Casula There’s no better time to review your utilities than when you’re moving house.
We break down what you need to know about various services and utilities, plus the easiest way to connect – and disconnect – during your move.
Internet
Internet can be tricky to organise on short notice and you should start your arrangements a couple of weeks before moving into your new property.
The first step is to check what type of internet is available at your new residence, with options including nbn and ADSL. You can usually do this by plugging your address into a service provider website.
Your ideal plan may vary based on how you use the internet.
Depending on the internet type, transferring your connection could be fairly easy and may be done entirely online without having to wait for a technician to formally set you up.
However, chances are you will still need a technician of some kind and a new modem mailed to you, which can take anywhere between one day and two weeks.
So if you want WiFi on the day you move in, best to work in advance.
What internet plan is right for me?
The logistics of transferring internet to a new home are fairly simple to understand. However, moving can be a good time to review which plan is best. This tends to vary based on data amounts and download speeds.
Consider what you use your internet for. For instance, if you only use it for the odd Google search and basic streaming on your computer, you can possibly get away with a low-speed, low-data connection – which will also be the cheapest.
Alternatively, if you’re a gamer or want to stream a lot of HD content on your large-screen smart TV, you will need a much larger and faster deal. Similarly, if the number of people you’re living with is changing with your move, factor this into your usage.
Fees:
Upfront fees vary between providers. You will traditionally be charged a set-up, connection or activation fee as well as a fee for your modem if you need one.
Connection fees can vary with more expensive ones costing around $100, but many services will offer free installation.
Similarly, less expensive modems can cost as little as $70, while expensive ones can cost over $250 – to be paid up-front or added as a monthly cost to your plan.
Electricity
Electricity transfers or connections can be done in advance and online.
You should have an online account with your existing provider where you can easily register a move.
How and when do you use the most energy at home?
The trick is aligning the days you move in and out. Before disconnecting your current property, ensure you’ve accounted for moving day.
As there is a chance your provider could disconnect you in the morning, leaving you without electricity for the rest of the day, it’s a good idea to register the date of disconnection as the day after your moving day.
Which electricity plan is right for me?
Occasionally, your existing provider may not supply electricity to your new home or region. Otherwise, you may want to change providers entirely and get yourself a better deal. The legwork is in the research and understanding how electricity is charged.
The first step is to consider when and how you use the most electricity. Then you can decide how you want to be charged. This does get a little complicated, so seek advice from multiple providers.
For example, the way you are charged can be based on a single-use rate (one consistent rate), a block rate (the price fluctuates with each daily or quarterly ‘block’ of energy usage) or a time of use rate (where prices vary depending on peak/off-peak times).
Finally, there will be other variables that impact your energy bills, like solar, smart meters and green energy plan options.
To compare plans, the Australian government offers a simple tool via its Energy Made Easy website.
Fees:
Energy companies often charge standard fees for both connection and disconnection. These also vary between provider and often regions. While your fee could be less than $15 with some providers, others might be more than $90.
Check your contract and clarify these ahead of time.
Gas
Connecting gas and electricity is similar. Naturally, you need to check if your new property has a gas connection.
Again, start the process in advance and give your current or new gas provider a heads up to allow for at least a few days for the connection to be completed.
Do you need a gas connection at your new home?
Which gas plan is right for me?
Again, gas plans are charged similarly to electricity with various plans and fee models to choose from.
Like electricity, consider the times and methods of gas usage in your home. Then, you can start your comparisons and figure out which plan is best.
Fees:
Gas providers tend to charge connection/disconnection fees.
Assuming your new residence allows for a gas connection, the good news is gas set-up fees tend to be quite affordable. A pricier fee here shouldn’t be more than $60, while lower-end fees are around $10.
Why not do it all at once?
Overall, when it comes to connecting and disconnecting utilities, the best advice is not to leave it too late. Start your research early and then you can schedule your connections in advance.
Connectnow makes this easy for you. They can sort your essential home moving needs in one simple call with their free service.
Instead of having to organise your internet, electricity, gas and even pay TV directly with each individual provider, connectnow can arrange all of these connections for you over the phone.
While your chosen service providers may still charge those previously mentioned fees, connectnow can save you a lot of time and effort – at no added cost.
connectnow
Connectnow is a free service that takes the stress out of moving by sorting your essential home moving needs in one call. Sort your electricity, gas, internet, pay TV and more over the phone, and get free quotes for removalists and cleaners. With over 19 years’ experience, connectnow works with a range of trusted service providers to help make your move easier.
Article from realestate.com.au
Connectnow https://bit.ly/3onnhhv
