Setting up one’s service package when you move takes a lot of work and coordination. Your current utility providers may not be available at your new address and you may need to find new ones. Sometimes, even when your current provider is available at your new address, you may be asked to end your existing contract and start a new one.
To ensure utility availability upon move-in, be sure to contact new providers at least three weeks prior to move-in date. While some utilities can install your service in less than a week, for some you’ll have to wait close to two weeks.
The old-fashioned way of selecting the right service package when moving is to call or contact each provider to do some comparison shopping. Today, there is an option that saves time and money. Sites like Whitefence, Allconnect, Moving and Saveology provide such a service for basic and elective services. All you have to do is type in your new address and the site will display the utilities and providers available in the area. Digital Landing has the same service but only for packages or bundles of Internet, TV and digital telephony.
People who have used these sites generally have positive feedback about their experience. However, not all sites have a complete list of all providers in some cities or areas. When you use these sites, don’t just compare prices between providers, but also make comparisons between sites. After that, call the providers you have chosen to check their rates.
With elective services like phone line, Internet, and TV, it’s almost always better to stick to the basic plans if you don’t use extras like call waiting and forwarding. If you use these services a lot, do some math and see if paying a higher but flat rate for local, long distance and all the extras will work out cheaper. One option that is becoming popular is the communications bundle where you can get phone, TV, and Internet services in one low-priced plan.