Moving throughout New York City means you often deal with switching utilities when moving. It can be an often-overlooked role throughout the moving process.

The pre-move phase of moving can be stressful, complete with to-do lists as long as our arms. Setting up and switching utilities when moving is just one task that always appears on your to-do list.

If you’re unsure of where to start with switching utilities when moving, Liffey Moving are here to help.

Switching utilities - What you need to have

Electricity

You must have electricity before moving into your new, New York home, be it Brooklyn or another Neighborhood. Without it, you’ll be left in the dark, without heat, and without any form of entertainment since your outlets won’t have a power source to charge your phone, tablet, laptop, or DVD player. Yikes!

Ideally, you’ll want to have your electricity up and running a few days before you move in. This way you can rest assured that they’re good to go for move-in day and your first night in your new home.

Contact your supplier in advance and let them know of the move.  This will also make night moves possible should that be a requirement.

Natural Gas

If you’re moving into a home that is all-electric, you can skip this step. If your new residence has a combination of electric and gas fixtures, you’ll need to make sure that your natural gas account is up and in good standing.

Many buildings use gas for heat, as well as to heat your water, and power your range and stove. We say buildings here because most of the time, residences that use gas are apartment buildings or very old houses.

Check in with your apartment or property manager to ensure your heating is up and running before looking at switching utilities. This is especially true for the winter months. switching your utilities when moving is crucial especially if you are going to be new services you are unfamiliar with.

Water

You’re going to need water!

It’s quite amazing how much water we use in a day without really thinking about it -- that is until we forget to get the water turned on at our new place because we forgot about switching utilities!

So, don’t forget to get the water hooked up! Again, turning it on a day or two before you move in is the best idea. Then, when you get there, turn the faucet on and let it run for a minute or two to rinse the pipes out and make sure that the water heats up and flows properly.

To open your water account, call the NYC Department of Environmental Protection. It should be a simple process, switching utilities when moving but always call in advance just in case.

Trash

Some apartments require tenants to have their own accounts for trash services. If this is the case for you, be sure to have it set up within a day or two of relocating.

This is great to have for your move-in day to help get rid of all your packing supplies. We recommend recycling as much as possible, but if that is not possible have your thrash account set up can help.

Additional utilities to consider

Phone Services

While phone service isn’t technically a utility, it is quite important for many of us.

If you like to have a home phone you might need to start a new account or make an adjustment to your existing plan so that the service can be added or moved to your new home. You’ll likely be able to do this online for free.

Internet:

Having a home internet connection can help with entertainment and work. Get this set up along with your phone and electricity connections and ensure everything is in working order.

Having a stable internet connection will make the first few days in your new home a bit more comfortable.

Save yourself money

Switching your utilities and providers and notifying existing providers should be done in advance of your move. It is one of the great ways to reduce your bills and costs during your move as it will save on penalties.

Though this is not an exhaustive list of things to remember when switching utilities when moving we certainly hope it helps with some of your planning. For other tips and ideas for moving, check out our blog at Liffey Moving.

Trust us when we say that this is a very common occurrence. Often food and cooking items are the last items on people’s minds. That’s why we have put together this list of simple meals for moving days and snacks that you should consider.

Moving days can be long and stressful. You might not have time to go for a meal. Having some ready-made meals for moving days will tame your hunger and make the day run much smoother. So, what are our choices of meals for moving days?

Simple snacks for moving days:

Let’s start with the basics of what you should have in a picnic basket on moving days. Fruit, energy bars and juices are all ideal treats to have throughout the day, full of energy and great for heavy lifting and moving about. Make sure to have enough for yourself and the rest of your party.

Although they won’t keep you full, on a warm summer’s day or cold winter evening you will be glad for that little burst of energy. Yoghurts are also a perfect and small snack to have on moving days.

But what if you want something more fulfilling.

Simple Meals for moving days

Chili con carne or with vegetables

You knew this was going to be on the list, but chilli is a simple go-to favourite for many. Prep with your favourite ground meat and vegetables, add spices, tomato, beans and hot sauce and sour cream to flavour. Add a little rice if you are feeling a little more adventurous.

Hearty and filling chilli is an ideal choice.

Soup:

A soup of any kind will make a great meal for moving days. Find your favourite recipes or use what is left in your kitchen to make a tasty soup for you and others. Soups are a great way to empty the last of the kitchen foods and leave nothing to waste.

Sandwiches:

Easy to make, filling and another ideal way to empty the kitchen cabinets. Sandwiches can be made for individuals, or you can simply choose what everyone is having. Empty the fridge and cabinets and build yourself one tasty tower.

Stir fry:

A vegetarian or meat stir fry, involves a wok, some sauces vegetables and some spices to flavour. Make your stir fry as large or as small as you like, and you can make it last for a few days.

Pasta:

Probably the easiest one on the list. Get your favourite pasta and sauce, cook them up and put them away for later. Great for a quick meal and energy burst and ideal when using your favourite sauces.

Salads:

Should you have emptied your fridge already? No fear as a simple salad with tasty dressing should clear up any hunger pangs that you may be facing. Pop down to your local store and grab the greens that you love.

Fruit Salad or smoothies:

Making yourself a tasty fruit salad or some smoothies for moving day can also be a nice treat. Simple and easy to make, just dice mix and/or blend your favourite fruits into a container and enjoy them throughout the day. One of the easiest meals for moving days by far.

Long Distance Moving:

 For those of you undertaking a long-distance move with Liffey Moving, we suggest that you set aside a budget for meals and snacks.

With the amount of work that goes into cross-country moves happily, some nice meals should provide at least some comfort for you during your trip.

There is nothing better than sitting down for a tasty meal after a long days’ work. Trust us our team should know.

Simple meals for moving days are perfect for short moves throughout the city, or perhaps your first day during a long trip but that’s it.

What to remember:

The main thing to remember with your meals for moving days is to have them prepared in advance in clean and easy to access storage boxes.

It may be possible that only the microwave is accessible for a few days so make your meals for moving days last if you need them.

For other tips and tricks on moving and packing, check out the blog here at Liffey Moving.