Your utilities when moving
Broadband
Energy
Water
Council tax
Insurance
Phone
Foreign exchange
Credit building
Banking
Cleaning
Setting up utilities for a new home
The average UK mover spends 7 hours dealing with utility setup and admin.
Moving is stressful enough without juggling phone queues, researching suitable suppliers in your area and comparing deals for your new contracts.
To make things easier, we’ve outlined everything you need to know about setting up your utilities for your new home.
What utilities do I need to set up?
We look for the best utility packages, so you can choose what’s right for you. All the heavy-duty admin will be handled by our team of Connections Experts.
Energy
Broadband
Water
Council tax
TV
Mobile
Insurance
Banking
FX
Smart billing
TV licence
Cleaning
Setting up essential utilities
When moving into a new home in the UK, setting up your essential utilities is a key first step. Gas and electricity are typically already connected, but it’s your responsibility to take meter readings and notify the current supplier to ensure accurate billing.
Council tax is another important setup, as it funds local services like waste collection and schools—registration with your local council is required soon after your move. Water supply is automatic in most areas, but registering with the correct supplier and setting up payment can sometimes be tricky. To make the process easier, support is available to help you get everything sorted quickly and correctly.
Opening meter readings
Your electricity and, if you have mains gas, gas consumption will be recorded by your energy meters. There should be opening meter readings included in your move-in inventory, but you should also check the meters yourself and take a photograph.
Proof of address
You may be asked for proof of address to register for services like a controlled parking pass. The easiest way to get this is from your local council, either by calling them to request one or by visiting their offices in person.
We find the current supplier at your new address and register you, plus we’ll compare their tariffs with the best options on the market and help you switch. Get started now
💡 Take your meter readings
Not sure how to take a reading from your energy meter? Take a look at our guide.
💡 Switch to a better tariff
You can save money by switching to a fixed-rate tariff priced below the energy price cap.
💡 Notify the current council
You must inform your new Council that you’ve moved in as soon as possible.
💡 Apply for discounts
Full-time students are exempt from Council tax, and sole occupants receive a 25% discount.
Standard current account
For everyday banking needs with debit card, online banking, and direct debits.
Digital bank account
Mobile-only accounts offering quick setup, and easy management through app or online.
Expat account
Multi-currency accounts designed for non-UK residents, frequent travellers or those who’ve recently moved to the UK.
Setting up a UK bank account
If you’re living in the UK, having a local current account is essential.
A current account is where your salary and pensions are usually paid. You can set up direct debits or scheduled payments to make purchases or pay bills.
More than 97% of the UK’s adult population holds a bank account. Without one, you may face difficulties setting up direct debits for utilities, receiving your salary, and establishing a credit history.
Most banks offer new current accounts without charge. Some banks may offer you perks like cash back, free gifts or higher interest rates.
How much does it cost to open a bank account?
Most standard UK bank accounts are free to open and maintain, though some premium accounts charge a monthly fee for additional benefits. Digital banks like Monzo and Revolut offer free accounts with no monthly fees.
New to the UK? HSBC’s Expat Bank Account is made for people working and living abroad.
What information do I need to set up a bank account?
Proof of identity
Passport, driving license, or national ID card.
Proof of address
Utility bills or tenancy agreement (usually within the last 3 months).
Residence status
Visa or residence permit for non-UK/EU nationals.
Contact details
Phone number, mailing address and email address.
How to find a good mobile deal
The best mobile for you depends on how you use your phone and what features you can’t live without.
Make a list of the features that are important to you, and then compare across as many suppliers as possible to get the best price. You can also use Ofcom’s independent reports on different suppliers to check customer complaints and service issues for the companies you’re comparing.
Can I save money by bundling broadband & mobile?
Yes, you can save money on your mobile and broadband plan by combining the two. Sky, EE and Virgin Media all offer discounts on mobile plans for the broadband customers or vice versa.
is international calling included?
Making international calls is not usually included in the allocated minutes of your mobile plan, even if they’re unlimited. If you’re expecting to make a lot of international calls, look for a plan with an add-on that discounts international calls to save.
Looking for SIM deals? Check out our mobile offers
Unlimited data
Some mobile plans offer unlimited data, but this is only good value for the very busiest users. Look at your monthly data usage in settings, the best value plan for you will be one with a data allowance similar to this.
Limitless social media
If you primarily use a particular app or apps such as Instagram, TikTok or Snapchat, look for a plan with limitless social data. These are cheaper than truly unlimited data.
Unlimited texts and calls
Unlimited texts and UK phone calls are now standard across UK mobile plans except for the very cheapest. However, you’ll usually still pay for international calls and calls to premium numbers.
Why the UK trusts us with utilities
Andres Santana
I talked to Nimisha M. over the phone and it was surprisingly smooth and easy to setup all my utilities. She was very knowledgeable of the different options, estimated average fees, and how utilities work in general in the UK. I recommend anyone to use this service.
Florida Pires
A big thank you to Rebecca who has been incredibly supportive and helpful with all the information and explanations that she has provided me with.
Grant Eudey
Great assistance from Chris in setting up my London apartment utility connections. Everything was explained very clearly, making it very easy for me to follow. Thank you!
Anna Kupriianova
Please Connect Me helped me with my first ever long-term rented accommodation in London. It saved me a lot of time by setting the utilities providers for me. Definitely will recommend this company.
Never stress about moving again
Some services like broadband can take up to 2 weeks to get connected. Get everything arranged early so you’re up and running from day one.
