal protections that apply to interstate moves — like the FMCSA's "Protect Your Move" rules for household goods carriers crossing state lines, the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act for active-duty PCS moves, and FTC guidance on moving-related scams — only kick in when the move crosses state lines or qualifies as a military PCS. An in-state move, even one that crosses county lines, is governed by your state's public utility commission and your state's moving and consumer protection laws, not federal carrier rules. That means utility deposits, billing dispute procedures, and renter protections all come from state regulators, and the state PUC is the right place to file a complaint if a final bill looks wrong or a deposit isn't returned on time.
Move-in day utility checklist
- Electric confirmed and active
Lights, fridge, and HVAC work when the truck arrives.
- Gas scheduled or active
Safety check booked if the home has been vacant; pilot light confirmed.
- Water and sewer active
Toilets, sinks, and cleaning supplies work on day one.
- Trash pickup scheduled
First pickup date confirmed; bins provided or purchased.
- Internet installation booked
Technician window scheduled 1 to 2 weeks ahead; equipment ready.
- Confirmation numbers saved
One number per provider, written down with the rep's name.
- Deposits and fees budgeted
Separate line in the moving budget so the first bill is not a surprise.
SUMMARY
The bottom line
Call electric, gas, water, trash, and internet in that order, starting 1 to 2 weeks before move-in (3 to 7 days for most, up to 2 weeks for internet). Have the address, move-in date, ID, and payment method ready for each call, ask for a confirmation number, and budget $0 to $200 per service for activation fees plus any required deposit. For an in-state move, your state's public utility commission — not federal interstate rules — governs deposits, billing disputes, and final bill reviews.
Common questions
Before you move on
Can I set up utilities before closing on a new house?+
Sometimes you can start the request, but the account usually can't fully activate until closing is complete. Most providers let you schedule service and verify your move-in date, then finalize the account once you own or lease the property. Contact the provider early so you know what documents they need and whether a deposit applies.
How do I set up utilities when renting a new place?+
Check your lease first, then call each provider named by the landlord or property manager. Some rentals bundle water, trash, or sewer into the rent, while others require you to open accounts yourself. Ask for the exact move-in date, unit number, and any account transfer instructions before you start so electricity, gas, and internet are ready on move-in day.
How do I start water service at a new home?+
Contact the city, county, or private water provider that serves the address. Have the service start date, property address, and your name ready, and ask whether the account needs a deposit or proof of occupancy. If you're buying, closing paperwork may be requested before activation, so calling a few days ahead keeps billing, meter readings, and installation timing on track.
What if the home has been vacant — do I need an inspection?+
Often yes. Electric service may need a meter read or service inspection, and gas may require a safety check and an in-person appointment to relight the pilot. Ask each provider when you call what they require for a vacant home, and book those appointments as early as possible because they fill up fast.
Do federal interstate moving rules apply to my in-state move?+
No. Federal protections like FMCSA household goods carrier rules and the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act apply only to moves that cross state lines or qualify as a military PCS. An in-state move is governed by your state's public utility commission for utility disputes and by your state's moving and consumer protection laws, so deposits, billing complaints, and renter protections all come from state regulators.