Part of your “moving in” arrangements will probably involve connecting utilities. If you are renting a property, water and electric will usually be covered by your landlord, the cost of which will be factored into your rent. If you own a property, however, connecting utilities will be your responsibility. You will need to call the local utility companies shortly before your arrival at your new home or immediately after you have moved in. The utility companies will want to know your name, address and employer, and they may ask for details of your income. Most utility companies will perform a credit check. As a newcomer to the US, without a credit history, you are likely to be asked to pay a deposit before any utility services are connected.

Each state or region of the US has its own utility companies, so who you receive service from will depend on where you are living. Competition is low. The cost of setting up your utilities will also vary depending upon the cost of living and upon other factors, such as climate, in the city or state in which you move to. For example, even though the cost of living in California is high, it has some of the lowest average utility costs in the country because it rarely gets cold enough to need much heat during the winter, and the type of heat it experiences in the summer does not necessitate air conditioning. Massachusetts, on the other hand, has some of the highest average utility costs due to the high cost of living and the lengthy, cold winters that are typical of New England.

Electricity and Gas

Natural gas is commonly used to heat homes, but coal or other power sources are sometimes used. In the more humid southern states, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems are commonly powered by electricity.

Water

Most houses in rural areas will receive their water from a well. If you do not have well water, then you will need to arrange for connection to the water supply provided by the relevant utility company. Again, you will need to call them, give them your address, and, as with all the utilities, you either transfer responsibility for it into your own name or you pay the set-up fee. Often the water and sewage services are provided by the city or county. They may also be your provider of “garbage” services.

Household Waste

Each city or town provides garbage collection on a weekly basis. Recycling services are also provided. The items that are accepted for collection vary by town (e.g., some towns may not collect plastics or cardboard), but these items can usually be taken to a recycling centre. In most areas, it is acceptable to place large items, like sofas or old appliances, on the curb for collection by the regular garbage collectors. This service is free, unlike in the UK where you must either hire a skip or pay to have the council remove such items. Check with your local authority to be sure this is acceptable in your town.