If you’ve recently gone under contract for a home in Bend, congratulations. Whether you're days away from closing or already preparing for the move, there’s more to settling in than boxes and furniture. One of the most important steps you can take right now is setting up essential local services before you arrive.
From utility activation to internet installation and trash pickup, getting these systems in place ahead of time ensures a smooth and stress-free transition. This guide outlines the five key services every Bend homeowner should arrange before move-in so you're not left in the dark (literally) on day one.
Let’s walk through what you need to know.
Utilities: Electricity, Water, Sewer & Gas
Before move-in, it's essential to confirm and activate your core utility services to avoid any service gaps when you arrive.
Electricity in most of Bend is provided by Pacific Power, but depending on your location, you may fall under Central Electric Cooperative, which operates a service center at 61090 SE 27th Street, or Midstate Electric Cooperative, which also serves parts of Bend. Be sure to check your property’s address to confirm the correct provider and set up service at least a few days before closing.
For water and sewer, City of Bend Water Services handles the majority of municipal water, wastewater, and stormwater. To activate, you must call their Utility Billing team at 541‑388‑5515; online activation is not available. If your new home isn’t within city water lines, you may be serviced by a private provider such as Avion Water, Agate Water, or Roats Water System. The seller or your agent can help confirm which applies to your address.
Natural gas is exclusively distributed by Cascade Natural Gas throughout Bend. To initiate service, call their customer line or visit their office at 334 NE Hawthorne Ave. It’s best to schedule this several days before occupancy, especially if a technician visit is required.
When in doubt, ask your agent or consult the seller’s current utility bills to verify which companies serve your new address. Taking care of these setups early ensures you're fully connected and comfortable the moment you arrive.
Internet & Cable Providers
Getting the internet set up before move-in is critical, especially if you work remotely, stream content, or rely on smart home devices. Bend offers a range of providers with varying speeds, coverage areas, and bundling options, so it’s important to choose based on your exact address and service needs.
The most widely available provider is TDS Telecom, formerly known as BendBroadband. With ~99% coverage across Bend, TDS delivers cable and fiber connections with speeds up to 1 Gbps. They offer bundled packages that include HD TV and phone, and installations are usually completed within a few days of scheduling.
CenturyLink, now operating under Quantum Fiber for high-speed areas, provides fiber-to-home service in select parts of Bend and DSL in others. Fiber customers can enjoy symmetrical speeds up to 940 Mbps with free installation promotions and no annual contracts.
BendTel offers fiber service covering roughly 86% of the city, with competitive residential plans like 300 Mbps download and 100 Mbps upload for around $75/month. Though best known for business internet, they remain a strong alternative for homes in their coverage zones.
For more remote or underserved areas, satellite providers like Starlink and fixed wireless options such as Webformix and SimpliUnlimited provide nearly universal coverage, with speeds ranging from 30 to 300 Mbps. These are excellent options if your address isn’t serviced by the larger fiber networks.
To avoid installation delays, run an online availability check with your preferred provider as soon as your closing date is confirmed. Most offer address-based tools for scheduling and equipment delivery, allowing you to be connected the day you move in.
Trash, Recycling & Disposal Services
Reliable waste management is another essential to arrange before move-in. In Bend, trash and recycling services are split between two main providers based on location: Republic Services handles homes north of Greenwood Avenue, while Cascade Disposal serves the south side and unincorporated Deschutes County.
Once you determine which provider covers your new address, you can sign up via their website or by phone. Both companies will deliver curbside bins, typically one for trash and one for commingled recycling, shortly after account activation. It’s best to schedule this at least a week before move-in to ensure your bins are ready when you arrive.
For residents looking to recycle hard-to-process items like batteries, Styrofoam, textiles, or small electronics, both Republic and Cascade offer a specialty program called RecyclePlus. This optional add-on provides a dedicated metal bin and bags for doorstep collection every other week, available for a small monthly fee.
Additionally, you can make use of Deschutes County’s Knott Landfill and other local transfer stations for large items, electronics, yard debris, or hazardous materials. These public facilities offer broad recycling options, many of which are free of charge.
