When Should You Transfer Utilities?
Contact utility providers approximately two to three weeks before moving when possible. New construction, account deposits, identity verification or an unavailable service appointment can add time.
Arrange for service at the new home to begin no later than the day you receive possession. Keep essential service at the old home through the end of moving day so you still have lights, water, heating or air conditioning while loading and cleaning.
Start With the Exact Property Address
Utility providers are not determined solely by the postal city.
A home with a Buford, Suwanee, Lawrenceville or Cumming mailing address may be located outside that city’s municipal limits. The exact address determines which government or utility serves the property.
Ask the seller, landlord, builder, property manager or utility provider to confirm service responsibility.
Water and Sewer Service
Gwinnett County’s Department of Water Resources allows customers to start, stop or transfer water service through its customer portal.
You may be asked to provide:
- Service address.
- Requested start date.
- Identification.
- Contact information.
- Billing address.
- Lease or ownership information.
- Deposit or account fee when applicable.
Do not assume every address in Gwinnett County receives county water. Some municipalities operate their own systems.
City of Buford Utilities
The City of Buford provides water, sewer, gas and electric service to various service areas. Its utility department instructs new customers to use the city’s service application and provides customer-service assistance for account questions.
Because service territories do not always follow postal boundaries, verify eligibility using the exact address.
Electricity and Natural Gas
Ask the current owner, landlord or builder which electricity provider serves the home.
Natural-gas service may require selecting a gas marketer in areas served by a deregulated system. Confirm whether the home uses natural gas for heating, water heating, cooking or fireplaces before opening an account.
Trash and Recycling
Gwinnett County provides an address-based process for starting solid-waste service. Residents can enter a property address to identify service information.
Some cities and apartment communities use separate providers or include trash service in rent or HOA dues.
Ask:
- Which day is pickup?
- Are carts already at the property?
- Is recycling included?
- Is bulk-item pickup available?
- Does an HOA restrict where carts are stored?
- Is apartment trash collected from a compactor, dumpster or doorstep?
Internet Service
Schedule internet installation early, particularly if you work from home. Appointment availability may be limited near month-end or in newly constructed communities.
Confirm:
- Which providers serve the address.
- Maximum available speed.
- Whether the home is already wired.
- Whether equipment will be shipped or installed.
- Whether someone must be present.
- Whether you need to return equipment from the old address.
Utility Transfer Checklist
Two to three weeks before moving
- Identify every provider.
- Schedule start and stop dates.
- Pay outstanding balances.
- Arrange required deposits.
- Schedule internet installation.
- Ask about equipment returns.
On moving day
- Photograph utility meters when appropriate.
- Confirm water and electricity are active.
- Adjust the thermostat.
- Test major appliances.
- Keep account confirmation numbers available.
After moving
- Update billing addresses.
- Confirm final bills.
- Verify autopay settings.
- Check that old accounts are closed.
- Save new account information securely.
Utilities Scheduled? Let Us Help With the Move
