# Moving to Pittsburgh? Your Utility Setup Guide for a Smooth First Week in the City
If you’re new to Pittsburgh, welcome. Whether you’re settling into a walk-up in Lawrenceville, a townhouse near Shadyside, or a family home in Mt. Lebanon or Squirrel Hill, one of the smartest things you can do before move-in day is get your utilities squared away early.
At WeMove Pittsburgh, we’ve seen how much smoother a move feels when the lights are on, the heat is working, and the Wi-Fi is ready before the first box hits the floor. I’m Terry WeMove, founder of WeMove Pittsburgh, and this guide is here to help you handle the practical stuff without the stress.
Start with the essentials: what to set up before you arrive
When people think about moving, they usually focus on boxes, furniture, and truck timing. But utility setup can make or break your first 48 hours in a new home.
Before move-in day, make sure you’ve arranged:
In Pittsburgh, some services are straightforward, while others can take longer than you expect. That’s why it’s worth starting early—ideally 2 to 3 weeks before your move.
Electricity in Pittsburgh: don’t wait until the last minute
In most Pittsburgh neighborhoods, your electric service will be handled by Duquesne Light. If you’re moving into a place near Downtown, Oakland, Bloomfield, or along the North Shore, it’s smart to contact the utility as soon as your lease is signed or closing date is confirmed.
What to do
Local tip
If you’re moving into an older home in places like Polish Hill, Carrick, or Brookline, ask the landlord or seller whether any electrical work has recently been done. Older Pittsburgh homes can have quirks, and it’s better to know in advance than discover a tripped breaker while unloading furniture on a narrow street.
Gas and heat: especially important for Pittsburgh winters
If your new place uses natural gas for heat, cooking, or hot water, contact the gas provider well before move-in. In Pittsburgh, winter arrives fast and sticks around, so you don’t want to be waiting on a cold January afternoon in Point Breeze or Dormont with no heat.
What to check
Terry’s advice
For older homes near Aspinwall, Highland Park, or Regent Square, ask for a quick walkthrough of the basement systems if possible. In Pittsburgh, basements often hold the furnace, water heater, and main utility shutoffs, so knowing where everything is before you need it can save a lot of time.
Water, sewer, and trash: the local details that matter
Water and sewer service in Pittsburgh is typically managed separately from electric and gas, so don’t assume it’s already handled. Trash and recycling service can also vary depending on whether you’re in the City of Pittsburgh or a nearby borough.
If you’re moving into the City of Pittsburgh
Check your address with the appropriate city service office or your landlord to confirm:
If you’re moving to nearby neighborhoods and boroughs
Trash schedules in Mt. Lebanon, Oakmont, Ross Township, and Dormont may differ from city pickup. A quick check before move-in can prevent the classic mistake of putting bins out on the wrong day.
Local tip
If you’re settling near South Side Flats or East Liberty, ask about alley access and bin placement. Some streets are tight, parking is limited, and knowing where trash and recycling should go will make your first week easier.
Internet setup: schedule it before your couch arrives
In 2024, internet is practically a utility. If you work from home, stream sports, or just want to get your TV and smart devices running, don’t leave this one until after you move.
What to do early
Pittsburgh-specific advice
If you’re moving into a converted apartment in Lawrenceville, a historic home in Mexican War Streets, or a multi-unit building in Shadyside, internet installation may take extra coordination. Some older buildings have limited wiring access, and some landlords require notice before a technician can come out.
Don’t forget insurance and address updates
Utilities are a major priority, but they’re not the only setup task worth tackling before move-in.
Before the move, update:
If you’re moving across town—from Mount Washington to Bloomfield, for example—it’s easy to overlook paperwork because the move feels local. But local still means you should protect your belongings and keep your records current.
A practical Pittsburgh move-in timeline
Here’s a simple timeline that works well for most movers:
3 weeks before move-in
1 week before move-in
Move-in day
First 48 hours
Neighborhood-by-neighborhood considerations
Pittsburgh is a city of unique blocks, steep hills, and old-but-beautiful homes. That means utility setup can vary more than you’d expect.
And if you’re moving near landmarks like PNC Park, Frick Park, Phipps Conservatory, or Mellon Park, remember that being close to the action can mean busier streets and tighter scheduling windows for service appointments.
A few final local tips from a Pittsburgh mover
A little preparation goes a long way in Pittsburgh. The city’s neighborhoods are full of character, but older buildings, narrow streets, and seasonal weather can make last-minute planning harder than it needs to be.
If you want your move to feel organized from the start, WeMove Pittsburgh is here to help with careful handling, local know-how, fair, upfront pricing, and honest, transparent quotes. Need a hand getting settled in Lawrenceville, Squirrel Hill, Mt. Lebanon, or anywhere else in the city? Reach out to WeMove Pittsburgh and let’s make your move easier from day one.
— Terry WeMove, Founder of WeMove Pittsburgh
