When should you arrange this?
- Record the readings on the day of the key handover or move
- Record them before leaving the old home and immediately after entering the new home
- Submit the readings to the suppliers within five days
Record meter readings when moving
On moving day, record the gas, electricity, and water meter readings. Take clear photos and submit the readings to your suppliers on time.
1
What will you arrange?
Recording meter readings: the essentials
Record the final readings at your old home and the opening readings at your new home. This helps prevent disputes about usage and makes the final bill more accurate.
What do you need?
- Moving date
- Access to every meter
- Phone or camera
- Old and new addresses
- Supplier details
2
Enter details
Use the day on which you hand over or receive the keys.
3
Complete these steps
4
Example meter-reading photos
Gas meter
Photograph the reading and meter number.
Electricity meter
Photograph every usage figure on the electricity meter.
Water meter
Photograph the water meter reading clearly.
Take photos that clearly show the meter number and reading.
Always take photos
Dated photos are useful evidence if questions arise about the final bill.
5
Helpful tips
Do it immediately
Record readings on moving day itself.
Take sharp photos
Use good lighting and make sure the numbers are legible.
Check smart meters
Check whether readings are collected automatically.
Keep everything
Keep photos, notes, and confirmations.
6
Check it off
Finished with record meter readings? Check it off! 💪
This helps you complete your move without loose ends.
Frequently asked questions
When should I record meter readings when moving?
Record the meter readings on moving day or the day of the key handover. Record the final readings at your old home before returning the keys and the opening readings at your new home as soon as you have access.
Which meter readings should I record?
Record the gas, electricity, and water readings. If your electricity meter has several registers, such as standard and off-peak rates, record every visible reading. Also take photos that clearly show the meter number.
Do I need to submit readings if I have a smart meter?
A smart meter may submit readings automatically. Check that your supplier processed them correctly. To be safe, still take photos of the readings on moving day.
Where do I submit my meter readings?
Submit gas and electricity readings to your energy supplier. Submit the water reading to your drinking-water company. Follow the relevant supplier’s instructions.
When should I submit meter readings?
Submit readings as soon as possible after moving. Energy readings often need to be submitted within a few days. Your supplier will explain how and by what deadline to submit them.
Why should I photograph meter readings?
Photos help if questions later arise about usage, final or opening readings, or the final bill. Make sure the numbers, meter number, and preferably the date can be identified clearly.
What happens if I do not submit meter readings?
If you do not submit readings, your supplier may estimate your usage. Your final or opening bill may then differ from your actual usage. Always check the bills afterward.
Avoid common mistakes
- 1Recording too lateRecord readings on moving day itself.
- 2Not taking photosPhotos are useful evidence in a dispute.
- 3Forgetting the meter numberMake sure both the reading and meter number are legible.
- 4Skipping the water meterSubmit water separately to the water company.
- 5Not checking a smart meterCheck that the readings were processed correctly.
- 6Not checking the billCompare the final bill with your own photos.
Continue with your move
View all moving stepsSources
ACM ConsuWijzer – Energy contracts when movingInformation about energy contracts when moving.ACM ConsuWijzer – Meter readings on your energy billAn explanation of meter readings on your energy bill.
Rijksoverheid – Reporting a move to your drinking-water companyInformation about reporting a move to your drinking-water company.Last updated: June 2026
Every move is different. Always check the instructions from your energy and water suppliers.