Energy, internet and water when moving: what to do when?

On your first evening in your new home, you want lights, hot water and wifi. That only works if you sort out energy, internet and water in good time. Internet in particular has a long lead time. Below you can read, for each one, when to take action and what not to forget on moving day itself.

Internet and TV: start earliest

Internet is the thing that most often gets arranged too late. Providers sometimes need to send an engineer or activate a connection, and that takes time. So tell them about your move as early as possible, ideally six to eight weeks in advance. As soon as you know your new address and the key date, you can get started.

• Check on your provider's website whether your current package is available at the new address. Not every provider has fibre or cable everywhere.
• If it is not available, you often have the right to cancel your contract. Check your terms to see what applies.
• Ask for the date when the connection will be active and whether an engineer needs to come. Make sure you are home then.
• Return old modems and boxes if the provider asks for them, otherwise you may be charged.

If the connection takes longer than planned, a mobile hotspot or a temporary 4G or 5G router will get you through the first few days.

Energy: four to six weeks in advance

In most cases you can take your energy contract with you to your new address. Tell your supplier about your move about a month in advance. They will adjust the contract, with a new monthly advance payment that suits the new home. A flat usually uses less than a detached house, so take a critical look at that amount.

A few things to look out for:

• If you are moving to a home without a gas connection, the gas part of your contract ends. Let them know.
• If you have a fixed-term contract, check whether moving affects the term or means an early exit fee.
• If you are choosing a new supplier instead, arrange that in good time too, so there is no period without a contract.
• If you have solar panels on your old home, they usually stay with the house. Agree with the buyer or landlord what happens to the feed-in.

Water: shortly before moving day

You do not choose your water supplier: you get it from the drinking water company in your region. In Friesland and the Noordoostpolder that is Vitens, in the north of Noord-Holland it is PWN. If you move within the same area, you only pass on your new address and the date. If you move to another region, you sign off with the old water company and sign up with the new one. Two to four weeks in advance is plenty of time.

Meter readings on moving day

On the day of the key handover, write down the electricity, gas and water meter readings, in both the old and the new home. Take a photo of them too. That way you do not pay for the previous or next occupant's usage. When you buy a home, the readings are often noted at the notary's office or at the handover. When renting, it usually happens at the final inspection.

Then pass the readings on to your energy supplier and your water company. Many suppliers read a smart meter themselves, but a photo is a good check.

A simple timeline

1. Six to eight weeks before: update your internet and TV or take out a new subscription.
2. Four to six weeks before: inform your energy supplier and have the advance payment adjusted.
3. Two to four weeks before: inform the water company.
4. Moving day: write down and photograph the meter readings, in both homes.
5. First week: pass on the readings and check that your first bill is correct.

Your municipality (gemeente), bank, insurer and other organisations also need to know your new address. You can read more about that in updating your address. For an overview of everything involved in a move, the moving checklist helps.

Book the move itself in good time too

All these dates depend on your moving date. So fix it early. With the free moving check, you and GD Verhuisbedrijf map out what needs to happen, so you can build the rest of your planning around it.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I arrange internet when moving?

Start six to eight weeks before your moving date. Activating a connection or booking an engineer can take several weeks, especially in a new-build home.

Can I take my energy contract with me to my new home?

Usually, yes. Tell your supplier about your move a month in advance. Check that the term and conditions of your contract stay the same.

Can I choose my own water company?

No, the water company depends on the region where you live. You only need to tell them about your move, so the bill goes to the right address from the right date.