Setting up utilities: what can be done before settlement

Moving into a new home is an exciting milestone, but there are a number of practical tasks to organise before settlement day. Arranging your utilities early can help ensure your new property is ready when you move in, avoiding unnecessary delays, connection issues and unexpected costs.

Electricity, gas, water, internet and phone services often require advance notice, and some providers may need time to process applications, schedule installations or confirm access requirements. By planning ahead, you can make your move-in experience smoother and start enjoying your new home from day one.

Electricity and gas are among the most important services to organise before moving in. Contact your preferred providers early to compare plans, check connection requirements and arrange a start date that aligns with your settlement date.

Many providers allow you to schedule a future connection, meaning your services can be ready as soon as you take ownership of the property. If the property is currently connected, you may still need to transfer the account into your name or arrange a new plan.

Before choosing a provider, consider:

• Connection and service fees
• Daily supply charges
• Usage rates
• Contract terms and discounts
• Renewable energy options if this is important to you

It is also worth confirming whether the property has gas appliances or whether everything runs on electricity, as this may influence the type of plan you need.

Water arrangements can vary depending on your location and property type. In some areas, the water service remains connected to the property, but the account details need to be updated after settlement.

Before moving in, check:

• Whether the property has a water meter
• Which water authority services the property
• Whether there are any outstanding requirements for account setup
• How water usage and service charges are billed

Providing your settlement date and property details early can help ensure billing is correctly updated and prevent confusion about previous owners’ usage.

Internet connection is often overlooked during the moving process, but it can take longer than expected to arrange, particularly if installation work is required.

Contact your preferred internet provider before settlement to:

• Check what services are available at the property
• Arrange a connection date
• Confirm whether equipment needs to be delivered
• Understand installation timeframes and fees

Booking early is especially important if you work from home, study remotely or rely on internet-connected devices.

When setting up accounts, provide your settlement date and forwarding address. You may also want to review your current services and decide whether to transfer existing accounts, switch providers or combine services where possible. Setting up direct debit or automatic payments can help avoid missed bills, while keeping digital copies of account confirmations makes it easier to manage your move.

While many utilities can be organised before settlement, some providers may require confirmation that settlement has occurred before finalising account transfers.

Before settlement, you can generally:

• Research and compare providers
• Request quotes and plans
  Schedule connection dates
• Arrange internet installation
• Prepare account information

After settlement, you may need to:

• Confirm ownership details
• Complete account transfers
• Provide meter readings if required
• Check that all services are operating correctly

A little preparation can prevent common moving-day problems. Avoid:

• Leaving utility connections until the last minute
• Assuming existing services will automatically transfer to you
• Forgetting to cancel services at your previous property
• Not checking internet availability before moving
• Overlooking connection or installation fees

Before settlement, make sure you have:

✓ Arranged electricity and gas connections
✓ Confirmed water account requirements
✓ Booked internet installation if needed
✓ Updated your address with providers
✓ Set up payment preferences
✓ Saved confirmation details for each service

Taking care of utilities early is a simple step that can make a significant difference to your moving experience. With the essentials organised before settlement, you can start enjoying your new home without unnecessary interruptions.