Your Moving House Internet Setup Checklist

Moving to a new home involves many tasks, and ensuring your internet service is ready for you is one of the most important. This moving house internet setup checklist will help you plan, transfer, or set up new internet service seamlessly, so you can connect from day one in your new place.

Before You Move: The Crucial Planning Phase

Start thinking about your internet at least 2-4 weeks before your move. This gives you ample time to check options and schedule installations without rushing.

• **Check availability at your new address:** Use our tool to see which internet providers offer service at your new home. Not all providers cover all areas, and service types (like fiber, cable, or DSL) can vary greatly by location.
• **Review your current internet plan:** Understand your current contract terms, any early termination fees, and if your provider offers service at your new location.
• **Decide if you'll keep or switch providers:** If your current provider serves your new address, you might be able to transfer service. If not, or if you want better options, you'll need to choose a new one.

Transferring Service: Keeping Your Current Provider

If your current provider offers service at your new address, transferring your existing plan can be straightforward. However, it's not always guaranteed to be a smooth process.

1. 1**Contact your provider:** Call their customer service line or visit their website to initiate a service transfer. Have your new address and desired move date ready.
2. 2**Confirm installation details:** Ask about potential service interruptions, installation fees, and if new equipment is needed. Some transfers might not require a technician visit if the new home is already wired for that provider's service.
3. 3**Return old equipment (if applicable):** If you're getting new equipment, make sure you understand the process for returning your old modem or router to avoid unreturned equipment fees.

Setting Up New Service: Finding the Right Fit

If your current provider doesn't serve your new area, or if you're looking for a better deal or faster speeds, you'll need to sign up for new service. This is a great opportunity to explore different options like fiber, cable, DSL, or satellite internet.

Consider your internet usage habits. Do you stream a lot, work from home, or have multiple devices connected? These factors will influence the speed you need. Internet plans typically range from commonly $30-$100 a month, but prices vary widely based on speed, provider, and location, and are subject to change.

• **Compare available plans:** Use our search tool to compare speeds, prices, and features from various providers at your new address.
• **Schedule installation:** Once you've chosen a provider, schedule the installation for a day after you've moved in, or ideally, for your move-in day itself. This ensures you'll be present and can manage the technician visit.
• **Ask about equipment:** Find out if you need to rent equipment (like a modem or router) from the provider, or if you can use your own compatible devices to potentially save on monthly rental fees.

On Moving Day and Beyond: Getting Connected

Once you're in your new home, it's time to get everything plugged in and working.

• **Be present for installation:** If a technician visit is required, ensure you or another adult is home during the scheduled window. Technicians may need access to various parts of your home.
• **Test your connection:** Once installed, immediately test your internet speed and connectivity. Ensure all your devices, such as computers, smartphones, and smart TVs, can connect to the Wi-Fi.
• **Optimize your Wi-Fi:** Position your router in a central location in your home, away from obstructions and other electronics that might cause interference. If you have a large home, consider Wi-Fi extenders or a mesh network system.

Assistance Programs for Internet Service

If you are concerned about the cost of internet service, there are government and provider assistance programs available that can help eligible households reduce their monthly internet bills. These programs have specific income or participation requirements. Contact us to learn more about eligibility.