Printable movers and utilities checklist for Raleigh: set up electricity, water, internet, trash, and make your move stress-free.
Your Complete Utilities and Moving Checklist for Raleigh
Moving to Raleigh involves coordinating dozens of details — from setting up electricity before you arrive to scheduling movers during a window that works with your closing date. This step-by-step checklist covers every utility provider, timeline benchmark, and practical tip so nothing falls through the cracks.
Electricity: Duke Energy
Duke Energy Progress serves the Raleigh area. You can start new residential service online at duke-energy.com or by calling their customer service line. Plan to have service active at least one business day before your move-in date. Budget roughly $120–$180 per month for a typical 2,000-square-foot home, though summer air conditioning can push bills higher. Duke Energy does not typically require a deposit if you have good credit history, but new-to-state customers may need to provide a Social Security number for a credit check.
Water and Sewer: City of Raleigh Public Utilities
The City of Raleigh handles water, sewer, and stormwater services. Apply for service through the City of Raleigh Public Utilities Department — you can start an account online or visit the One Exchange Plaza office downtown. Water bills for a family of four typically run $50–$90 per month depending on usage. Raleigh bills water and sewer together on a monthly cycle. If your home is outside Raleigh city limits but in Wake County, you may be on a well and septic system instead — your agent or home inspector can confirm.
Trash and Recycling
Inside Raleigh city limits, curbside trash and recycling collection is included in your utility bill. The city provides a 95-gallon rolling cart for trash (collected weekly) and a separate bin for single-stream recycling (collected every other week). Yard waste collection is also available on a rotating schedule. If you are in an unincorporated area of Wake County, you will need to arrange private trash service through a company like Waste Industries or Republic Services — expect $25–$40 per month.
Natural Gas: Dominion Energy or PSNC Energy
Not all Raleigh homes use natural gas — many newer builds are all-electric. If your home has gas (common for furnaces, water heaters, or cooktops), service is provided by Dominion Energy North Carolina (formerly PSNC Energy). Set up service at dominionenergy.com. Gas bills are modest in summer ($15–$25) but can reach $80–$150 in winter for heating.
Internet and Cable
Raleigh has strong broadband options. The major providers are:
- Google Fiber — available in many Raleigh neighborhoods with gigabit speeds starting around $70/month. Check coverage at fiber.google.com.
- AT&T Fiber — widely available with plans from 300 Mbps to 5 Gbps. Competitive pricing, often with promotional rates.
- Spectrum — cable internet available throughout most of Raleigh with speeds up to 1 Gbps.
- Ting Internet — fiber service available in select areas of downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.
Check availability at your specific address before closing — fiber availability can vary block by block, especially in older neighborhoods.
Two Months Before Your Move
- Confirm your closing or lease start date with your agent or landlord.
- Get at least three moving quotes — ask about insurance coverage, stair fees, and whether packing materials are included. Raleigh-based movers include Two Men and a Truck, Triangle Moving, and Gentle Giant.
- Research utility providers for your specific address and note which services need separate setup.
- If you are moving from out of state, begin transferring or obtaining a North Carolina driver's license (required within 60 days of establishing residency).
- Notify your current utility providers of your move-out date and schedule final reads.
One Month Before Your Move
- Book your movers and confirm the date, time, and inventory list in writing. Peak moving season in Raleigh is May through August — book early.
- Submit a change-of-address form with USPS (usps.com). Also update your address with banks, insurance, subscriptions, and employers.
- Schedule utility start dates: Duke Energy (electricity), City of Raleigh (water/sewer), Dominion Energy (gas if applicable), and your chosen internet provider.
- Contact your homeowner's or renter's insurance provider to update or start a new policy for your Raleigh address.
- If you have children, begin the school enrollment process with Wake County Public School System — you will need proof of residency and immunization records.
Two Weeks Before Your Move
- Confirm all utility start dates — call each provider to verify your service will be active on move-in day.
- Pack an essentials box: important documents (closing paperwork, IDs, insurance cards), phone chargers, toiletries, medications, a change of clothes, and first-night supplies like paper towels, toilet paper, and trash bags.
- Notify your current doctor, dentist, and veterinarian to transfer records. Ask for referrals to Raleigh-area providers.
- If your new home has an HOA, review the move-in rules — many HOAs require advance notice, restrict moving hours, or require an elevator reservation in townhome or condo communities.
Moving Week
- Do a final walk-through of your current home and document its condition.
- Confirm your movers' arrival time, crew size, and point of contact.
- Keep your essentials box, valuables, and important documents with you — do not load them on the truck.
- On move-in day, do a walk-through of your new Raleigh home before the truck arrives. Check that electricity, water, and HVAC are working. Note any move-in damage for your records or HOA.
First Week in Your New Home
- Verify all utilities are billing correctly and set up autopay where possible.
- Test your internet connection and set up your Wi-Fi network.
- Locate your electrical panel, water shutoff valve, and gas shutoff (if applicable).
- Introduce yourself to neighbors — Raleigh neighborhoods tend to be welcoming, and many have active Facebook groups or Nextdoor communities.
- Register to vote in Wake County at your new address.
- Update your vehicle registration with the NC DMV within 60 days.
Pro Tips from Local Agents
- Timing matters: If possible, avoid closing and moving on the same day. Build in a buffer day so utilities are confirmed active and you are not rushing.
- HOA coordination: Some Raleigh HOAs restrict weekend or evening moves. Ask your agent to request HOA rules before scheduling movers.
- Summer heat: If moving June through September, plan to have AC running before furniture arrives. Raleigh summers are hot and humid.
- Temporary housing: If there is a gap between selling your current home and closing in Raleigh, extended-stay options near I-440 and North Hills are convenient and centrally located.
Need help coordinating your move timeline with your closing date? Contact the Edwards Real Estate Group — we help families manage every detail of relocating to Raleigh.
