How to transfer utilities when moving

Utility setup in a new home needs to be part of your core plan when moving in Florida, especially in cities like Miami. Delays in transferring electricity, water, or internet can leave you without essentials on day one. Knowing who to contact and when is key, with different providers across counties and varying timelines. Let our team from one of the best moving companies in Florida break down how to transfer utilities when moving, from disconnections to new setups, and cover moving day utility planning that truly works.

Checklist for utility transfer in FL

Before you pack the last box, run through this utility checklist to make sure you’re not arriving at a dark, disconnected home:

• List every service you’re using: Include electricity, water, gas, internet, cable, trash collection, and any other subscriptions billed to your home.
• Contact utility providers at least 2 weeks in advance: In South Florida, for example, Florida Power & Light (FPL) handles electricity for most areas, and they often require advance notice to schedule transfers.
• Transfer or disconnect services with confirmed dates: For Miami-Dade Water and Sewer customers, it’s important to provide a final service date. Some municipalities won’t prorate your final bill if you forget.
• Set up utilities at the new address to start before move-in day: This is especially important during Florida’s hot months, where going even a day without AC can be unsafe.
• Double-check any deposits or ID requirements: Some Florida utility providers request security deposits or proof of residency. These vary by city and type of property.
• Take meter readings on move-out day: You can resolve any disputes over final water bills quickly by providing photo proof.

Forget just one step, and you might be sweating through box-unpacking with no AC, no water to drink, and no way to stream a break. The Sunshine State relocations need more than a good playlist. They need reliable local movers in Florida, and this checklist.

Disconnecting the internet and water before moving

Shutting off the internet and water is often treated as an afterthought, but forgetting the timing can cost you. In Miami, Xfinity and AT&T are the two main internet providers, and both typically require you to schedule equipment return and final disconnection. Delays can result in a full extra billing cycle!

For water, municipalities like Fort Lauderdale require written notice and sometimes a final reading appointment. If you’re renting, you may also need to coordinate utility transfer in Fort Lauderdale with your landlord. A common mistake people make is assuming the water will be cut off automatically when they leave — it won’t. You’re liable until it’s officially shut down.

Moving day utility planning

The day you move is already hectic, but timing can make or break how smoothly you transfer utilities when moving. Plan for utility activation at least 24 hours before your scheduled arrival. This ensures you can test things like AC, lights, and Wi-Fi before the moving truck pulls in.

If you’re coordinating with movers, utility setup can affect their ability to work efficiently. Having lights, functioning bathrooms, and a cool space can make a big difference. It’s also a good time to consider getting moving insurance coverage. If anything gets damaged because of poor visibility or inaccessible utilities, coverage might come into play.

Utility setup in a new home

Starting fresh in a new home means more than just turning things on. In Miami-Dade County, utility setup depends on your location. Florida Power & Light (FPL) handles most of the electricity, while internet options vary by neighborhood.

Xfinity covers much of the county with cable service, and AT&T or EarthLink may offer fiber in select areas. Some communities, like Miami Beach and Sunny Isles, also have access to Hotwire Communications’ fiber network. To make sure your services are live before you move in with one of the best moving companies in Miami-Dade, it’s best to check availability ahead of time.

If your move is to a new build or a recently vacated property, some services may not be active at all. This often happens in suburban developments around Jacksonville or Fort Myers. Call providers a week or two in advance to confirm if services are connected and whether an in-person visit is needed. For utilities like natural gas, some companies won’t activate service without someone present during the inspection.

Also, check for municipal trash pickup schedules and water billing cycles. These vary from county to county and might require online setup or in-person visits. If your home is part of a gated community or managed HOA, verify if any services are already included. This is common in parts of Miami-Dade and Palm Beach County.

More to keep in mind before you move

Utility transfers are rarely the only logistical puzzle on moving day for staggered leases in cities like Miami or Tallahassee. If your move involves a storage unit, make sure you understand if that facility has climate control or 24/7 access. Climate-controlled storage units in Miami are a priority, and access is vital if you need to retrieve important documents or devices for utility setup.

And lastly, don’t forget to update your address for all services and subscriptions tied to your home. Missed bills or late fees can follow you even after a clean move. Florida’s large service providers typically offer easy online portals for updates. But it’s worth verifying everything went through properly after you settle in.

Make the move smooth before the first box arrives

Have you listed every utility you need to transfer? Did you schedule shutoff and setup dates early enough? Have you confirmed your start date with Florida’s electric service? Do you know who to call if something isn’t working? Did you pack your essentials where you can reach them?

If you’ve asked yourself these questions and made a plan, you’re already ahead. All that matters when you transfer utilities when moving in Florida is your attention before the chaos of moving begins.

And if you need assistance coordinating the logistics of your move, including timing around utility setups, Pro Movers Miami is here to support your move from every angle. Reach out to us and settle in without missing a beat!