If there’s one thing more exhausting than packing boxes, it’s juggling the million and one “admin jobs” that come with moving house. Between redirecting mail, changing your driving licence address, and finding the box with the kettle in it, the last thing you want is to flick a switch in your new home… and find nothing happens.
Yet, it’s a common fear: Will my power, gas, or internet be working when I move in? Here’s the good news — it’s entirely avoidable if you plan your utility switch right.
- Start Early — Your Future Self Will Thank You
Utility connections aren’t something to leave until the day before the removal truck arrives. Retailers often need a couple of business days to process your request, especially if a technician needs to visit.
Give yourself at least a week’s lead time, more if you’re moving in peak periods (think end-of-month or just before Christmas). This way, your account is active before you pick up the keys — so you’re not moving into a cold, dark, Wi-Fi-less home.
- Know That Switching Providers Is Seamless
A lot of people assume that changing energy retailers means there will be a gap in supply. That’s not how it works. The electricity and gas in your home come from the same network, regardless of which company sends you the bill.
Switching providers is mostly an administrative change — you won’t lose supply. The only time there’s a risk is if there’s a physical disconnection (e.g., a vacant property where power has been cut off). In that case, your new retailer simply arranges reconnection before move-in day.
- Moving Internet? Factor in the Modem and Installation
With broadband, the process depends on your connection type.
- NBN: If the address is already connected, it’s often just a matter of transferring your account — no downtime.
- New or recently built homes: There might be a technician visit or new modem delivery. That’s where early planning saves you days (or weeks) of frustration.
You should ask your provider if they offer a mobile broadband backup to keep you connected while you wait.
- Bundle the Move — Fewer Calls, Less Chaos
One of the perks of using a connection service like Connect With Us is that you can sort power, gas, internet, and even pay-TV in one conversation. No bouncing between call centres, repeating your address details, or wondering which provider you’ve already contacted.
It’s like having a single checkout for all your essential services — and yes, it’s free for you, because providers cover the cost.
- Double-Check Before You Hand Over the Keys
A week before the move:
- Confirm the connection date with each provider.
- Make sure they have the correct move-in date and meter numbers (you’ll usually find these on your bill or in your meter box).
- If your current provider offers a better deal to keep you, weigh it up — moving is the perfect time to renegotiate.
- Final Meter Reads — Don’t Pay for the Next Tenant’s Toast
Before you leave your old home, ensure a final meter read is scheduled. This ensures you only pay for the power or gas you’ve actually used — and nothing your replacement tenant enjoys after you’re gone.
The Bottom Line
Moving home will never be stress-free (unless you’ve somehow outsourced the entire thing — in which case, congratulations). But utility switching doesn’t have to be the headache people imagine.
Plan ahead, line up your connections early, and lean on a one-stop service if you want to avoid the phone-call shuffle. That way, your first night in the new place will be about finding your favourite mug — not your torch.
Searching for the best energy, gas, and broadband plans? You need to check and compare plans from different providers, and the job could be tiresome, especially when you are moving to a new home. Connect With Us is here to make the job simpler for you. Contact our experts for a detailed consultation on choosing the best utility services with precision.