Now that you’ve decided to move and you have all the wheels churning to get things in order, there are still a number of checkboxes that need to be ticked off but we tend to forget. These tiny things can help save money and make the whole moving process much smoother for you.

One of these things is your internet, which might not be on your priority list, but it’s definitely something that we all need and cannot do without. Transferring your existing internet service is a very simple process that won’t require too much of your time, but we suggest you consider doing it since it might save you some costs.

We know that relocating can get tough, so you naturally wouldn’t want something additional on your plate. To make things easier for you, we’ve given you a quick guide to moving with your existing internet service.

1. Do Some Research

If you’re uncertain about keeping the same internet service provider or taking on a new one when you move you can ask yourself the following questions:

  1. Are you happy with the services offered by your current internet provider?
  2. Do you want to change your package, and if so, does your internet provider offer that?
  3. Are you still under a contract for a broadband package and if you want to change internet providers, are you okay with paying the termination fee?

Once you’ve asked yourself these questions, another thing you’ll need to do if you’re thinking of transferring your existing broadband service to your new home is checking whether that’s even an option. Call your internet service provider and find out if they offer this service at your new location. If you’re moving to a location in a metro area, chances are that your internet service provider will have a branch there too, which makes the process extremely easy! You can use this tool to check if your service provider is available at your new location.

If You Want To Change Service Providers

Remember, that for transferring your internet service, you’ll usually be charged a small fee. At the same time, you might be able to save some money by taking on a 12 to 14-month package for your new place from the same internet service provider. Internet service providers usually provide discounts if you re-contract with them, so don’t forget to check those out.

If you’re looking for different internet services, we’ll give you a brief of a few internet types and what they mean:

  1. Fiber-optic internet: If you’re in need of an internet service that’s terribly fast and hardly glitches, then fiber-optic cables can become your savior. Installing fiber-optic internet can give you speeds that go up to 1 Gbps and are highly recommended if you have a smart home.
  2. Digital Subscriber Line (DSL): You must have already heard about DSL which most homes had back in the day. DSL is just an extension of the telephone you have at home and can be extremely cost-effective. With the capacity of 100 Mbps speeds, DSL is recommended if you don’t really require an internet connection too much.
  3. Cable: Like DSL but better, cable is an extension of your television and connects with that network. You might have guessed and you’re correct – it’s the most widely used internet type in the country, with some service providers offering a speed that even goes up to 200 Mbps. As expected, it isn’t as fast as fiber-optic but it does the job better just fine!
  4. Satellite: Usually used in rural areas that do not have access to wireless internet, satellite internet, as the name suggests, makes use of satellites to provide internet connectivity. It’s similar in speed to a DSL connection but there’s a catch – its functioning is highly dependent on climatic conditions. For example, satellite internet won’t work if there’s a storm brewing in your locality.

Also Read: DSL vs Cable Internet – Pros and Cons

2. Pack The Equipment

Once you’ve confirmed with your internet service provider that their services will be available in your new place, it’s now time to get to the packing part. If you’ve a wireless router, carefully pack it and put it in the box it originally came in and since it’s an electronic device, keep it away from moisture or any liquid. Also, be careful not to lose the same in the hustle and bustle of packing.

In the scenario that you’ve decided to switch internet service providers, you’ll have to return the router or any other equipment that was provided to you. Your provider might also drop in to collect the equipment or you’ll have to visit their local center to drop it off. If you’re too busy to drop it off, most internet service providers give you the option to ship the equipment to them, so take a look at that too!

Also read: Pack Electronics for your Move

3. Setting Up The Wi-Fi In Your New Home

You’ve moved and it’s all gone smoothly enough, and now it’s time to set your Wi-Fi up. If you already have the necessary equipment, then you can start the process of setting up your Wi-Fi on your own. You’ll need the following equipment ready though:

  1. Modem (wireless) that converts data received from external sources like fiber optic cables to digital signals.
  2. Router (wireless) helps the devices in your house to access the internet. It also has a feature called firmware which helps keep all the devices on your network secure.
  3. Ethernet cable, which carries high-speed signals from the modem to the router.

