How can you seamlessly transfer utilities?

In the Netherlands of 2026, a home is more than just four walls; it is a complex hub of energy, water and digital connectivity. When moving, seamlessly transferring utilities, gas, electricity, water and internet is one of the most critical logistical operations. Nothing is more frustrating than arriving in a cold house with no working Wi-Fi or running water after a long moving day. Thanks to the further digitization of the energy market and the widespread deployment of smart meters, the process will be faster than ever in 2026, but the responsibility for a smooth transition still lies with consumers.

Transferring these services requires a proactive attitude and a tight schedule. An error in the data or a late notification can lead to double burdens or, in the worst case, temporary closure. In this article, we'll analyze the steps needed to move your utilities to your new address without interruption.

The timing of the report

The golden rule in 2026 is that “seamless” equals “timely”. Waiting until the day of the move is a recipe for trouble. Most energy and water suppliers require processing time to embed the administrative transfer into their systems.

• Energy (Gas and Electricity): Notify your current supplier of your move at least two to four weeks in advance. In 2026, you can almost always take your contract to your new address, provided that the supplier delivers to that location. If you decide to switch to a new provider, you must coordinate the cancellation of the old contract and the request for the new contract to prevent an “empty” moment.
• Water: Unlike energy, you can't choose water; the supplier is tied to the region. Report your departure to the old water company and you will join the new company as soon as the date of the key transfer is final.
• Internet and TV: This will be the most time-sensitive facility in 2026. Providers often have to deal with physical actions in the district center or the delivery of new hardware (such as fiber optic modems). A notification period of at least one month is the norm here for a guaranteed connection on day one.

The importance of meter readings and the smart meter

Although almost every home will be equipped with a smart meter by 2026, manual recording of positions remains an essential means of control. The smart meter transmits readings automatically, but in the event of a legal transfer of a property, physical verification by both parties (buyer/seller or tenant/landlord) is still the standard to prevent discussions afterwards.

On the day of the key handover, in both your old and new homes, you must take pictures of the meter readings. In 2026, these photos are often uploaded directly into the energy supplier's app. These positions form the basis for the final settlement of your old address and the starting position of your new address. Pay specific attention to the different meters (peak and trough) and, if you have solar panels, the feed-in rates. A photo is crucial for water meters, because these meters are often in less accessible places and are less likely to be “smart” than electricity meters.

Include or switch energy contracts?

A move in 2026 is the ideal time for an “energetic MOT”. You are not obliged to bring your current contract with you. In fact, a move can be a breach of contract where you can switch without penalty, depending on your provider's terms and conditions.

If you move to a home with a significantly different energy label (for example, from a label E apartment to a label A+++ new-build home), your consumption profile and monthly installment amount will change drastically. In 2026, many suppliers will offer specific “moving rates”. It pays to find out whether your current contract still matches the energetic reality of your new home. Also take into account district heating; if your new home is connected to a heat network, you cannot choose heating freely and you must register with the local heat operator, while remaining on the free market for electricity.

Digital infrastructure: Fiber and 5g home

In 2026, the internet will be a basic need that is at the same level as water and light. A seamless transition means that you have to check in advance what type of connection is available at the new address. There is a real chance that your old modem is not compatible with the infrastructure at your new location, for example if you switch from cable (Coax) to fiber (FTTH).

Use a zip code check to check what speeds are achievable. In 2026, we will also increasingly see “5G Fixed Wireless Access” as an alternative for locations where fiber excavation work has not yet been completed. If you want a seamless transition, ask the previous occupant who their provider was and whether the connection points (ISRA point or fiber receiver) are still present and intact. Nothing delays a move more than a technician who has to come by to repair a broken cable in the meter cabinet.

Administrative synchronization and direct debit

A move often causes a flood of invoices: final bills for the old address and advance notes for the new address. To prevent you from falling into payment arrears during the chaos of unpacking, good administrative preparation is essential.

Make sure that your email address and phone number are registered correctly with all utilities. In 2026, they will communicate almost exclusively digitally. Check your direct debits as well. You often have to give permission again for a new address or supplier. The seamless transfer also means that the financial flow does not stop. An unpaid final bill that is sent to your old address (and that you will therefore not receive) can quickly lead to collection costs in 2026. Therefore, always use a mail forwarding service for the first three months after you move as an extra safety net for physical mail from smaller utilities or local taxes.

Local taxes and municipal charges

Although strictly speaking not “utilities”, waste charges and sewer charges are often mentioned in the same breath as utilities. In 2026, these charges will be processed automatically as soon as you register with the new municipality.

Registration in the Basic Registration of Persons (BRP) is the trigger for many of these services. Make sure you register within five days of moving. This ensures that the waste container at your new home is registered to your name and that the dog tax or parking permit is taxed correctly. In many municipalities in 2026, you will get a “waste pass” that is linked to your address; make sure the previous residents leave it in the kitchen drawer or with the keys, otherwise you will have to request a new pass at a cost, disrupting the seamless experience.

The success of transferring utilities in 2026 lies in the details. By double-checking data, recording meter readings and pre-exploring the digital infrastructure of your new home, you lay the foundation for a carefree first night in your new home.