Service Providers when Moving

When your Solicitor or Estate Agent use the term service providers, they will usually mean suppliers of utilities to the property such as gas, electric, water, telephone and broadband. The current owner will be asked for information regarding their service providers and you can either stay with the current service providers or choose your own. Getting quotes is the best way to get the best deal and save on your monthly bills. Make use of the many comparison sites now available.

Water

There are currently twelve water companies in the UK, in addition to supplying your water they also provide drainage and sewerage services. Each company supplies to a specific area so unlike the other service providers you won’t have a choice of who you use. In this case you just need to inform your current and future water company when you move.

Energy

There are many companies who can supply your gas and electricity, so you really need to shop around. Be sure to enter the same information each time to enable a direct comparison - again the comparison sites are a great tool to lighten the workload! If your new home is powered by coal, wood or LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) it’s best to obtain quotes from local companies. If you are buying a home from a seller who is MoveReady, the MoveReady Property Profile will contain information about the services at the property.

Telephone & Broadband

With such varied packages available it can all be a little overwhelming! We are all hugely reliant on our home internet nowadays so this would be my first port of call, which provider offers the fastest and most reliable service? The internet and comparison sites have a wealth of information including customer reviews, work out what is most important to you before making a decision. Again, if the seller is MoveReady, the MoveReady Property Profile will show the speed of broadband available at the property.

Timescales

Most service providers are happy with at least 48 hours notice, however the sooner the better. Broadband providers often require two weeks, especially where they do not have an existing connection to your new home. Once you have confirmed your move date let your providers know, they will ask you to take meter readings on the day you move anyway so they can provide accurate bills.

Meter Readings

Whether you are moving in or out of a home you need to take meter readings. This should be the last thing you do when moving out and the first thing you do when moving in. Take a photo of the meter reading as well as writing it down in case it gets misplaced in the midst of everything else that's going on! Most phone cameras will time and date stamp the photo which is great evidence should a dispute arise. Some meters switch between readings for different rates - make sure you note them all down.