A Quick & Useful Guide to Setting Up Utilities in Your New Home

1. A Quick & Useful Guide to Setting Up Utilities in Your New Home Moving into a new place is exciting, but setting up utilities can feel overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be! Once you know what needs doing and in what order, things can run smoothly. Not to mention, switching providers or setting up a new connection is easier than ever these days. Whether it’s your internet, water, gas, electricity, waste collection, or a New Home Electricity Connection, we’ll walk you through it. This guide covers the essentials for setting up utilities in Australia, so let’s get started! How to Set Up Utilities into a New Home? 1. Start With Electricity and Gas Electricity and gas are usually top priorities when you move in. These run your lights, stove, hot water, heating, and other everyday basics. 2. Check if They’re Already Connected

2. If you're renting, the utilities might already be on. Ask your real estate agent or landlord. If the house was just vacated, the connection may still be active. If not, you’ll need to sort it quickly. Be sure to ask for a same-day connection so you won’t miss a moment of power. 3. Pick a Provider In most areas, you can choose your own gas and electricity providers. Jump online and use comparison websites like Compare the Market or Energy Made Easy to find the best options. Look at plans, connection fees, contract length, and if there are any penalties for switching later. 4. Set Up the Connection Call your chosen provider or sign up online. Try to book the connection at least three business days before your move. If you need power urgently, some services allow you to connect to electricity today. though there may be an extra fee. Make sure someone over eighteen is home during the connection if the meter is hard to access. Not sure who services your area? Use your postcode on online comparison sites to find available Energy Australia plans or others in your region. 5. Water Connection Water is usually handled by the local authority. Here's a quick breakdown: ● NSW – Sydney Water or Hunter Water ● VIC – South East Water, Yarra Valley Water, etc. ● QLD – Urban Utilities or Unitywater ● SA – SA Water ● WA – Water Corporation ● ACT – Icon Water ● TAS – TasWater If you're renting, the landlord usually takes care of the connection. You’ll still pay for usage unless your lease says otherwise. Owners will need to transfer the account into their name. Setting up is simple – just head to your local water provider’s website or call them. You'll need your address, move-in date, and some ID. 6. Internet and Phone Having the internet ready is a must. Most homes now connect through the NBN, but the type of connection varies.

3. ● Check What’s Available Head to the NBN Co website and enter your address to see what kind of setup you’ll have. ● Choose a Provider Popular options include Telstra, Optus, Aussie Broadband, Vodafone, TPG, and iiNet. Compare plans for speed, contract length, and whether a technician needs to visit. Some Energy Australia Plans include internet bundles, which could save time and money. Try to book your connection at least a week in advance. Some services are plug-and-play, while others need more setup. 7. Waste Collection and Council Services Bins and rubbish removal are managed by your local council. When you move in, there should be bins already at the property. Visit your council’s website to: ● Check bin collection days ● Request new or replacement bins ● Get info on recycling and green waste ● Book a hard rubbish pick-up If bins are missing, give the council a call. 8. Mail Redirection and Address Updates Australia Post offers mail redirection for a small fee – handy if you're still getting bills or letters at your old address. Don’t forget to update your new address with: ● Banks and insurers ● Driver’s licence ● Medicare and Centrelink ● Subscriptions and memberships ● Your new home electricity connection account 9. Optional Extras ● Hot Water

4. Some properties have separate systems for hot water that use gas or electricity. Ask your agent or owner if it needs a separate connection. ● Pay TV & Streaming If you use Foxtel or other services, update your address so there’s no interruption. ● Home & Contents Insurance Update or start a new policy once you move. Some Gas and Electricity Providers offer bundle deals with insurance, so it’s worth asking. 10. What to Have Ready When Calling Providers Make sure you have: ● Your full name and ID ● New address and move-in date ● Contact details ● Concession cards (if any) ● Payment info (card or bank account) Keep all this info saved in a doc or notepad so it’s easy to refer back to, especially if you’re in a rush to connect electricity today. Final Tips for a Smooth Move! ● Book connections early ● Take meter readings on day one and snap a photo ● Know where your fuse box, water tap, and gas valve are ● Report any faults or leaks ASAP ● Keep receipts and confirmation emails Getting utilities organised early makes settling in easier. A reliable new home electricity connection, water, internet, and rubbish service means one less thing to worry about on move day. Happy Moving!