Moving day should not mean sitting in a dark house without wi-fi or water. If you’re moving to Waynewood in Fort Hunt, a little planning goes a long way toward a smooth first week. You want clear steps, local contacts, and realistic timelines so you can focus on settling in. This guide walks you through each utility, what you’ll need, and when to schedule it so everything is on when you arrive. Let’s dive in.
Start early: your timeline
- 3–4 weeks before: Confirm which providers serve your exact address and start internet scheduling. Internet often takes the longest.
- 1–2 weeks before: Open accounts for electric, gas, and water. Confirm trash and recycling service and any private hauler needs. Book technician visits if required.
- 3–7 days before: Confirm appointment windows and take photos of all meters at your current home. Note confirmation numbers and any deposits due.
- Move-in day: Photograph electric, gas, and water meters at your new home and share readings with providers. Test power, water, gas appliances, and internet.
- After move: Review first bills for correct start dates and charges. Set up autopay and paperless billing if you prefer.
What you’ll need for every utility
Have this info ready to save time:
- Full name, service address, and move-in date
- Phone number and email
- Government photo ID
- Proof of occupancy (lease, settlement statement, or recorded deed)
- Social Security number or last four digits, or be ready to pay a deposit
- Payment method for any deposits or fees
- Meter or account numbers if transferring service
- Move-in meter photos and readings
Electric: Dominion Energy
Dominion Energy Virginia is the primary electric provider for Waynewood and most of Fairfax County. You can open a new account online or by phone and set your start date. If power is already on, you can usually begin service within a few business days.
- What to know: A credit check may be performed and a deposit may be required. Take a move-in photo of the meter for your records.
- Timing: Same day is sometimes possible if only administrative activation is needed. To avoid delays, request your start date 3–5 business days before your move.
Natural gas: Washington Gas
Washington Gas serves most of Fairfax County for natural gas. You can open an account online or by phone, and a technician visit may be required if the meter is off or a safety check is needed.
- What to know: Expect a credit check and possible deposit. If gas has been shut off, schedule a technician visit and plan to be home for the appointment.
- Timing: Administrative starts can be same day to a few days. If a technician visit is required, plan for 2–7 business days.
Water and sewer: Fairfax Water and Fairfax County
Fairfax Water supplies drinking water to most of Fairfax County, including the Fort Hunt area. Wastewater service is typically handled through Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services billing.
- How to start: Apply for a new Fairfax Water account online or by phone. Provide proof of occupancy and identification. Some properties may require a meter reading or an on-site visit before billing begins.
- What to know: An account initiation or service establishment fee may apply. Photograph the meter at move-in and note the reading.
- Timing: Allow several business days for setup. Ask if a special meter turn-on is needed and schedule accordingly.
Internet, TV, and phone
Service varies by street in Waynewood, so always check your exact address.
- Common providers: Comcast Xfinity (cable) and Verizon Fios (fiber) serve many homes in Fairfax County. Availability for Verizon Fios is address-dependent. Other options can include satellite, fixed wireless, or cellular home internet.
- How to start: Use provider address lookup tools or call to confirm service at your home. Schedule an installation if wiring or a box install is needed. Some providers offer self-install kits.
- Costs and equipment: You may pay an installation fee and equipment fees for a modem/router. Some promotions waive fees or allow you to bring your own compatible device.
- Timing: Self-install can be same day or next day after kit delivery. Technician installs commonly take 3–14 business days, depending on wiring needs and availability. If fast, symmetric upload speeds matter for remote work, verify whether fiber is available at your address.
Trash, recycling, and yard waste
In Waynewood, collection can be provided by Fairfax County or by private haulers arranged by an HOA or property manager.
- How to confirm: Check Fairfax County DPWES collection resources or call the county’s information line to confirm whether your address has county collection. If your home is in an HOA, review the HOA documents or contact management in case a private hauler is used.
- What to expect: For county service, set-out rules, container types, and collection days vary by neighborhood. Private haulers will provide their own schedule, containers, and guidelines for bulky items.
- Timing: If you need to open a private hauler account, start 1–2 weeks in advance. For county collection, service can often begin right away based on your address and the posted schedule.
Leaf collection: confirm eligibility
Fairfax County runs a seasonal curbside loose-leaf collection program in fall and winter. Not every street is included, so verifying your address matters.
- Eligibility: Many single-family streets with curbside access are included, but some areas, multifamily properties, or HOA-maintained streets may be excluded or handled by private contractors.
- How to confirm: Use Fairfax County DPWES seasonal leaf collection maps and schedules to check your exact address. You can also call the county’s information line or ask your HOA or community association about private arrangements.
- Preparation: Follow county guidance on where to place loose leaves, keep piles clear of sidewalks and storm drains, and avoid mixing in debris or trash.
- Timing: Programs typically run from late fall through winter with scheduled passes. Schedules vary by year, so check the current season before setting out leaves.
Move-day checklist
- Government ID, lease or settlement paperwork, and confirmation numbers for each utility
- Phone numbers for Dominion Energy, Washington Gas, Fairfax Water, your internet provider, Fairfax County DPWES, and your HOA or management company
- Photos of electric, gas, and water meters with visible readings and date/time
- Knowledge of shutoff locations: main water valve, gas shutoff, breaker panel, and main meter
Common issues and fixes
- Credit check delays: Ask about paying a higher deposit, using a co-signer, or providing proof of a positive utility payment history.
- Locked or inaccessible meters: Coordinate access with the seller, landlord, or property manager, and request a provider visit if needed.
- Internet backlog: Ask about self-install, short-term cellular hotspots, or temporary 5G home internet until the technician visit.
- Disputed usage: Use your move-in meter photos to confirm the correct start reading and dispute prior charges with customer service.
Local context for Waynewood moves
Waynewood is in the Fort Hunt area of Fairfax County, so utility responsibilities are split among investor-owned utilities for electric and gas, a regional water authority, and county or private providers for solid waste. Planning 2–3 weeks ahead keeps everything aligned with your closing or lease date. Address-by-address verification is key for internet and leaf collection, and HOA rules can affect trash and leaf services.
Ready to make your Waynewood move easier? If you’d like local help coordinating timelines or connecting with providers, reach out. I’m here to guide you through every step so your first week feels like home.
FAQs
Who pays utilities on closing day in Waynewood?
- Utilities are typically prorated at closing, with the buyer opening new accounts for ongoing service. Confirm the final meter reading date and ensure prorations are documented in your closing statement.
Can I transfer a prior owner’s utility accounts in Fort Hunt?
- Providers generally require the new occupant to open a new account or request an ownership transfer with authorization. Plan to start your own accounts.
Are deposits common for Fairfax County utilities?
- Many providers run credit checks and may require deposits or fees. You can usually pay by card or bank transfer, and some offer alternatives like a co-signer.
How fast can I start electric or gas service in Waynewood?
- Same-day starts are often possible for administrative activations. If a technician visit is needed for gas safety checks or to unlock a meter, allow 2–7 business days.
How do I check if Verizon Fios or Xfinity serves my address?
- Use each provider’s address-lookup tool or call sales support. Availability can vary house by house, so verify with your exact street address.
Does Fairfax County collect leaves on my street in Waynewood?
- Many streets are included, but not all. Check the county’s seasonal leaf collection maps or call the county to confirm eligibility and your scheduled passes.
