First time buyer. Moving in 2 weeks. Do I need to set up utility bills before moving?

NewSaver

Hi Guys,

I am buying my first house and will be moving in 2 weeks time. I am currently living with my parents so have no bills to my name.

I wanted to ask how do utility bills work when moving? Will I have gas, water and electricity when I move in or will I only have it if I have set it up before moving in? How does it work?

Is there anything else that I need to do prior to the move / after the move that is often forgotten?

Thanks.

anselld

Unless the house has been unoccupied for a long time the supplies will still be connected.
Just take a reading (with photo) the day you move in and then phone up to set up accounts with the providers.
You need to stay with the current providers to start with ( you have a deemed contract when you move in) but you can then switch to whoever you choose.

Fire_Fox

Council tax and contents insurance need sorting within the first couple of days. Should also register to vote when you have a minute.

NewSaver

Thanks for the reply guys. Some quick questions..

anselld wrote: »

Unless the house has been unoccupied for a long time the supplies will still be connected.
Just take a reading (with photo) the day you move in and then phone up to set up accounts with the providers.
You need to stay with the current providers to start with ( you have a deemed contract when you move in) but you can then switch to whoever you choose.

How do I know who the providers are and how long will I need to stay with them?

Fire_Fox wrote: »

Council tax and contents insurance need sorting within the first couple of days. Should also register to vote when you have a minute.

I'm planning on having buildings and contents insurance sorted before the move date. Will that be fine?

anselld

NewSaver wrote: »

Thanks for the reply guys. Some quick questions..



How do I know who the providers are and how long will I need to stay with them?



I'm planning on having buildings and contents insurance sorted before the move date. Will that be fine?

The current suppliers should be listed on the property information form given by the vendors. Your solicitor will have it.

I am not sure exactly how long, I think just long enough to go through the switching process ( weeks not months).

Buildings insurance should be active from exchange of contracts, not move date!

Werdnal

Don't forget your TV License too!

If you are living alone, you will qualify for single persons council tax rebate, so make sure you apply for this too.

As for Utilities, the water is usually the local water company as there is no other option.

For power and gas, check here:

http://www.uswitch.com/gas-electricity/guides/who-supplies-my-electricity-and-gas/


You can switch suppliers, but usually takes a few weeks to go through, so you will have to take on whoever is already connected to the property for the time being.