Utilities & Moving Guide

Utilities and Moving Guide: Charlotte and Upstate SC

Who provides utilities where you're moving, how to set them up or shut them off around closing, and the moving checklist The Zahn Group walks our buyers and sellers through.

Buying or selling Providers by area Internet Moving checklist After the move FAQ

Buying or selling? Start here

I'm buying: set up your utilities

About 2 weeks before closing, confirm the providers for your new address (see the cards below).
Call or go online to start service in your name, effective your closing date.
Have your closing date, the property address and your ID ready. Some providers ask for a Social Security number or a deposit.
Book internet installation early, since appointments can fill up 1 to 2 weeks out.
Ask the seller for the trash day, HOA contact and recent utility bill amounts so you can budget.

I'm selling: shut off or transfer service

Schedule service to stop the day after closing, never before. The buyer's final walk-through needs power and water on.
Give each provider a forwarding address for your final bill.
Return internet and TV equipment to avoid unreturned-equipment fees.
Cancel any private trash, pest, lawn or security monitoring contracts.
Leave codes, remotes, manuals and HOA contacts for the buyer (see the checklist below).

Good to know: Providers can change from one street to the next, especially in newer neighborhoods and near county lines. Always confirm with the provider using the exact property address.

Utility providers by area

Charlotte and Mecklenburg County

Electric Duke Energy Gas Piedmont Natural Gas Water/sewer Charlotte Water (311 or 704-336-7600) Trash City of Charlotte, town, or HOA

Charlotte water bill tip

Your Charlotte Water bill also includes a stormwater fee. Water is usually turned on within 24 to 48 hours of your request, so call before closing.

Ask about co-ops

Electric co-ops serve some neighborhoods outside city limits. They may ask for a membership fee or deposit, so check before you sign up.

Internet and TV

Check who serves your address

Internet options change street by street. The FCC's National Broadband Map shows every provider and speed available at a specific address.

Search your address

Book installation early

Schedule as soon as you have a closing date. Many households want internet the day they move in, and installation slots fill up.

Selling? Return equipment

Return modems, routers and TV boxes after you move to avoid fees on your final bill.

Moving checklist

6 to 8 weeks out

Get moving quotes and book your mover or truck
Start decluttering and donating
Gather school, medical and vet records
Buyers: confirm your homeowners insurance

2 weeks out

Set up or schedule shutoff for utilities
Book internet installation
File your USPS change of address
Confirm HOA move-in rules (truck parking, elevator reservations)

Closing week

Buyers: final walk-through with lights and water on
Sellers: leave the home clean and empty
Keep keys, documents and essentials with you, not on the truck

First 30 days

Change the locks and garage and alarm codes
Update your driver's license and car registration
Register to vote at your new address
Find your trash and recycling day

Sellers: what to leave for the buyer

Garage remotes, keys and mailbox keys, alarm and gate codes, appliance manuals and warranties, paint colors, and HOA and amenity contacts. A short welcome note with trash day and service contacts goes a long way.

After the move: NC and SC

Moving to North Carolina

Get an NC driver's license and register your car within 60 days
Your county vehicle property tax is billed with your registration renewal ("Tag and Tax Together")
Register to vote with the NC State Board of Elections

NC DMV

Moving to South Carolina

Get an SC driver's license and register your car within 45 days
Apply for the 4% owner-occupied (legal residence) assessment with your county, or your home is taxed at the higher 6% rate
Register to vote with SC Votes

SC DMV

Everyone

File a change of address with USPS
Update your address with banks, insurance, employer and subscriptions
Register pets with your city or county if required

USPS change of address

Getting rid of things before you move

In Charlotte, call 311 to schedule bulky item pickup for furniture and large items. Paint, chemicals and other household hazardous waste go to a Mecklenburg County drop-off center, not the trash. Outside Charlotte, check your town or county solid waste page.

More resources for moving to Charlotte

Charlotte Schools Guide | Moving to Charlotte FAQ | Buyer FAQ | Seller FAQ

Utilities and moving FAQ

When should I set up utilities when buying a home in Charlotte?

Start about 2 weeks before closing and set service to begin on your closing date. Charlotte Water aims to turn service on within 24 to 48 hours of a request, and internet installation can book up 1 to 2 weeks out.

When should sellers turn off utilities?

Schedule service to stop the day after closing. The buyer's final walk-through happens right before closing and needs power and water on.

Who provides water in Charlotte?

Charlotte Water provides water and sewer service in the City of Charlotte. To start or stop service, call 311 or 704-336-7600 and ask for a water move in or move out.

How do I find out which internet providers serve a home?

Search the property address on the FCC National Broadband Map, which lists every provider and available speed at that address.

How long do I have to get a new driver's license after moving?

North Carolina gives new residents 60 days to get an NC driver's license and register their vehicles. South Carolina gives new residents 45 days for both.

Providers, fees and rules are set by each utility and government office and can change. Always confirm details with the provider for your exact address.

Sources: Charlotte Water, Start or Stop Service; City of Charlotte, Trash and Recycling; Union County, Numbers to Know; York County, Utility FAQ; Lancaster County, Utilities; Greenville County, Utilities; OneSpartanburg, Community Resources; FCC National Broadband Map; SCDMV, Moving to SC; NC Division of Motor Vehicles.

Last Updated 10/23/2026