Moving soon? Here's what you need to know to setup utilities.

What this guide is for

Setting up utilities for your new home

The average UK mover spends 7 hours dealing with utility setup and admin.


Moving is stressful enough without juggling phone queues, researching suitable suppliers in your area and comparing deals for your new contracts. To make things easier, we’ve outlined in this guide, everything you need to know about setting up your utilities for your new home.

Start your utility setup

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Energy
Broadband
Council tax
Water
Entertainment
Mobile
Insurance
Banking
FX services
Energy
Broadband
Council tax
Water
Entertainment
Mobile
Insurance
Banking
FX services
Energy
Broadband
Council tax
Water
Entertainment
Mobile
Insurance
Banking
FX services

Essential services

What utilities do I need to set up?

Here are a list of essential services you need to set up for your new home.

What about non-essential utilities?

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Set up all your utilities in minutes

Get all your utilities sorted while saving up to £532 on bills with exclusive offers.

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Getting started

What information will I need to set up accounts?

To open your new utility accounts, you’ll need:

  • Your new address

  • Your move-in date

  • Your contact details

  • Your payment details

  • Current & opening meter readings

Your first bills will take 4-6 weeks to arrive by post and will include an account number. Your supplier will ask for this to verify your new address, and you can use it to open online accounts for your services.

You may be asked for proof of address to register for services like a controlled parking pass. The easiest way to get this is from your local council, either by calling them or visiting their office.

Ready? Start your utility setup

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Did you know?

How much is the average utility bill in the UK?

Monthly utility bills for a household vary wildly depending on the size of the home, the number of occupants and the household’s habits. Even the cost for a single service like broadband covers a huge range, with packages in 2024 ranging from £25 a month up to more than £60 a month.


Your bills for energy will be based on consumption, while your bill for water will be based on either consumption or your property size.


To make things simpler, use our utility bill calculator. Just input a few details about your property and we’ll estimate your annual cost for energy, water and TV licence. You can also check your council tax bill estimate here .

Estimate utility bill

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Gas & Electricity

Setting up energy

Gas and electricity are usually left connected in the UK, so they should be available from the day you arrive. You’re responsible for taking opening meter readings and informing the current supplier of your move dates. This means they can bill you correctly, and you won’t be charged for any of the previous occupant’s usage.

Once you’re registered with the current supplier you can shop around for a better value energy tariff.

Opening meter readings

Your electricity and, if you have mains gas, gas consumption will be recorded by your energy meters. There should be opening meter readings included in your move-in inventory, but you should also check the meters yourself and take a photograph.

Differences between fixed & variable tariffs

Whether your tariff is fixed-rate or variable, you’ll always pay for the amount of energy you use. Under a fixed-rate tariff, your per-unit price and daily standing charge will stay the same for the length of your contract. Under a variable tariff, your prices will be adjusted every three months based on the energy price cap.

How to set up energy

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Water

Setting up water

You need to let your water company know when you move into a new property.

If you have a water meter, give your water company at least 5 working days notice so they can arrange a final meter reading. If you don’t give them enough notice you could be charged for water that’s used after you move out.

If you’ve moved to an area with a different water company, let them know. You may need the following information to register:

  • Your address

  • Move-in date

  • Contact details

  • Bank account information for setting up payment (direct debit is recommended)

Notify your suppliers as soon as you can

Setting up an account with the correct move dates and opening meter readings ensures you don’t pay for anyone else’s water usage.

How to set up water

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Council tax

Setting up council tax

Council Tax funds essential services like rubbish collection, the fire brigade, libraries, schools and more. The amount you pay is based on the value of your property, with every home being placed in a Council Tax band from A to H.

To set up Council Tax billing, you’ll need to reach out to your new council with the details of your move. This includes your full address, the date you became responsible for the property and your contact details. You’ll receive an opening bill by post that will include a unique property reference you can use to set up your payment.

What is council tax band based on?

Your Council Tax band is based on the 1991 value of your property, including any changes that have been made to the property since then and adjusted based on inflation. If your home was built after 1991 it’s band is assigned based on what it’s value would have been.

Tax reduction & exemption

Full-time students are exempt from Council Tax, and sole occupants receive a 25% discount. Read more about discounted council tax in the UK.

How to set up council tax

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Broadband & TV

Setting up broadband & TV

With electricity, gas and water, you can simply turn up to your new house on moving day and take over the existing utilities. It’s not quite as straightforward with broadband and TV.

Getting a new connection set up can take as long as four weeks. Different suppliers are available in different areas, so you’ll need to do some research on what your options are at your new address.

Once you’ve chosen the supplier and package that’s right for you, book your installation to get connected.

Cancelling your broadband without a fee

Switching suppliers when you move can be a great way to save on your bills and get better service. Read our guide to find out how to cancel broadband contracts with the UK’s biggest suppliers including Sky, Virgin Media, BT and Hyperoptic without exit fees.

How to set up broadband

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Questions about our service

Is this service free?

Yes! Our service is completely free for movers.

How much can I save?

What services are included?

Can I choose my suppliers?

How can I track my setup?