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Utilities to set up before you move in

September 15, 2026 · First Apartment Kit

Moving out is easier when the lights and wifi are not a surprise. Ask who starts each account. Write the answers down. Start early enough that day one is boring in a good way.

Ask the building first

• Which utilities are already included in rent?
• Which ones you must start yourself: electric, gas, water/sewer, trash, internet?
• Is there a preferred electric or internet provider for the building?
• Do you need a building account number, unit code, or move-in form before utilities will turn on?

If the lease is quiet, email or text the landlord and keep the reply. Guessing costs time.

Electric, gas, water

• Call or start online with the provider listed by the building (or search your city’s residential start page).
• Ask for service on or before your lease start date — not “sometime next week.”
• Save confirmation numbers and the scheduled start date in one note.
• If someone else is moving out of the unit, ask when their service ends so you do not have a dark day in between.

Internet

• Confirm which companies can wire the building. Not every address is open.
• Book install for move-in day or the day after if techs are scarce.
• If the unit already has a router left behind, still verify the account is in your name before you rely on it.

Trash and extras

• Ask where bins go, which day pickup happens, and whether you need a city sticker or bag tags.
• If renters insurance is required, start that quote while you are already doing paperwork — still your call if it is optional.

Day you get the keys

• Test lights, outlets, water, heat/AC, and wifi before boxes own the floor.
• Write account logins, wifi password, and utility phone numbers on one card in the kitchen.
• If something will not turn on and you already started service, call the provider with your confirmation number before you unpack for hours.

If you smell gas, have no heat in freezing weather, or have no working locks — stop and get qualified help. A utilities list is not emergency advice.

Not legal, landlord, utility, or medical advice. Rules vary by city and building. Ask your landlord or a qualified professional when something is unclear.