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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
Luuk Kamman
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, 2026Luuk Kamman
ARRANGING GAS, WATER, ELECTRICITY AND INTERNET
Short answer: arrange your energy contract at the new address at least ~2 weeks before handover — take it with you or switch. Note meter readings on departure + arrival, and arrange internet well ahead (longest lead times). Water is region-bound, no choice. See also our moving checklist for the full timing.
⚡ 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
1. ENERGY: GAS & ELECTRICITY
Take it with you or switch — at least 2 weeks before handover. Switching is penalty-free with an open-ended term; with a fixed term watch for early-termination fees. For independent advice on the energy market: the Dutch ConsuWijzer (ACM).
2. WATER
Region-bound — no choice. Just report meter readings to the regional water company: deregister old address + register new.
3. INTERNET, TV & PHONE
Arrange this first — longest lead time (sometimes weeks). Take it with you or switch; check that the provider covers your new address. Many providers have a moving arrangement.
4. METER READINGS
Note + photograph gas, electricity AND water readings — on departure and arrival. Report them to your suppliers. That way you only pay for your own usage and avoid disputes over the final bill.
WATCH FOR DOUBLE ENERGY COSTS
If there's time between your old and new home — for example moving between two homes or renovating without living there — your energy costs can double up if both homes are in your name and switched on. Close off the old address as soon as it's genuinely empty.
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 — short and clear answers.
🔁 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
WHEN SHOULD I ARRANGE ENERGY?
At least ~2 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, usually. Switching is penalty-free with an open-ended term; with a fixed term: possible early-termination fee.
DO I NEED TO CHANGE WATER COMPANY?
No — the water company belongs to your region. Just report the move and meter readings; in another area you automatically end up with a different water company.
WHAT ABOUT MY METER READINGS?
Note + photograph + report to your suppliers. On departure and arrival. That way your final bill is correct 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? 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 changing your address and the rest of the admin. Calculate via what storage costs per month.
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
- From 1 month onwards
- Cancel monthly