Whether you are moving to an apartment for the first time or are switching apartment complexes, getting utilities set up is one of the most important parts of making sure you have everything you need. Each apartment is different, so knowing what needs to be done and how to handle the setup is crucial. Luckily, there are overall tips for setting up utilities, and you can reach out to your landlord and local providers for more specific advice.
Know what you need
Think of all the things you use on a regular basis. You likely use water, and hot water at that, for showers. Electricity gives you light and the capability of having a laptop or computer to do assignments on. You throw away trash and recycling, so you need to know how to get pickup. All of these things and more are utilities that you need to figure out how to set up or use. Ask your friends and family members to make sure you do not miss anything. Check with your landlord to see what they handle for you and what you will need to figure out for yourself. Knowing what you need is the first step to getting set up, as you do not want to miss something you desperately need.
Ask for help if needed
Even if you have been in an apartment before, it is likely that you do not know how to set everything up. Not knowing what you are doing when setting up equipment can lead to injuries or property damage that you will be responsible for repairing later. Asking a professional for help, or even having a family member who has experience help out can help ensure things are done correctly and safely. That way, you will be set and not have to worry about further repairs down the line. Also, do not be afraid to consult your landlord or property manager to make sure you are following all of the rules for the apartment.
Know how to save money
While some utilities may be included in your apartment’s rent, some may not be. This means that you will be responsible for extra bills. As a college student, you are on a tight budget as it is so it is crucial that you are aware of how to save money. Doing things like turning off lights when you leave a room and not leaving the TV on all day can help cut costs on your electric bill. Limit your water use by shortening your shower time and not leaving the sink running when you are brushing your teeth. Not only will this help save you money, but it will also help the environment as well.
Plan ahead
If you are using utility companies to set up services not already in place by your property manager, you will have to set up a time to get the services installed so that they are ready when you move in. That way, you will not be scrambling when you move in and your new apartment will have everything you need ready to go and be enjoyed. Know how long it will take each utility to be set up and plan accordingly for your move-in date. Waiting until the last moment will leave you stressed and without crucial utilities until you are able to get them.
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Create online accounts
Many utility companies offer online accounts where you can manage your utilities and pay your bills. If your providers allow you to have this, be sure to get the account set up and put in any payment info such as a card or bank account that you will use to pay your bills. You may even opt to have automatic payments if this is available to help simplify things. Having online accounts helps you manage your utilities in one place and makes communication with providers easier if they have online messaging capabilities. Just be sure to keep your account information safe, just like you do with other online accounts.
Pay up
As mentioned before, you may be responsible for paying additional bills beyond your rent for your utilities. You will be mailed or emailed an invoice for the cost and will be responsible for paying the bill before the due date. This will help ensure that your services stay on and that you do not have any interruptions. Setting up an online account if possible helps eliminate the possibility of your payment being lost in the mail. Also, this is helpful if you do not have paper checks and your bank is not local to where you go to school. Make sure you have enough money in your account so that you do not overdraft, as some banks charge overdraft fees.
Setting up utilities can seem stressful, but knowing what to do and who to ask for advice can make the process that much simpler for you and will help eliminate problems down the line.
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