What to arrange and when, so your Memphis rental has power, water and internet on move-in day.
Setting Up Utilities After Moving to Memphis
What to arrange, when to arrange it, and what to confirm for your specific unit.
The goal is simple: nothing about your first night should be a surprise. That requires starting utility setup at lease signing, not at move-in.
What to arrange
Electricity, gas and water
Memphis Light, Gas & Water (MLGW) is the municipal provider for most Memphis addresses. Confirm which services are in your name for your specific unit.
Internet
Availability depends on the exact address, not the neighborhood. Confirm the providers that actually serve your unit before choosing a plan.
Renters insurance
Commonly required by the lease. Arrange it to be active from the move-in date.
Address changes
Mail forwarding, bank, employer, and your driver’s licence and vehicle registration under Tennessee requirements.
Timing
- Start utility setup as soon as the lease is signed
- Target service live the day before move-in, not the day of
- Book internet installation early — appointment slots move
- Have insurance documentation ready if your lease requires proof
- Confirm what happens on a weekend or holiday move-in
Moving in soon? Ask us which utilities are in the resident’s name for your unit.
Frequently asked questions
Which utilities will be in my name?
It varies by unit. Ask us for the specific apartment rather than assuming.
Can I move in before utilities are on?
You can, but it is unpleasant and sometimes unsafe in summer heat. Plan for service to be live first.
Related guides
Memphis relocation guide
Cost of living
Planning around a start date
Raleigh apartments
Ask Lia
Lia is ELM Property Management’s leasing assistant. Ask us what is in the resident’s name for the unit you are considering. Send your question through our contact page, email info@elmpropertymanagement.com, or call 901-350-5502, and a member of our team will follow up.
Getting set up in Memphis?
Tell us your move-in date and we will make sure nothing is left to the last day.
ELM Property Management is an independent property management company and is not affiliated with any employer, hospital, university, government agency, or contractor referenced on this page.