Service Utility

How to Get Utilities Turned on at Your New Home or Apartment

Moving into a new home or apartment can be exciting, and you may be eager to relocate and get settled into your space. In addition to physically preparing for the move by packing boxes and scheduling service with a moving company, you need to think ahead to your living experience inside the new home or apartment. Utility services, such as electricity, gas, and water, are necessary from day one. This means that you need to turn services on before moving day arrives. These are the appropriate steps to take when you are preparing to turn utility services on.

1. Determine Your Utilities Service Providers

Even if you are relocating from one home in town to another home only a few miles away, you should not assume that all utility service providers are the same. Some providers only service specific locations and your options may be limited. In some locations, however, you may have multiple service providers available to choose from. Understand what your options are for each type of service needed in your new home. If you can choose which provider you receive service from, compare rates. Also, read reviews to learn more about their customer service and other relevant factors.

2. Choose Your Dates

After you decide which service providers to use for utilities, you need to determine when your service start date will be. If you are turning off service in your previous home, you also need to select a date for this. Each situation is unique, but most service providers do not start service on the weekends. Also, if you turn service on next Monday, you cannot assume that service will be available first thing Monday morning. To ensure that you have service as soon as you walk in the door, it is best to turn services on the business day before you plan to move in. On that same note, you do not want services turned off before your current home is empty. Cheap Movers (http://www.cheapmoversatlanta.com/) says to plan to turn off services the business day after your moving day or even later if needed.

3. Be Prepared to Make a Deposit

Most service providers have a connection fee or account setup fee. Some will charge this fee to your first month’s bill, so you need to be prepared to have a higher-than-normal utility bill initially. Some providers may require you to deposit to establish service. In many cases, a deposit is required up-front at the time you request service.

Establishing utility services at your new home or apartment is a critical step in the relocation process. You should not expect to turn services on overnight. Plan to call new service providers one to two weeks before your relocation so that you can ensure that your utilities are available as soon as you get to your new home. Remember to set up service for trash pickup and Internet service as well as for electricity, water, and gas.

Relocation Checklist

Packing for a Move – Your Relocation Checklist

So you are getting ready to uproot and relocate your life, and all the preparation you need to do can seem overwhelming. The good news is there is a way to make the task ahead of you seem less daunting. If you use a checklist to make sure you are doing everything you need to do, you’ll have peace of mind in knowing that when the big day comes you are plenty ready. The best way to prepare is to make sure you are getting ready as far ahead of time as possible.

Two months before the move

Assuming you have two months to get ready for the relocation, you’ll want to start prepping. While you won’t be packing anything away yet, there are some steps you can take.

Three weeks before

During the early prep, you’re going to want to start a home inventory of everything you plan on moving. Make sure you are using categories you will easily remember when you need to track everything later. You can either inventory what you have by room if you plan on unpacking everything and putting it exactly where you had it, or you can inventory by type of item.

Type of items can mean something like “electronics” or “bedding,” or it can mean you are inventorying using “master bedroom” and “living room.” How you choose to inventory should be how you think you are going to be able to find every last item when you and your belongings have arrived at your destination.

This is also the perfect time to start packing, especially if you’re planning a long distance relocation. Imperial Movers NYC suggests gathering your moving supplies, then starting to pack up to a month in advance. Start with your out of season wardrobe and decorations, then progress to more frequently used items. For instance, if it’s the middle of summer, there’s no reason to not go ahead and pack up your Christmas dishes, Halloween decorations, and bulky winter clothing. Getting a head start on the packing process makes life much easier the week of your move.

One week before

A week before you have to move and start packing things up, you are going to want to go through all your possessions and decide what you need to keep. Moving can be a stressful time but one positive is you can get rid of things you don’t need to bring with you. This is a way to literally “lighten the load” and get a fresh start at your new home.

While you are throwing away what you don’t want anymore, start packing what you do. Do a couple of cartons a week to stay organized and stay focused. Go room by room, don’t pack a little here and a little there. Make sure you are checking off your inventory while you are packing. This way when you get to where you are going, you will know everything was set aside to be packed.

If something doesn’t end up at your new place, you will better be able to track where it went missing.

Moving Day

Now that the big day is here, you’ll need to pack up the things you needed right up until it was time to go. Make a separate checklist for these items and make sure you record everything. All of this will lead to an easier move.

Neighborhoods

Real Estate Mover Services | 5 Best Neighborhoods in the DC Metro Area

Washington, D.C. is a fascinating city. Locals and visitors alike enjoy its diverse culture, centralized location, and mild weather. Plus, there’s tons of stuff to do, which proves this town isn’t all politics. You can enjoy a vibrant lifestyle with numerous options for entertainment, outdoor recreation, restaurants, and shopping. As the area’s population continues to grow, the influx of more than 1000 new residents a month certainly keeps DC moving companies on their toes.

If you’re planning to make a move to the Nation’s Capital, here’s a round-up of the best places to move in DC:

Capitol Hill

This neighborhood is a good option if you’re planning to work on Capitol Hill. The area comes alive with a breathtaking display of cherry blossoms during spring. You can take in nature’s artwork at the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival or during an afternoon stroll. Charming row houses line the streets and give the area a historic feel. One glimpse will reveal just why this neighborhood is special.

Dog owners and runners will love access to four parks. Enjoy dining on Barracks Row and shopping at Eastern Market. And with access to public transportation, you’ll have opportunity to explore other parts of the city.

Adams Morgan

No place is more unique than Adams Morgan. A cultural mecca with a hip, trendy vibe, the center of action is located on 18th street. There you’ll find specialty shops, art galleries, dining, and clubs. When you’re not enjoying live jazz or eating Ethiopian cuisine, check out the farmer’s market on Saturdays.

Living accommodations include houses and large apartment buildings that are near most places. Besides walking, car-sharing (think Uber) and renting a bike will help you get around. The Circulator bus makes getting to the nearest metro stop a breeze.

Columbia Heights

Columbia Heights is an urban treasure with an impressive assortment of 19th century architecture. The area is home to embassies, family-owned restaurants, big-chain retailers, and cultural institutions. Its vibrant sense of community is captured through the annual Columbia Heights Day festival.

An interesting blend of international professionals and creatives call Columbia Heights home. Most find accommodations ranging from high-rise condo buildings to historic row houses.

Tenleytown

The neighborhood is known for its high elevation. Home to American University, Tenleytown is smaller than most communities. Yet, the small town feel doesn’t keep away young professionals who crave vibrant amenities. Families appreciate the long-term stability of the area and top-rated schools. Housing options include two-story homes and newer apartments.

Cleveland Park

Locals regard Cleveland Park as a safe and easily accessible neighborhood. Its highlights include the Art Deco Uptown Theater and the National Zoo. One of the nation’s first strip malls was built in the area. Today, you’ll find most shopping and dining options on Connecticut Avenue.

An eclectic mix of housing including Victorian-inspired abodes can be found in Cleveland Park. The area also features a dog park funded by member donations.