Moving is a hectic time. The combination of packing up belongings and organizing everything that goes into the process can be overwhelming. But there are a few things to remember when it comes to moving and your utilities that might make the process a little bit smoother.

Explore your options.

Depending on where you move, you may have the opportunity to use a natural gas and electricity supplier other than your local utility company. Due to deregulation, companies like Agway Energy Services are providing consumers with supply choices and services beyond what a local utility company can offer.

And, with Agway, you can enroll in Agway GreenChoice™ which allows you to support small hydroelectric, wind and bioenergy plants based in New York, Pennsylvania and Maryland.

You need to know your firm move-in date.

Most utility providers require a few days and some up to ten days to get utilities set up. So when you call your new provider, ensure you know exactly what day you want your utilities to be turned on.

New utilities can be a time to start fresh.

Realizing you should have looked into your options with your previous company? Now’s the time to reassess.

Don’t forget to turn off your old utilities.

A common mistake of anyone moving–they forget to turn off their old utilities. Don’t get stuck paying for utility usage you’re not actually using. Make sure your utility provider is made aware that you’re moving well in advance so that you can plan to either transfer service or shut it off at the appropriate time.

These four tips will help ensure your utility transfer process goes smoothly. Keeping the kids occupied while you’re trying to unpack? We hear bubble wrap is a good distraction.