Guide to Moving Your Internet Service
Before you move, you need to decide if you'll change internet providers or keep your existing service.
- Securing your internet provider at your new home should be a top priority when moving.
- Depending on where you move, you can transfer your service with the same provider to your new address.
- If you can’t keep your current provider, you can find one in your new location who suits your needs.
When moving to a new place, there’s a laundry list of tasks you need to complete. Unfortunately, one overlooked item is setting up your internet in your new home. If you want to avoid service interruptions and ensure a smooth transition, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about moving your internet provider.
An Overview of Moving Your ISP
When to Plan for a New ISP Before Moving
There isn’t a definitive timeline you need to follow. But, it’s best to take a proactive approach when finalizing utilities and services after signing a lease or confirming the move-in date. The answer to this question also varies depending on whether you can keep your current internet provider or need to seek out a new service.
Here’s a straightforward suggested timeline for the moving process, including when you should start to think about your internet provider.
| 8 Weeks Before | 6 Weeks Before | 4 Weeks Before | 2 Weeks Before | 1 Week Before | Day of Move | Day After Move |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start a checklist to help you mentally prepare for your upcoming move | Stock up on boxes and packing materials | Review estimates and confirm your moving company or plan | Start using up food in the freezer or pantry | Review your list and make sure you haven’t forgotten anything to this point | Complete a final walkthrough with someone else for items you may have missed or needed to this point | Locate and unpack your essentials |
| Organize your contracts and estimates into a folder for all moving services, utilities, upcoming payments, etc. | Start packing lesser-used items | Schedule utility service changes, including electric, water, gas, and connectivity | Consider servicing your car if you’re traveling long-distance | Confirm with your moving company and your new internet provider about your established appointments, if applicable | Return the internet equipment if you’re not able to use it at your new home | Decide where you should begin with unpacking |
| Start a running inventory of items you’re planning on moving | Consider donating items you don’t want to pack | Submit your change-of-address forms at the Post Office | Update banking information, credit cards, the employer’s HR department, and any other contacts | Ensure you have enough boxes and moving materials, as well as labels | Make sure your movers have your new address and confirm that all costs or deposits are settled | Take breaks and enjoy your new home |
| Understand whether or not your internet provider is available at your new location | Label the outside of the boxes | Finalize your decision regarding your internet provider: switching or keeping, if applicable | Set up a date for your new ISP to meet you (ideally on your move-in day or the day after), if applicable | Make sure all of your boxes are labeled up to this point | Finalize any deposits or monetary agreements with your current apartment, if applicable | Test out your connectivity, including TV and internet speed |
Assessing Your Internet Options
Understanding if you can keep your current internet provider is the first step before diving into a checklist. If your provider is available at your new home, it’s essential to understand what other options you have to determine if it’s cost-effective to keep your existing provider. If they don’t offer service in your new location, then you have a much longer list. But, you may end up saving money or finding a new service provider that you like just as much, if not more, than your current one. The good news is that we have detailed instructions about what to do in both scenarios.
Keeping Your Current Provider at Your New Home
If you aren’t moving far or your next home has access to the same internet provider as your current home, you may be in luck. But, that doesn’t mean you can just sit back and wait until move-in day to think about your internet service. If you’re keeping your current internet provider, you still have a few things to consider before moving into your new home.
Timeline for Moving Your Internet Provider
Like moving timelines in general, moving internet providers to your new home isn’t set in stone. We suggest confirming that you’ll be ready at least a few weeks before your move-in date. Not only will that give you peace of mind, but you will have one less item to worry about on your list, and you can label your boxes appropriately with your equipment. You can also start to make plans for future internet installation at your new location without having to scramble at the last minute.
Consider Promotions or Discount Opportunities
Just because you can keep your existing provider doesn’t mean you have to continue with your existing payment or package. When moving addresses, you can contact your internet provider to ask about any service bundles or deals offered to customers moving their internet service. Companies may want to reward customers who stick with them. Or, there may simply be new packages available now that weren’t previously available when you first signed on with your current ISP.
Installation Options
Once you’ve decided that you’ll be keeping your existing internet provider when you move, you should schedule an activation and installation date if necessary. Typically, the best time to schedule installation is the day of your move, but you could choose the day or two after, depending on your needs and the extent of your move. For a smooth installation, have your router and modem packed in a labeled box that won’t get damaged or lost during the move. You will need this equipment to activate your new service.
Whether you’ll need it at your new home or not, damaged or lost rental equipment can lead to serious fees. You’ll want to alleviate additional monetary costs besides those you’re already budgeting for.
In some cases, you may not need to schedule an installation appointment. If you’re moving your router to your new home, you can unplug it, pack it, set it up at your new home, and sync it to your new Wi-Fi. You can also set up a phone appointment during this process, as some providers may charge a fee to set up an in-person consultation.
If you plan to take your modem to another location, you need to verify that you’ll have the same internet connection type in your new home. Otherwise, you’ll have to get a new one from your provider or look into their rental options.
