Moving day should feel exciting, not stressful. If you are heading to Sonterra in Stone Oak, the fastest way to feel at home is to switch on the lights, run the water, and get online without hiccups. You want a clear plan and zero last‑minute surprises. This guide walks you through what to do, when to do it, and how to avoid delays so your first day goes smoothly. Let’s dive in.
Your move-in timeline
Set up your core utilities in this order for the smoothest Day‑1:
- Confirm who pays for what. Check your lease, closing docs, and HOA info to see which utilities are your responsibility.
- Start electricity with CPS Energy 3–7 days before move.
- Start water and sewer with SAWS 3–7 days before move.
- Schedule internet 7–14 days ahead or order a self‑install kit.
- Confirm trash and recycling with your HOA or the City 3–7 days before move.
Why this order works: electricity powers HVAC and appliances and can be a prerequisite for some internet installs. Water setup is often quick but can require verification. Internet usually needs a scheduled appointment.
Set up CPS Energy (electric and gas)
CPS Energy provides electricity and natural gas service for most addresses in Sonterra and the greater San Antonio area. You can confirm service and start or transfer your account directly with CPS Energy.
What you’ll need
- Government photo ID
- Social Security number (often last four digits) or other identifying info
- Proof of occupancy such as a lease or deed
- Move‑in date and payment method
How to start or transfer service
- Create an online account or call CPS Energy to request a start or transfer for your exact address, including unit number.
- Ask if a technician visit is needed. Most electric transfers do not require a visit. Gas appliances may require a technician for ignition or safety checks.
- If a prior occupant is still on the account, be ready to provide proof of occupancy so CPS Energy can switch service.
Tips to avoid delays
- Use your precise postal address and include any apartment or unit number.
- Take photos of the electric and gas meters when you arrive. Keep them for your records.
- If you smell gas at any point, leave the home, call emergency services, and contact CPS Energy’s emergency line via the CPS Energy site.
Day‑1 checks
- Confirm lights, outlets, and HVAC are working.
- If you have gas appliances, follow the technician’s instructions to confirm ignition.
- Record meter numbers and initial readings with photos.
Start SAWS water and sewer
San Antonio Water System (SAWS) handles water delivery and wastewater service for most addresses in Stone Oak, including many Sonterra neighborhoods. Start or transfer service with SAWS.
What you’ll need
- Photo ID
- Proof of residency such as a lease, deed, or closing statement
- Move‑in date and payment method
Steps to start service
- Set up your SAWS account online or by phone and provide your occupancy date.
- Ask whether your meter is active or if a technician must visit.
- Review billing details. Water and sewer usually bill together and may include stormwater fees depending on the property.
Billing and who pays
- If you rent or live in a community with a master association, your landlord or HOA may handle water billing. Check your lease or closing documents.
Day‑1 checks
Run sinks and showers, flush toilets, and look for leaks.
Record your water meter reading with a photo.
Trash and recycling in Sonterra
Trash and recycling can be handled by the City or by a private hauler through the HOA, depending on your specific address. Verify this before moving so you do not miss the first pickup.
- Many Stone Oak addresses inside city limits use the City of San Antonio Solid Waste Department. Look up rules and pickup days by address via the City Solid Waste site.
- Some Sonterra neighborhoods use an HOA‑contracted private hauler included with HOA fees. Confirm with your Sonterra HOA or property manager before placing carts at the curb.
Key items to confirm
- Your regular collection day and where to place carts
- Whether recycling and yard waste are included and what materials are accepted
- Bulk item rules, limits, and scheduling
- Any HOA set‑out windows and cart requirements
Pro tip: Label carts with your address or unit number if you live in a multi‑unit area.
Pick internet and TV
Choose your internet early to secure an installation window that aligns with your move‑in. Availability can vary block by block, so always run an address check first.
Major providers in Stone Oak
- Spectrum cable. Typical plans range from about 200 Mbps up to 1 Gbps, depending on neighborhood infrastructure. Check availability with Spectrum.
- AT&T. Fiber may be available at your specific address, with DSL or other options where fiber is not yet built. Check address‑specific service with AT&T.
- Astound/Grande/RCN. Availability varies by neighborhood. Look up options with Astound.
- Satellite or fixed wireless. These can help in areas missing wired service, though satellite often has higher latency and potential data caps. Explore Viasat or HughesNet.
Installation tips
- Schedule 7–14 days ahead for the best time slots.
- Ask if you can use a self‑install kit. Self‑install is faster if your home has a working coax line or fiber ONT.
- If a previous resident had service, confirm they returned equipment and that the line is clear for your account.
- For Day‑1 connectivity, consider a mobile hotspot as a backup.
Day‑1 checklist
Use this quick start list when you first arrive:
- Electricity: Test lights, outlets, HVAC, and electric water heater if applicable. Photograph the electric meter.
- Water: Run taps, flush toilets, and check under sinks for leaks. Photograph the water meter.
- Internet: Connect the modem or gateway, run a quick speed test, and check Wi‑Fi reach across rooms.
- Trash and recycling: Confirm cart placement and the next pickup day. Set carts out as allowed.
- Safety: Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Locate the main water shutoff, the electrical panel, and the gas shutoff valve.
Troubleshooting common snags
- No power on arrival. Verify your CPS Energy start date and make sure the meter is not locked. Contact CPS Energy if you need immediate help.
- Water is off. Confirm your SAWS activation. Ask if a technician must visit or if a meter box is locked. Start or transfer service with SAWS.
- Internet delayed. Request an expedited appointment or a self‑install option. Use a hotspot temporarily.
- Missed trash pickup. Check the pickup schedule by address with City Solid Waste or confirm your HOA’s private hauler and bulk rules.
Moving to Sonterra with concierge help
If you want a move‑in that feels put‑together from day one, you deserve a plan and a local partner. Evalon Cantu at NOLAVE REALTY offers a concierge approach that includes vendor coordination and move logistics so you can focus on settling in. ¿Hablas español? Con gusto te ayudamos.
Ready to make your Sonterra move seamless? Schedule a Free Consultation with Evalon Cantu to get a personalized setup checklist and trusted local vendors.
FAQs
How early should I start utility setup for a Sonterra move?
- Start CPS Energy and SAWS 3–7 days before move‑in. Begin internet 7–14 days ahead or request a self‑install kit if you need faster timing.
Who handles trash and recycling in Sonterra’s Stone Oak area?
- It depends on the address. Many homes use the City’s Solid Waste service, while some Sonterra neighborhoods use an HOA‑contracted hauler. Confirm with your HOA or check the City Solid Waste site by address.
What documents do I need for CPS Energy and SAWS?
- Have a photo ID, proof of occupancy such as a lease or deed, your move‑in date, and a payment method. You may be asked for the last four digits of your Social Security number.
What internet speeds are typical in Stone Oak?
- Spectrum commonly offers around 200 Mbps to 1 Gbps depending on local infrastructure. AT&T may offer fiber at specific addresses. Always confirm availability with Spectrum or AT&T.
What should I do if I smell gas on move‑in day?
- Leave the home, call emergency services, and contact CPS Energy using the emergency instructions on the CPS Energy site. Do not use open flames or electrical switches.
How can I avoid first‑week utility delays?
- Start services in the suggested order, use the exact address and unit number, schedule internet early, and keep photos of your meters. Confirm trash day and cart rules with your HOA or the City.
