What utilities do I need to call before a move-in?

October 23, 2006 4:13 PM

Moving into a new place, for the first time...what do I need to do before I move in? Water, power, sewage???

So I get my keys this Friday. I know the house has electricity, water, and the gas is shut off.

So I assume I need to call my local electricity, gas, water companies to transfer stuff over into my name...but I'm lost, and don't want to forget anything here. For example, who do I pay to come pick up my trash once a week? Is there a sewage fee? Who do i call for that?

The home is in Woodland Hills, Ca...Brownie points if you can get me the phone numbers I need to call directly.

thanks!!

posted by TheDude to Home & Garden (9 answers total)

Here are the phone numbers for phone/utilities/cable.
posted by mullacc at 4:25 PM on October 23, 2006

Woodland Hills Chamber of Commerce Utilities Info. Um, I googled Woodland Hills, CA.
posted by desuetude at 4:27 PM on October 23, 2006

Check your lease, it should state what you utilities you pay for and what (if any) are your landlords responsibility.
posted by Diskeater at 4:29 PM on October 23, 2006

?
posted by chrissyboy at 4:42 PM on October 23, 2006

Don't forget a phone line (unless you are going phone line only). If you are renting, ask the people you are renting from. They may be able to give you a lot of good information. You may also want renters or home owners insurance.
posted by nalyd at 5:10 PM on October 23, 2006

Ahem. I'm just sayin'.
posted by delfuego at 6:28 PM on October 23, 2006

Buying? If so make sure you estimate your taxes for the year and sock a little away each month. Unless it's included in your mortgage payments.

Change of address form with the local post office, you can do this via the web.
posted by beowulf573 at 7:11 PM on October 23, 2006

Bring with you on move-in day, in a single box that you will keep separate from the other boxes:
1. toilet paper
2. paper towels
3. a four-pack of lightbulbs and at least one small lamp that will take a bulb
4. hand-soap
5. a few garbage bags
6. a shower curtain
7. one towel per person
8. scissors and maybe a box cutter
9. a pack of sponges
10. broom and dustpan
11. toolbox
12. phone (if you'll have a landline)
13. phone book or numbers for food delivery in your area
14. if feeding moving buddies:
beer
sodapop
cups
plates
posted by LobsterMitten at 7:19 PM on October 23, 2006 [1 favorite]

Plus sleeping equipment. It's often best to set up your bed and make it as your first action in the new place; then, no matter how tired you get doing other stuff, the bed is ready to go when you drop. Or, sleeping bags can be fine for the first nights.
posted by LobsterMitten at 7:21 PM on October 23, 2006 [1 favorite]