Utility Tips for Moving

With so many things to do during the moving process, forgetting tasks can happen quickly. Whether you are writing things down or not, proper planning and preparation are essential to a successful move. Often we forget to handle one of the most critical aspects like disconnecting utilities from your old home and connecting them to your new place. Through proper planning, you enjoy the comfort of your new home without being left in the dark.

Updated for 2026 — this guide reflects the latest moving tips and pricing for the Greater Vancouver area.

When you are relocating, cancelling and starting utilities can be a touchy situation. It is one of the few bills that attach your name and social insurance number to your account. One wrong move can negatively affect your credit.

Here are some tips that can help make your move more comfortable for you and your family:

Research Your Utility Companies’ Disconnection Rules

Understanding the terms and agreement of the utility contract you signed will give you a clear idea of when you should contact the utility company to disconnect. If you are aware of the terms, there are no surprises, and you can plan around it financially. If you are not sure what you should do, you can always reference the utility company FAQ page on their website or call directly for details on disconnecting.

If you are calling, it is a good idea to contact them at least two to four weeks in advance. Letting them know in advance allows you to square any unpaid bills, handle possible termination fees, and schedule a final reading of water, gas, electric, and meters. Last-minute notices can lead to late notification charges that you will not be made aware of that can affect your credit and prevent you from turning on utilities in your new home. Conversely, if you have a deposit with any of the companies, you should get this money back before leaving.

Tip: For reassurance, schedule your utilities to be turned off the day after you move out if you need extra time to complete your move.

BC-Specific Utility Providers and How to Transfer

If you are moving within British Columbia, here is a breakdown of the main utility providers you will need to contact and what to expect from each one.

BC Hydro (Electricity)

BC Hydro handles electricity for most of the province. You can transfer, start, or stop your service online through your MyHydro account. If you are moving to a new address that is also served by BC Hydro, you can transfer your account rather than closing and reopening, which saves time and avoids a new deposit. Give them at least five business days notice. If you are a new customer or have a poor payment history, BC Hydro may require a security deposit, typically equal to about two months of estimated bills.

FortisBC (Natural Gas)

FortisBC provides natural gas to most of BC. You can manage your move online through your FortisBC account. Similar to BC Hydro, you can transfer your existing account to your new address if FortisBC serves both locations. Request at least three to five business days notice for the transfer. A security deposit may apply for new accounts. If your new home uses natural gas for heating, hot water, or cooking, make sure gas service is active before move-in day, especially in winter.

Internet and TV (Shaw/Rogers, Telus, and Others)

Shaw (now Rogers) and Telus are the two major internet and TV providers in BC. Both allow you to transfer services to your new address, but availability depends on your location. Contact them two to three weeks in advance to schedule a transfer or installation appointment. Technician visits may be required, and appointment availability can be limited during busy moving periods like month-end. If you are locked into a contract, transferring usually does not trigger early cancellation fees, but switching providers might. Check if your new building has any exclusive provider agreements, as some condos and apartments are wired for only one provider.

Water and Sewer

Water and sewer services in BC are typically managed by your municipality rather than a private company. In most Metro Vancouver cities, water is included in property taxes for homeowners, so there is no separate account to transfer. If you are renting, water is usually included in your rent. Contact your city hall if you are unsure about how water billing works at your new address.

Timeline for Utility Transfers

Following a timeline helps ensure nothing gets missed:

• Four weeks out: Research providers at your new address and compare plans if switching
• Two to three weeks out: Contact BC Hydro, FortisBC, and internet/TV providers to schedule transfers
• One week out: Confirm all transfer and installation dates, and schedule disconnection at your old address for the day after move-out
• Moving day: Verify that electricity, gas, and internet are active at your new home
• One week after: Check that final bills from your old address are correct and that deposits have been returned

Do Not Leave Yourself in the Dark

On move-in day, you will want to confirm utilities are turned off in the old home and active in the new house. Although it could be a very hectic day, if you can get your electric, gas, cable, and internet up on the same day, life will be much easier moving forward with your move.

If you use the same utility company in your new home as your old one, communicate with them that you would like to transfer services instead of starting a new account. You will avoid paying termination fees or security deposits. Most utility companies allow you to handle transfers, disconnections, and reconnection services online. Proper timing of utility disconnection can make the difference between a tough and smooth move.

