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Utilities when moving: gas, water, electricity and internet
When you move, gas, water, electricity and internet all need to come along. Arrange it in time and report your meter readings correctly, and you avoid paying for usage that isn't yours — or being left without internet for weeks. This guide shows, per utility, how to transfer it, when to arrange it, and how to avoid double costs.
Moving tipsMaking space
Moving
June 24, 2026
Bram Jansen
6 min
Utilities when moving: gas, water, electricity and internet
When you move, gas, water, electricity and internet all need to come along. Arrange it in time and report your meter readings correctly, and you avoid paying for usage that isn't yours — or being left without internet for weeks. This guide shows, per utility, how to transfer it, when to arrange it, and how to avoid double costs.
Moving tips
Making space
Moving
June 24, 2026Bram Jansen
ARRANGING GAS, WATER, ELECTRICITY AND INTERNET
Short answer: arrange your energy contract at the new address at least about two weeks before key handover — you can take your contract with you or switch. Note the meter readings on departure and arrival, and arrange your internet well in advance, as that has the longest lead times. Water you don't choose: it's region-bound.
1. ENERGY: GAS & ELECTRICITY
You can take your current energy contract with you to your new address, or use the moment to switch — the latter is penalty-free if your contract has an open-ended term. Arrange it at least about two weeks before key handover, so there's simply power and gas on arrival. If you're still in a fixed term, watch for a possible early-termination fee.
2. WATER
For water you have no free choice of supplier: it's tied to the region you live in. So you don't switch — you just report the meter readings to the regional water company, both in your old and your new home. When moving, you deregister at the old address and register at the new one.
3. INTERNET, TV & PHONE
Arrange internet first ideally, because lead times vary the most — sometimes several weeks. You can take your subscription with you or switch; do check that your provider covers your new address, as not every provider is available everywhere. Many providers have a moving arrangement to carry your subscription over smoothly.
4. METER READINGS
Note the gas, electricity and water meter readings in your old home on the day you leave, and in your new home at key handover. Take a photo as proof and report them to your suppliers. That way you only pay for your own usage and avoid disputes over the bill.
WATCH FOR DOUBLE ENERGY COSTS
If there's time between your old and new home — because you renovate first, say — your energy costs can temporarily run double if both homes are in your name and switched on. Bear that in mind and close off the old address as soon as it's genuinely empty, so you don't pay for two homes unnecessarily.
⚡ Energy (gas & electricity): take it with you or switch, at least ~2 weeks ahead
💧 Water: region-bound, no choice — just report the meter readings
🌐 Internet & TV: well in advance, lead times vary per provider
📸 Note meter readings on departure and arrival
By Bram Jansen — Lead Storage Advisor at Inbox Storage. Updated: June 2026.
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UTILITIES: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The questions we get asked most about gas, water, electricity and internet when moving — with short, clear answers so you forget nothing.
WHEN SHOULD I ARRANGE ENERGY?
Arrange your energy contract at the new address at least about two weeks before handover. Then there's power and gas on arrival, and you have time to switch to a better contract if you want.
CAN I TAKE MY CONTRACT WITH ME?
Yes, you can usually take your energy and internet contract with you to your new address. If you'd rather switch, that's penalty-free with an open-ended term; if you're still in a fixed term, account for a possible early-termination fee.
DO I NEED TO CHANGE WATER COMPANY?
No, for water you have no choice — the water company belongs to your region. If you move to another area, you automatically end up with a different water company. You only need to report your move and the meter readings.
WHAT ABOUT MY METER READINGS?
Note and photograph the meter readings in your old home on departure and in your new home on arrival, and report them to your suppliers. That way your final bill at the old address is settled correctly and at the new address you only pay for your own usage.
NEED SPACE DURING THE TRANSITION?
Does your old home need to be empty before the new one is ready, or are you renovating first without living there? Then we pick up your belongings at your door and keep them safe and climate-controlled until you can move on — from one month. That frees your hands for all the admin. Also read our guide on moving between two homes.
🔁 Take your contract or switch? Switching is free with an open-ended term
📅 Arrange internet first — the longest lead time
🧾 Meter readings prevent bills for someone else's usage
🏠 Between two homes? Expect temporary double usage
Transfer in time and report meter readings — that's how you start in your new home without surprises.
Calculate your storage price in 60 seconds at Inbox Storage.
Need space during your move?
We pick up your belongings at your door and store them until your new home is ready — so you can focus on the rest.
- Throughout NL and Belgium
- Picked up & returned to your door
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