How to I get my gas, electric and water connected?

On the day you move into your own place, find out where the the gas and electricity meters are and take a reading (write down the numbers displayed on the meter).

If you are responsible for arranging who provides your utilities, shop around for the cheapest deals - uswitch.com is a good place to start.

Check whether you have card operated 'pay-as-you-go' meters fitted, or whether you will be paying bills - and how often. If you have meters, make sure you have enough money in your budget to avoid running out of power. If you don't have meters, think about whether this might make budgeting easier for you and speak to your landlord.

Let the utilities providers know your name and date you moved in, and give them the meter readings you took on the first day - they'll do the rest!

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