Tip: Know the date for when utilities are due. You could be paying for a month of service you will not be using.

Common Utility Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a plan in place, there are some common mistakes that catch people off guard:

• Waiting too long to call: Last-minute transfer requests can leave you without service on move-in day, especially for internet which often requires a technician visit
• Forgetting about deposits: If you paid a security deposit with your old provider, follow up to make sure it is refunded to you. Some companies apply it to your final bill automatically, while others require you to request it
• Overlapping billing: If you do not coordinate your disconnection and connection dates, you could end up paying for utilities at two addresses simultaneously
• Not reading your final bill: Review your final statement carefully for any unexpected charges. If something looks wrong, dispute it right away rather than waiting
• Ignoring contract terms: If your internet or TV provider has a minimum contract term, cancelling early may result in fees. Transferring service usually avoids this

Some Additional Helpful Electronics Tips

• After you have moved, it is a good idea to let all of your electrical appliances return to room temperature before plugging them in
• It is important to tape your microwave shut and remove the glass plate from your microwave before moving
• Do not forget these details when inspecting properties: check out where TV, phone, and internet connections are located
• Along with electricity, make sure you have contacted your internet and cable providers

Managing utilities is one of those behind-the-scenes tasks that makes a big difference in how smoothly your move goes. If you want help with the physical side of moving, contact Simple Moves for a free quote. We handle the packing, loading, and delivery so you can focus on getting your new home set up and running.

Setting Up Utilities at Your New Home: A Step-by-Step Approach

While disconnecting services at your old address is important, setting up utilities at your new home deserves equal attention. Contact BC Hydro and FortisBC at least one week before your move-in date to schedule connection. Most providers allow you to set a specific start date online, ensuring the lights and heat are on when you arrive with your first load of boxes.

Internet installation often requires a technician visit, and appointment slots can fill up quickly—especially during peak moving months between May and September. Book your installation the moment you confirm your move-in date. If there will be a gap between your move and your internet connection, ask your provider about a temporary mobile hotspot or check whether your phone plan supports tethering for the interim period.

Utility Overlap: Is It Worth the Cost?

Many people cancel utilities at their old address the day they move out, but a short overlap period can save headaches. Keeping hydro and gas active at your old home for two to three extra days gives you time to do a final clean, touch up paint, and handle any last-minute tasks without working in the dark or cold. The cost of a few days of basic service is minimal compared to the inconvenience of doing a move-out clean by flashlight.

Similarly, if you are a homeowner selling your property, keeping utilities active through the closing date ensures the buyer’s home inspection goes smoothly. Inspectors need running water, electricity, and gas to test appliances, plumbing, and heating systems—a home with disconnected utilities can delay or complicate the sale.

Focus on Utilities While Simple Moves Handles the Rest

Coordinating utility transfers is one of those tasks that is easier to manage when you are not also loading a truck. Simple Moves is a full-service moving company that provides both the crew and the trucks, so you can spend your energy on administrative tasks like utility setup while we handle the physical move. Request a free quote or call (604) 398-4680.

Municipal Services and Waste Collection Setup

Beyond electricity, gas, and internet, several municipal services need attention when you move. Waste collection schedules vary by municipality across the Lower Mainland—Metro Vancouver communities each have their own pickup days for garbage, recycling, and organics. Check your new city’s website for your specific collection schedule and any requirements for bin sizes or placement. In some municipalities, you need to register your address with the waste collection provider or request bins be delivered to a new property.

If you are moving from a house to a condo or apartment, waste collection is handled differently. Most multi-unit buildings have communal bins in a designated waste room or loading area. Ask your building manager about recycling procedures, as sorting requirements and accepted materials vary between buildings. Some stratas impose fines for contaminated recycling, so understanding the rules from day one saves potential headaches with your strata council.

Home Security and Lock Changes

One utility-adjacent task that deserves immediate attention is changing the locks on your new home. You have no way of knowing how many copies of the existing keys are in circulation—previous owners, their family members, contractors, dog walkers, and house cleaners may all have copies. A locksmith can re-key your locks for a fraction of the cost of replacing the entire hardware, and the job usually takes less than an hour. If the home has a smart lock, reset it to factory settings and create new access codes before connecting it to your account.