Make sure to review your provider’s service calendar or use their online schedule lookup tools to stay on track with pick-up days. Proper setup ensures your home stays clean and compliant from day one.
Local Maintenance & Home Services
Before move-in, it’s smart to line up dependable service professionals for your new home. Whether it’s HVAC, plumbing, electrical work, landscaping, or pest control, having go-to contacts in place ensures you're prepared for routine maintenance or the unexpected.
For HVAC, Mountain View Heating and Diversified Heating & Cooling are both well-reviewed by locals for their efficiency, communication, and professional work. If you’re moving in during summer or winter, consider scheduling a seasonal tune-up or filter replacement in advance to avoid weather-related delays.
In the plumbing category, Severson Plumbing Mechanical is a reliable choice, praised for going above and beyond. For electrical, Bend Electric and All Phase Electric are trusted by homeowners for both small installations and larger service upgrades.
If you’re inheriting a yard or planning exterior improvements, companies like Land Effects Inc. and Green Thumb Landscaping provide lawn care, irrigation setup, and full landscaping services. For pest prevention, Alpine Pest Management holds a perfect 5.0-star rating with over 300 reviews and offers thorough, no-contract service.
Scheduling early is key, especially during peak moving seasons in spring and summer. Booking ahead gives you access to preferred time slots and ensures your home is safe, clean, and functioning properly from day one.
Home Security Systems
Protecting your new home starts with a reliable security setup. In Bend, there are several reputable providers offering both local expertise and full smart-home integration.
Among local options, East Cascade Security and Watchdog Security are long-standing providers trusted across Central Oregon. They offer custom systems that include intrusion alarms, fire detection, CCTV, and 24/7 monitoring. Bend Security Systems is another local choice offering wireless and wired options with UL-certified monitoring, without requiring long-term contracts.
If you prefer a national provider, ADT services the Bend area through local dealers like SafeStreets and Secure24, offering professionally installed systems with app access and remote monitoring. Vivint is another popular option for homeowners seeking full smart-home control; think doorbell cameras, smart locks, motion sensors, and automation features, all under one system. SOS Alarm rounds out the national options with locally based installation and custom video surveillance setups.
If security is a priority for you, it’s best to schedule a consultation shortly after closing. Many companies can pre-install before you move in or align installation with your arrival date so your home is protected from day one.
Bonus: Permits, Guidelines & City Resources
In addition to setting up core services, it’s helpful to understand the local requirements tied to utilities and home improvements. The City of Bend has specific processes for activating services and obtaining permits, and taking care of these early can prevent future delays.
To activate water and sewer services, you must contact the City of Bend Utility Billing office directly at 541‑388‑5515. Unlike some cities, Bend does not allow online or email service activation; you’ll need to speak with a representative to start or transfer your account. It’s recommended to do this at least a week before your closing date to ensure water is available on move-in day.
Planning any installations or upgrades involving HVAC, electrical, or plumbing? You’ll likely need a permit from the City’s Online Permit Center or in person at 710 NW Wall St. For example, installing a mini-split system, upgrading electrical panels, or replacing water heaters all require mechanical or trade permits. Most contractors in Bend are familiar with the permitting process, but it’s still wise to confirm which documents are needed for your project.
New homeowners can also take advantage of City of Bend support programs. These include rebate offers for high-efficiency toilets and irrigation systems through the WaterSmart program, guidance on accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and resources for navigating septic-to-sewer transitions in older neighborhoods.
The City’s website offers detailed checklists and guides for permits, utility setup, and ongoing homeowner services. It’s worth exploring these tools early so you're not caught off guard later.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Setting up your essential services before move-in isn’t just about convenience, it’s about making sure your first days in your new Bend home go smoothly. From utilities and internet to waste pickup and home security, handling these logistics early lets you focus on settling in, not scrambling for last-minute appointments.
Use this list as your step-by-step guide to stay ahead of the curve. And if you need help navigating local providers, confirming service areas, or just want a trusted contact to walk you through the move-in process, reach out to our team anytime. We’re here to make your transition into Bend as seamless as possible.
