UTILITIES GUIDE
Some
utilities require more lead time than others to terminate service at
your old residence and activate at the new. While the time required
varies, you can use this checklist as a starting point.
One
month or more before closing...
Cable
Television and/or cable modem.
Contact the cable company early, in case the new home needs any wiring or hook
ups to accommodate your service. Call especially early if you are installing
cable modem service.
Phone
service.
With today's often complicated home phone set-ups it is important to give the
phone company some extra time - especially if you will need several extra numbers
and/or jacks in specific locations.
- BellSouth - 1-888-757-6500
(In state) 1-800-753-0710 (Out of state)
Satellite
television and Internet service.
Unless your new home has a compatible dish already in place, you will require
installation services. Depending upon demand in your area this could entail
a wait of a month or more, so put your order in early.
DSL
Internet service.
DSL installation is subject to large backlogs in most areas, so put in your
order as soon as possible.
One
to two weeks before closing...
Fuel
deliveries.
If you receive automatic deliveries of heating oil or propane you should contact
the supplier and terminate the service (and transfer the account to your new
home if you still require deliveries).
Automatic deliveries.
While they are not, strictly speaking, utilities, any automatic delivery services
(bottled water, pool suppies, etc.) you may use should be contacted 1-2 weeks
in advance of your move to terminate deliveries or change the service to your
new address.
Several days to one week before closing...
Electrical
service.
Contact the electric company and switch your account to the new address effective
on the closing date (make sure you have electrical service at both locations
on moving day).
Gas
service.
Contact the gas company and switch your account to the new address effective
on the closing date (make sure you have gas service in both locations on moving
day).
Water service.
Notify the water company several days before the closing.
Sewer service.
Notify the sewer authority several days before the closing.
Garbage pickup.
If you pay for private garbage pickup you should notify the service provider
a few days before the closing. Even if you have public garbage service at
your old location you may need to arrange for private pickup at the new house.
Check it out - you don't want to end up without garbage service just after
you move in. If you want to have a special pickup - either at the old address
or the new - make the arrangements at least a week in advance.
If
I can help you sell or buy residential or commercial property
please call me at (561) 876-6176
or E-mail linda@lindabruins.com
