So, you've found the one. The house of your dreams, the perfect neighborhood, the right amount of space. Congratulations! The excitement is palpable, you're already picturing furniture arrangements and weekend barbecues. But amidst the whirlwind of packing and planning, there's one crucial step that often gets overlooked until the last minute: setting up your utilities. Trust me, you don't want to be standing in your new, empty house in the dark, wondering why the fridge isn't cold. That's why I'm here to tell you: get those utilities sorted before your closing day!
I know, I know, the to-do list seems a mile long already. But tackling utilities early will save you a world of stress and potential headaches down the line. Imagine this: you close on your house, finally get the keys in your hand, and you're ready to start moving in. But… no electricity. No water. No internet. Suddenly, your dream home feels a lot less dreamy.
Why is setting up utilities before closing so important?
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Smooth Move-In: Having your utilities connected means you can start moving in and unpacking immediately. No fumbling around in the dark, no worrying about food spoiling without refrigeration. You can get settled in and start enjoying your new home from day one.
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Avoid Delays: Utility companies often have scheduling backlogs, especially during peak moving seasons. Waiting until after closing could mean days or even weeks without essential services. Pre-planning ensures everything is connected when you need it.
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Peace of Mind: Moving is stressful enough as it is. Knowing your utilities are taken care of removes one major item from your already overflowing plate. You can focus on the more exciting aspects of moving, like decorating and exploring your new neighborhood.
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Prevent Potential Issues: Sometimes, the previous homeowner might have outstanding bills or issues with the utility accounts. Getting your own accounts set up early allows you to catch any potential problems and resolve them before they become your responsibility.
So, what utilities should you be thinking about?
This will vary slightly depending on your location, but generally includes:
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Electricity: Contact your local electric company to establish service at your new address.
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Gas: If your home uses natural gas for heating, cooking, or other appliances, contact the gas company.
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Water: Contact your municipal water department to set up water and sewer service.
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Trash and Recycling: Check with your city or county for their waste management services and schedules.
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Internet and Cable/Satellite: Schedule installation with your preferred internet and cable/satellite provider. This often requires appointments, so booking early is essential.
Pro Tip: Create a spreadsheet or checklist to keep track of all the utility companies you need to contact, account numbers, and confirmation dates. This will help you stay organized and ensure nothing gets overlooked.
Setting up utilities might seem like a small detail in the grand scheme of buying a house, but it's a crucial step that can make a huge difference in your move-in experience. Don't wait until the last minute! Take the time to get everything set up before closing day, and you'll be well on your way to enjoying a smooth and stress-free transition into your new home.
Happy moving!
Find who you should call in your city from the list below!
Belmont
Water:
Mid-Pen Water District - Start or stop service online or call (650) 591-8941
Garbage/Recycling:
Recology - Set up online (click "contact" and then select "inquiry type" of "start new service") or call (650) 595-3900.
Power:
PG&E - Set up online or call 1-877-660-6789
Website:
City of Belmont
Burlingame
Water:
Burlingame Water Division - Start or stop service online or call (650) 558-7210
Garbage/Recycling:
Recology - Set up online (click "contact" and then select "inquiry type" of "start new service") or call (650) 595-3900.
Power:
PG&E - Set up online or call 1-877-660-6789
Website
City of Burlingame
Daly City
Water
Daly City Water Service - Start or stop service online or call (650) 991-8082
Garbage/Recycling:
Recology - Set up online (click "contact" and then select "inquiry type" of "start new service") or call (650) 595-3900
Power:
PG&E - Set up online or call 1-877-660-6789
Website:
City of Daly City website
Foster City
Water:
Foster City Water Services - Application for Water and Wastewater Service
Garbage/Recycling:
Recology - Set up online (click "contact" and then select "inquiry type" of "start new service") or call (650) 595-3900.
Power:
PG&E - Set up online or call 1-877-660-6789
Website
City of Foster City
Hillsborough
Water:
Town of Hillsborough Water Service - Water service application or call (650) 780-7210
Garbage/Recycling:
Recology - Set up online (click "contact" and then select "inquiry type" of "start new service") or call (650) 595-3900.
Power:
PG&E - Set up online or call 1-877-660-6789
Website:
Town of Hillsborough
Millbrae
Water:
Millbrae Water and Sewer Service - To start or stop service call 650) 259-2420 (no online option)
Garbage/Recycling:
South San Francisco Scavenger Co., Inc. - Start or stop service call (650) 589-4020
Power:
PG&E - Set up online or call 1-877-660-6789
Website:
City of Millbrae
Redwood City & Redwood Shores
Water:
Redwood City Utility Services - Application for starting utility services or call 650-780-7210
Garbage/Recycling:
Recology - Set up online (click "contact" and then select "inquiry type" of "start new service") or call (650) 595-3900.
Power:
PG&E - Set up online or call 1-877-660-6789
Website:
City of Redwood City
San Bruno
Water/Wastewater/Garbage:
San Bruno City Services - Application for Water, Wasterwater, and Garbage Services
Power:
PG&E - Set up online or call 1-877-660-6789
Website:
City of San Bruno
San Carlos
Water:
San Carlos Water Service - Start or stop service online or call (650) 558-7800
Garbage/Recycling:
Recology - Set up online (click "contact" and then select "inquiry type" of "start new service") or call (650) 595-3900.
Power:
PG&E - Set up online or call 1-877-660-6789
Website:
City of San Carlos
San Mateo
Water:
San Mateo Water Service - Start or stop service online or call (650) 558-7800
Garbage/Recycling:
Recology - Set up online (click "contact" and then select "inquiry type" of "start new service") or call (650) 595-3900.
Power:
PG&E - Set up online or call 1-877-660-6789
Website:
City of San Mateo
South San Francisco
Water:
Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency Start or stop service online or call (650) 558-7800
Garbage/Recycling:
South San Francisco Scavenger Co., Inc. - Start or stop service call (650) 589-4020
Power:
PG&E - Set up online or call 1-877-660-6789
Website
City of South San Francisco
