How to Transfer Utilities When Moving in the Minneapolis Metro Area
You’ve found the perfect new place, hired your movers, and started packing. But have you taken care of your utilities? Transferring or setting up utilities is one of those essential moving tasks that often gets pushed to the bottom of the list — and forgotten entirely until you’re standing in a dark, internet-less apartment on moving day.
Here’s a practical guide to handling utilities for your Minneapolis metro area move.
When to Start: 2–3 Weeks Before Your Move
Most utility providers need at least a week’s notice to process a transfer or disconnection — but two to three weeks gives you a comfortable buffer and avoids any service gaps or overlap fees.
Electricity and Natural Gas
In the Minneapolis metro, your electric and gas service is likely through one of two main providers:
- Xcel Energy — serves most of the Twin Cities metro area for both electricity and natural gas
- CenterPoint Energy — provides natural gas service in many Minneapolis metro communities
Contact both providers to schedule a service stop at your old address and a start date at your new address. Be specific about dates — you typically want a slight overlap to ensure there’s no gap in service.
Water and Sewer
Water service is handled by your municipality. If you’re moving within the same city, contact your city’s utility department to update your address. Moving to a different suburb means closing service with one city and opening it with another.
Internet and Cable
Internet transfers are notoriously finicky. Contact your provider at least 2–3 weeks in advance and confirm the new address has service available. Popular providers in the Minneapolis metro include:
- Comcast Xfinity
- CenturyLink (Quantum Fiber)
- Midcontinent Communications
Note: service availability varies significantly by suburb and even by street. If your new area doesn’t have your current provider, give yourself time to research and sign up with a new one before move-in day.
Renter’s or Homeowner’s Insurance
Update your insurance policy to reflect your new address as soon as possible. Your current policy likely covers the move itself only briefly — check with your provider for specifics, and make sure coverage is active at your new address from day one.
Mail Forwarding — USPS
Go online to USPS.com and submit a change-of-address request at least 1–2 weeks before your move. Mail forwarding typically begins within 1–2 weeks and continues for up to 12 months. This buys you time to update your address with banks, subscriptions, and other mailers.
A Quick Checklist
- ☐ Xcel Energy (electric/gas)
- ☐ CenterPoint Energy (gas, if applicable)
- ☐ City water/sewer
- ☐ Internet and cable
- ☐ Renter’s/homeowner’s insurance
- ☐ USPS mail forwarding
- ☐ MN DMV (driver’s license and vehicle registration)
- ☐ Voter registration update (mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us)
Moving in the Minneapolis metro area? 1st Class Moving makes the physical move smooth and efficient — and we’re happy to share more local tips like these to help you get settled in fast. Contact us today for a free estimate on your upcoming move.