Have all of these? Get them ready and follow the steps we’ve given to set your Wi-Fi up:

  1. Connect your router and modem using an ethernet cable. Your modem will have a port for the cable also called the LAN. But, if it has multiple such ports then insert the cable in the port that has “OUT” written under it.
  2. The other end of the wire goes into the port in the router which will also usually have “IN” written under the port.
  3. Remember that your modem has to be connected to a cable outlet that’s provided by your internet service provider.
  4. Once your modem and router are connected, you’ve to plug these into a power source and wait for the lights to turn green.
  5. The name of the device will be available on the device or it’ll be available in the documentation that’s provided to you. So, connect your wireless device (laptop, desktop, or phone) to this network.
  6. Follow the instructions that come with your router to sign in to the internet. You’ll also be given an option to change the name of your network. We recommend you do that!
  7. Your last step involves setting a secure password for your connection. Be sure to make a note of it and if you’re given the choice, select WPA2 encryption while you set a new password. It’s the most secure after which you can just press “SAVE” and you’re done!

See Also: Utility Setup at your New Home

4. Setting Up Your Wi-Fi Without A Router

Wondering what we’re talking about? We’re sure many of you already know this by now. Modern modems come with the wireless properties that a router usually has. You just have to set it up, the steps to which will be explained to you by your internet service provider. So, all you’ve to do is ask your internet service provider if they have the option of just giving you a modem since it’ll make things way easier for you. What you must remember though is that it’ll definitely cost you more, but the costs are worth it!

5. Time To Check The Speed

Once your internet is installed in your new home and you start work online, sometimes you’ll realize that the speed is not up to par with what you were told it would be. This is one of the most common mistakes that you’ll make, and it just adds to the work since you now have to call your internet service provider again to get the speed checked.

What you must never forget to do is checking the speed of your internet as soon as it has been installed. And, we recommend that you do so on your own using an internet speed test tool. If you notice any discrepancies in the speed, then let your installer know then and there.

Additional Tips For When You Move Your Internet Service:

Here are a few things you can keep in mind if you’ve decided to move or switch your internet service:

  1. Schedule the installer to come right away to set your internet at your new place. Don’t keep this for after you move since they might not always be able to make it at a day and time that’s convenient for you. We suggest you do that at least 2 weeks in advance.
  2. Confirm all the access points in your new home with your realtor or landlord. Also, see if your house is pre-wired because if it isn’t, you’ll have to go the extra mile to get that in order.
  3. Like we said, if your new home isn’t pre-wired and you’re living on rent, confirm if there are any restrictions of drilling holes in the walls and such in advance.
  4. Find out what the default network name and password are once your new equipment is installed. Don’t forget to make a note of the same and promptly change it later.
  5. If you have a fiber optic cable, that’ll most probably have to be buried somewhere, so again confirm if there are any restrictions on digging on the property to install the same.
  6. Always have someone over 18 years of age present when the installation of the internet service is scheduled at your new home.
  7. If your move is cross country and you require the internet during that period, you can bump up your smartphone data plan. While this might be expensive, it’s secure. But don’t forget that tuning in to your favorite shows on your smartphone data might just result in a huge bill!

Also Read: Top Rated Cross Country Movers in the US

Conclusion

While moving can be stressful, don’t let small things like moving your internet bother you. With so many internet service providers in the market giving you deals and taking care of everything for you, there’s not much you have to do yourself. Follow our guide to moving with your internet service and you’ll be good to go! We also suggest you take the research step seriously since it can make things easier in the days to come.

FAQs

Can I cancel my broadband service if I move house?

Yes, you can but it depends on your internet service provider’s terms and conditions. Like we mentioned before, if you’re terminating a contract, you’ll most likely have to pay a termination fee which is different for different providers.

How do I transfer my AT&T internet to a new house?

To transfer your fixed wireless internet to a new house, you can start by giving AT&T a call at 877-990-0041 and they’ll help you with the process. Transferring completely wireless internet on the other hand is way easier – all you have to do is change your address and you’re done!

How do I get internet cable to run to me house?

The process is simple – all you have to do is schedule your internet service provider to come and check if you’ll be needing a cable. If you do, they’ll install something called a DROP cable which is temporary and will be replaced with actual cables that will be buried.

Can you just buy a router and have internet?

Of course not. The router is just a device that helps you to connect your devices to the internet without the use of wires. For the router to actually give you internet, it’ll have to have an ethernet cable plugged into its WAN which your internet service provider will do.

Do I need to cancel old internet before switching?

If you’ve made up your mind to switch your internet provider when you move, we suggest canceling your old internet after you’ve moved or after your new service begins. This is specifically for those of you who will need the internet till the day you move, simply because scheduling a cancellation at a prior date will leave you stranded without internet. So, plan it accordingly!