How to Transfer Your Home Internet Service Plan To A New Address When You Move

Yolisa Motha
Internet Provider Comparisons

Moving house is stressful enough. On top of packing up your entire life and hauling it across the country, there are many essential services to organize in advance —like setting up an internet connection in your new home.

There's nothing worse than arriving at a new place only to spend days offline, waiting for your wi-fi to be installed.

But did you know that you can take your current home internet plan with you? And that you can keep your current modem and router too? While we can't advise you on packing strategies, HomeLinkd has you covered when it comes to your internet connectivity.

Let HomeLinkd walk you through the process of moving your internet service and how you can set up internet service for your new home.

Frequently Asked Questions about transferring Internet plans when moving

A lot of people aren't sure about what it means to “take your internet plan with you”. Here are some frequently asked questions explained:

Can I just move my wi-fi router to a new house and new address?

No. You can't move your router to your new house without notifying your ISP, or checking if they offer connection in your new area. Be sure to authenticate your equipment for your new home, so you can take your current router with you.

How do I find out if my Internet Service Provider (ISPs) has coverage in the area that I’m moving to?

You can either look it up online, or contact your service provider. Your ISP should be able to tell you all the details about coverage in your new area.

Do I need to get my home broadband professionally installed when moving to a new home?

This depends if you've signed up with a new ISP or not. If you're sticking with your current provider, and they've authenticated your move, you may be able to simply plug in your old equipment at your new house.

Do I need to cancel my old Internet before switching providers?

Yes and No. If you are signing up with a new ISP, then you will need to cancel your old internet and sign up for a new contract. Bear in mind this is the less convenient option, and usually involves early termination fees.

Can I transfer internet service to my new location?

The process for transferring your home Internet service will be different depending on your ISP.

Here are the general steps you'll need to follow:

1. Notify your current ISP that you're moving. Give them your new address and the date of your move.

2. Check if they offer coverage in your new area. They should be able to tell you all the details about coverage in your new area.

3. If they don't offer coverage, look into other providers who do—and compare prices, speeds, and contracts.

4. When you've found a new provider, sign up for their service and give them your new address.

5. Schedule an installation date with the new provider.

6. On the day of your move, disconnect your equipment from your current modem and take it to your new house.

7. Connect your equipment to the new modem at your new house, and follow the activation instructions provided by your new ISP.

8. Enjoy your new home — and fast, reliable internet!

Will I need to get new internet equipment, such as a new modem and router?

This depends if you are transferring your internet service to a new provider or not.

If you're just transferring your service to a new address with the same provider, then you may be able to use your old equipment. But if you're signing up with a new ISP, they will usually require you to get new equipment from them.

What's the best way to compare different internet providers when moving?

The best way to compare different internet providers is by using an online comparison tool like HomeLinkd. This will allow you to quickly and easily see which providers are available in your area, and compare their prices, speeds, and contracts.

How will I know which ISPs are available in your new area?

Looking to switch to a new internet service provider?

There are a few ways to find out which internet providers (ISPs) are available in your new area. One way is to use an online comparison tool like HomeLinkd, which will show you all the providers available in your area.

Another way is to check with your current ISP, as they may offer coverage in your new area.

Will there be fiber internet service at your new area?

Fiber-optic internet is becoming more and more available, but it's not available everywhere. The best way to find out if there's fiber service in your new area is to use an online comparison tool like HomeLinkd, which will show you all the providers available in your area.

Can I have my internet turned on at the house I'm moving to a few days before it's turned off at my old apartment?

Yes. If you're cancelling your old service plan and signing up with a new ISP, this is possible, as long as you manage your timeline well.

If you're transferring your service to a new area, this may be tricky. This is because you're only able to have one address linked to one service at a time. Speak to your ISP as they may have their own suggestions and options.

Will my ISP automatically cancel my previous service address account, or do I need to contact them to remove the old account?

No, it won’t automatically cancel. You'll need to contact your ISP for any cancellation, removal or transfer of your account. This tends to be pretty standard, take a look at Xfinity internet cancellation procedure for reference.

Your easy guide to transferring Internet to your new home

Moving to a new location and plan on taking your home internet plan with you? Use Homelinkd’s step-by-step guide to make sure you've got your bases covered.

Step 1: Contact your service provider

Before you do anything, speak to a representative and explain when and where you're moving to. Most of your unanswered questions can be resolved by simply chatting to your ISP. They'll let you know exactly what they need from you to transfer your internet plan. You can also email, log a query on your ISP app, or speak to a chatbot.

We suggest you make contact as far in advance in possible, or at least 2-4 weeks before you delve into the chaos of packing up.

Step 2: Check that your ISP is available in the area you're moving to

When chatting to your ISP, let them know in advance of your moving date and ask if their service is available in your new place of residence. Let your provider know your new address so they can check availability, as well as for future billing purposes. Many providers are available in a variety of areas across America, so your chances are good. Click here

If your current ISP isn't available in your new area, you may have to cancel your service with them entirely, so schedule a date of cancellation that coincides with your move-in date. Check that you're happy with any early termination fees.

If this is the case, you will have to sign up with a different ISP, and search for new service plans, for your new place.

Step 3: Enquire about discounts or deals for your new ZIP code

According to moving experts, two to three months before you move is an ideal time to check for different deals or discounts that are specific to your future neighborhood. Internet packages or prices sometimes range from area to area.

If you know you're moving to a bigger house, you may also want to upgrade to high-speed internet or a more advanced router. You could even score a bundle deal on your internet connection, with TV or telephone packages. If you don't ask, you might miss out.

https://blog.frontier.com/2020/10/getting-ready-to-move-heres-how-to-get-the-best-internet-in-your-new-home

Step 4: Schedule a call or installation date that suits you

Depending on the set-up of your new home, this step can vary. If you've kept your internet package as is, simply schedule a call for your move-in date. (This is your opportunity to double-check the modem you brought with you is authenticated for your new area.) You may also need an agent to walk you through which cables to plug in and where. But it's mainly an added safety blanket if there are any unforeseen issues.

If you've upgraded your package, ordered new equipment, or switched to a new ISP, you'll need to set up an actual installation so a technician can get you up and running in no time. Schedule it for the day of your arrival so you don't have to waste data or hot-spot off your phone for too long.

Step 5: Moving Internet to a new place — what to take with you

Now you're ready to move, and move your internet to a new address.

Unplug your current modem and router, and pack them into a labelled box with all the necessary parts. Double check you've got all the ethernet cables, adaptors, and aerials too. Make sure the equipment is properly protected and positioned during the move.

If you've switched to a new provider, you can either return rented appliances or sell them online.

Step 6: Setting up in your new home

After your modem and router have been plugged in at your new home, you'll be connected to the internet again.

This is the perfect time to check your internet speed. It's important to make sure you're getting the quality you've paid for, and that everything is running as smoothly as it used to. Especially after all the moving parts involved in relocation.

Here's a great online speed tool to test your internet speed.

Compare Internet Plans for Home

Transferring your internet is the smart choice for those who are happy with their current providers, and who value convenience. Staying with internet services from your current ISP of choice means you don't have to purchase a new router or modem or foot the bill for cancellation or sign-up fees.

Don't make moving your internet service to a new home a headache, find the best deals and plans for your internet service transfer with HomeLinkd.

Explore Homelinkd’s internet plans for home with coverage all over the US.

Written by:
Yolisa Motha
Senior Copywriter

Yolisa is a word artist who's on a quest to help businesses make an impact so powerful - it causes a ripple effect. If Yolisa isn't painting pictures with her words, you'll find her hiking up a mountain or soaking up the beach sun.

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