Utilities Checklist
Utilities Checklist
Managing utilities when moving home is straightforward if you plan ahead. This checklist covers everything you need to do — from notifying your current suppliers to setting up accounts at your new property.
Before Moving Day
Contact your current utility suppliers in advance of your moving date to arrange final bills and transfer or close accounts:
- Note the names of all your current utility suppliers — gas, electricity, water, broadband, telephone
- Contact each supplier to advise them of your moving date
- Ask whether your current tariff or contract can be transferred to your new address
- If you are in a fixed-term energy contract, check whether early exit fees apply
- Arrange for broadband to be set up at your new property — lead times can be 2–4 weeks
- If you have a smart meter, notify your supplier — readings may transfer automatically
On Moving Day — Current Property
Take final meter readings at your current property on the day you move out:
- Take a gas meter reading and photograph it
- Take an electricity meter reading (both day and night readings if you have Economy 7) and photograph it
- Take a water meter reading if your property has one and photograph it
- Note the date and time of each reading
- Submit the readings to your suppliers as soon as possible
- Leave the meter readings written down for the new owners or tenants
On Moving Day — New Property
Take meter readings at your new property as soon as you arrive:
- Locate the gas meter, electricity meter, and water meter
- Take readings immediately on arrival and photograph them
- Note the date and time of each reading
- Contact the current suppliers at the new property to register as the new occupier
- You can switch to your preferred supplier after registering — you are not obliged to stay with the existing supplier
- Check whether the property has a smart meter and register it with your chosen supplier
Gas and Electricity
Key steps for managing your energy supply when moving:
- Contact your current energy supplier at least 48 hours before moving
- Provide final meter readings on moving day
- Ask for a final bill to be sent to your new address or email
- Register with the existing supplier at your new property immediately to avoid being placed on a default tariff
- Compare energy tariffs and switch if a better deal is available — there is no obligation to stay with the existing supplier
- If the property has solar panels with a Feed-In Tariff, notify the supplier of the change of ownership
Water
Water supply is managed by the regional water company for your area — you cannot switch supplier for water.
- Contact the water company for your new area to register as the new occupier
- Provide the meter reading taken on moving day
- Check whether the property is metered or on a rateable value charge
- If the property is not metered, consider requesting a meter — it can reduce bills for smaller households
- Contact your current water company to close your account and provide a final reading
Broadband and Telephone
Broadband is often the utility that causes the most frustration when moving — plan ahead:
- Check broadband availability at your new address before moving — use the Ofcom checker
- Order broadband at your new address as early as possible — installation can take 2–4 weeks
- Check whether your current provider can transfer your service to the new address
- If switching provider, check whether early exit fees apply to your current contract
- Arrange for your current broadband to be cancelled from your moving date
- Consider a mobile data SIM as a temporary solution if broadband is not available immediately
This resource is provided by Property Sale Pack for general information purposes only. It does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Property Sale Pack is an independent platform and is not affiliated with any estate agent, conveyancer, or other third party referenced herein. Always seek independent professional advice before making decisions relating to the sale of your property. Property Sale Pack 2026. All rights reserved.
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