Moving to a new home comes with a long list of to-do things, from packing boxes and arranging movers to making sure everything reaches your new place safely. The last thing you want is to move in and realize you don’t have an internet connection set up already. Planning this one move ahead can save you a lot of time and keep you connected from day one.
In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to do before moving in so your internet is ready to use.
Key Takeaways:
- Transfer your internet service if the provider is available at your new address.
- Schedule installation before moving to avoid internet unavailability.
- Coordinate with the provider and landlord to ensure smooth installation before you move.
- Check for equipment compatibility before moving.
Decide Whether to Transfer or Get New Internet Service
Now that you’ve made up your mind on arranging the internet service at your new address before moving, it’s time to begin with the steps. The first is to decide whether to get a new internet service or transfer the existing one to your new address.
The decision can be made simply by checking the availability of your current provider at your new address. If it’s serviceable at your new address, you can simply request your existing provider to transfer the service. Use our ZIP code search tool below to check availability:
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Transfer Existing Internet Service
If your current provider is available at your new address, you can contact their customer service to transfer the services. Below are the steps for it:
- Once you contact your provider with a transfer request, the representative will ask for key details, including your new address, date of moving, existing plan, etc. Make sure to provide accurate details to avoid inconvenience later.
- Once the transfer details are confirmed, schedule your transfer/ moving appointment. Make sure to choose the date that you’re comfortable with.
- Select the type of installation you want. The representative will instruct whether you need to return or bring your equipment for installation.
Once every detail is confirmed, you’ll receive the notification for your service transfer. In any case, reach out to your provider’s customer service for assistance.
Start Service with a New Provider
In some cases, your current provider might not be available at your new address or offer the services you’re currently using. Then, you’d need to disconnect/ cancel your current services and reach out to a new provider available at your new address.
The process is simple: research internet providers at your new address, select the type of services you want, compare prices, and make an installation appointment. You can use our custom plan builder to select prices, speeds, and other important factors to narrow down your choices at a given address.
Why You Should Arrange Internet Before Moving Day?
Arranging your internet at your new address before moving day may seem unnecessary. However, here are some untold benefits that will make you reconsider:
- No waiting time – your internet is active from the day you move in. No downtime, wasted mobile data, or stress of living without internet.
- Scheduling flexibility – appointments are scheduled. No waiting for a technician or installation slot.
- Saving Money – compare and pick the best deals. Avoid additional fees on last-minute service requests or emergency installations.
Schedule Installation Before You Move In
Whether you’re transferring your existing service or buying a new one, scheduling the installation before you move in is the right move. Here’s why:
- Avoid Installation Delays: Some connection types, such as fiber, require technical installation and can take time. Having an early installation can help save you time, and you don’t have to wait for your preferred appointment date.
- Operate Smart Home Devices: If you’re having smart devices installed in your new home, you’ll need a running WiFi to operate things smoothly. Having your internet installed can help run your smart home instantly.
- Minimize Internet Unavailability: Having your internet installed at your new place can help avoid using your data or living without a connection for longer periods.
Important:
The important element about pre-installation of the internet service at your new place is the availability of a POC (point of contact). Since you’re not moving in yet, there has to be someone to coordinate property access and authorize installation. This POC must have legal access to the property so the technician can install your internet connection smoothly.
Common Internet Setup Mistakes to Avoid When Moving
You can take the right steps, and things can still get messy when moving your internet service to a new address. Here are some points to consider when moving your internet service to avoid mistakes:
Ensure Seamless Wiring
Ensure that your new place has pre-wiring installed, especially for fiber internet. In addition, the building code should allow processes like drilling, new wiring installation, etc., to avoid trouble during the installation.
Double Check Installation Date
Make sure your installation date is confirmed so there’s no hiccup later. Double-check with the provider to ensure you have the installation due on the designated date, especially during peak season.
Check for Equipment Compatibility
If you’re transferring the services, ensure that your current equipment is compatible with the connection at your new address. Let the representative know what equipment you’re using and whether the company will provide any additional equipment on lease or not.
Check for Plan Changes
Make sure to inquire about the plan you’ll be getting alongside the speeds. You need to ensure that you’re getting the same or better quality of service with high-speed that you’ve subscribed to at your current address.
Choose the Right Internet Speed for Your Household
In case your existing plan isn’t available at your new address, or you’re choosing a new provider, here’s how to pick the right internet speed for your new household:
Evaluate Your Requirements
Make sure that you know what you need the internet for. Whether it’s casual usage, working remotely, gaming, or streaming, ensure that you have the right speeds. If your current plan suffices, coordinate with the provider to get the same plan at your new address. Otherwise, you can relay your requirements to the representative and get a plan accordingly. You can even use a speed test calculator to know exactly what speeds you need.
Prepare Your Equipment
Make sure that the equipment you’re using is compatible with the new connection. You can even ask the provider if they can upgrade your equipment so it’s compatible and works effectively. Or, you can avoid leasing the equipment and get your own as per your needs. However, you’d need to return the equipment before you move to your new address.
Set up Wi-Fi as Soon as You Arrive
If you have your internet installed at your new address, ensure you set up your WiFi when you get home. Run a speed test to make sure that your internet is working and you’re getting the speeds according to your plan. Use our speed test tool below to check:
Closing Thoughts
Setting up your internet connection at your new address doesn’t have to be stressful. By simply following the steps above, you can get your current internet connection moved to your new address or get a new connection pre-installed before you move in.
Moving Checklist:
- Confirm provider and service availability at your new address.
- Schedule service installation and double-check confirmation.
- Request compatible equipment/ use existing if compatible already.
- Coordinate installation with the provider at the new residence.
- Move in and check for internet status. Contact customer services for any assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can schedule a 30-day in advance internet installation. However, it’s better to schedule installation when you move in so you can get it installed in your presence.
Yes, if your current provider is available at your new address, you can ask them to transfer the services to the new address.
Unfortunately, you’d have to cancel your services and buy internet from the one servicing your new address.
It depends upon the internet provider; however, if scheduled beforehand, the installation should take only a few hours for completion.
Yes, most providers allow you to schedule an installation appointment 30-days in advance. You can contact them to get your line activated earlier or on your move-in day.
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Working closely with AT&T, Spectrum, and Xfinity, Taylor has been providing readers with insightful and fruitful information that essentially allows readers to make the most suitable choice to fulfill their Internet, TV, and Phone needs. She has spent years experimenting and dealing with content marketing, ensuring that only valuable and insightful content reaches our readers. Taylor has rigorously worked on Xfinity and spent ample time understanding Xfinity's range of services and what value it offers to customers. From her content, readers not only learn every tidbit about the provider, but also find the most lucrative deals and comprehensive solutions for their connectivity needs.
Taylor Smith