- Cancel services such as power, gas, water, and internet a little before you move, not on the day itself.
- A recommended timeline is two to four weeks’ notice, a final check one week out, and meter readings on moving day.
- Failing to cancel on time can lead to ongoing bills, late fees, or complications setting up services at your new home.
- Book your new property’s services to start on your move-in day, or overlap a few days for a smoother transition.
- A conveyancer can help take some of the pressure off during a property move.
Moving to a new home in Adelaide is exciting. Along with packing boxes and saying goodbye to neighbours, there is another important task: cancelling your services at your old property. It sounds simple, but getting it wrong can mean bills keep arriving, or worse, you are left without essential services at your new home.
Here is a guide to help you plan when and how to cancel your services, so you are not caught out or paying more than necessary.
What Do We Mean by “Services”?
When we refer to services, we mean the utilities and connections that keep your home running, including:
- Power for lights and appliances
- Gas for cooking or heating
- Water for drinking, washing, and general use
- Internet and phone connections
- Bin collection and other local council services
Essentially, these are the ongoing services you pay for each month to keep your home comfortable and usable.
Why You Need to Cancel Them
If you move out without cancelling your services, a few things can happen:
- You may keep receiving bills for a home you no longer live in
- You could incur late fees if a service charges for non-payment
- You could face delays setting up services at your new home if accounts remain linked to the old property
Cancelling on time keeps your finances in order and helps you start fresh in your new place.
When Should You Cancel Services?
The best time to cancel is generally a little before you move out. A practical timeline looks like this:
- Two to Four Weeks Before Moving: Call each provider and confirm your moving date. Ask how much notice they require, since most companies request at least one to two weeks.
- One Week Before Moving: Double-check that everything is scheduled to stop on your move-out day, and confirm the final bill will include usage up to that date.
- On the Day You Leave: Take final readings for electricity, gas, and water if needed, so you only pay for what you actually used.
- After Moving: Check that you are not still receiving bills by mail or email, and keep confirmation of the cancellations for your records.
How to Cancel Your Services
Cancelling services is usually straightforward. You can typically:
- Call the provider directly and ask them to close your account
- Cancel online through the provider’s website or app, if available
- Send an email or letter if you need written confirmation for your records
When cancelling, it is worth asking:
- When exactly the service will stop, so you are not paying for days you no longer live there
- How your final bill will be calculated, since some providers adjust automatically while others require a meter reading
- Whether you need to return any equipment, such as modems, routers, or smart meters, as failing to do so can sometimes incur a penalty
What About Overlapping Services?
Your new home will likely need the same services, such as electricity or internet. It is a good idea to book your new connections to start on the day you move in, so you are not without power, water, or internet from day one.
Some people choose to overlap services for a few days as extra security, for example keeping electricity connected at the old property for a couple of days while the new connection is established. This can make cleaning and last-minute tasks easier during the transition.
Tips to Make It Easier
- Make a checklist of every service you use and tick each one off as you go
- Keep a record of your account numbers and login details
- Ask each company for written confirmation once your service is cancelled
- Do not forget smaller services, such as newspaper delivery or a local gym membership linked to your old address
It is also worth updating your address with government agencies and licensing bodies. For guidance on updating your details in South Australia, see the South Australian Government’s update your details information.
Why You Might Want Some Extra Support
Moving house involves a lot of moving parts, and small tasks are easy to forget. If you are buying or selling a home in Adelaide, a conveyancer can help take some of that pressure off your shoulders by checking your contract and reminding you of key steps.
Cancelling your services on time might seem like a small task, but it makes a real difference to a smooth move. Planning ahead, using a simple checklist, and double-checking every detail means fewer surprise bills at both your old and new addresses.
Don’t risk missing a step during your move. Our team at Adelaide Conveyancing knows the ins and outs of Adelaide property moves, so you don’t have to. Contact our friendly team today.