Interim Internet Option: If you need internet connectivity right away but aren’t planning to schedule an appointment with your provider on the first day, you can set up a hotspot for immediate connectivity. You may have hotspot capabilities on your mobile phone already, but this is another item that you should consider before the move, just so you aren’t left without internet connectivity.
Test Your Speed
The final step of the process is making sure your internet speed is up to par with what you’re paying for and that it works with the sites and platforms that you’ll be using daily. There are different ways to conduct speed tests, including apps like Ookla. You can also connect to the internet on your phone, laptop, or computer and perform your tasks, which is a much more subjective approach. However, using a speed test periodically is a good practice to verify that your speed is aligned with what you’re paying for.
Finding a Different Provider In Your New Home
It’s not uncommon to find a new internet provider when moving, whether you move long-distance or to the next town over. Terminating your agreement, returning equipment, and activating a new provider is less than ideal, but there may be some perks. Becoming a new customer often comes with promotions and deals to save money compared to your previous provider.
If your current provider isn’t available, you’ll need to research what’s available in your new area. Take the time to do some research so you don’t regret your choice. Below are a few tips to get you started.
Location Matters
ISPs vary by location, and you may be limited in options depending on where you’re moving to. For example, some cities only have one cable internet provider to choose from, while others could have several. When notifying your existing provider that you’re moving, ask if they have a comparable service available at your new location. They can provide some guidance to alleviate the process.
Homes vs. Apartments vs. Condos
The type of home you’re moving into matters. While the equipment you may need could be the same, you should consider certain items depending on what kind of location you’re moving into. For example, some apartment leases already have internet built into their rent, while others have suggested contracts or pre-wired internet in their building. If you’re moving into a home or a condo, you may have more flexibility.
From there, the size of your home matters. Some internet options may be better suited for one-story units, whereas three-story homes may require specific specs to ensure proper connectivity and speed from everywhere in the house. When you’re researching options for internet providers, make sure you specify what type of home you’ll be moving into as well as the size of that home.
Consider Your Current Equipment
You may have a modem and/or a router from your existing provider. However, this equipment is most often rented from your provider. When discussing deactivation plans, confirm whether you own or currently rent your equipment so that you know if you have to return it. Failure to return rented equipment will incur a charge, so don’t miss this step.
Equipment choices should be factored into your decision process. Renting or buying equipment costs money, so that should be another line item to consider when determining which internet provider to use. If your newly chosen provider needs to install anything into your new home for you to use their service, that could also cost extra money. Similarly, if you purchased equipment for your old home, see whether this is compatible with a new provider.
Types of Internet
Different technology means different types of connectivity. If you work from home, stream video games or movies often, or have several devices connected at once, you’ll want to factor all that into your decision about which type of internet you’ll consider. Depending on whether you live alone or with others, you’ll also have to decide which options make the most sense. Certain types of technology, such as 5G or fiber-optic internet, tend to have the fastest internet speed capabilities, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best for you. Certain providers in some locations may not have 5G as an option yet, so this is all part of the conversation you’ll need to have with new providers you’re looking into.
Deactivating Your Old Service
Before simply canceling with your existing provider, make sure you won’t incur any early termination fees. Some providers may waive specific fees if you meet their requirements, such as if you’re moving outside of their coverage area. Once you’ve handled the conversation regarding any fees, you can then identify what equipment needs to be returned and when. If you have a router and/or a modem, you’ll most likely need to return these items if you rented them. Make sure these are in good condition, or you may incur fees for any damage done to your provider’s equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving Internet Providers
Do I have to tell my internet provider I’m moving?
You must inform your internet provider when you’re moving so they can guide you through the proper cancellation process. The ISP will also check if service is available at your new location and transfer your account if it is. Most providers recommend reaching out at least two weeks before your move to schedule a transfer or cancellation. If your provider doesn’t serve the new address, they can guide you through cancellation and what to do with your equipment.
How long does it take to transfer the internet to another house?
The time required to transfer your internet depends on your provider and the availability of technicians. Generally, it takes a few days to a week to complete the transfer. If equipment installation or wiring is needed, a technician may need to visit your new home, which could extend the timeline. Contact your provider as early as possible to schedule the transfer and minimize service disruptions.
Do I have to cancel one internet service before switching to another?
If you’re moving to a location served by your current provider, you can often transfer your service instead of canceling. However, if switching providers, it’s a good idea to overlap services for a few days to avoid internet disruption.
Is there a fee to cancel the internet?
Cancellation fees depend on your provider and the terms of your contract. Many providers charge an early termination fee if you cancel before the end of a fixed-term contract. This fee can range from $50 to $200 or more. If you’re on a month-to-month plan, you may only need to pay for the current billing cycle. However, when you’re moving, some ISPs won’t impose any cancellation fees. This does vary by provider, so always review your contract and ask about fees before canceling.
Do I need to return the router to my internet provider after canceling my service?
If you’ve rented a router, modem, or other equipment from your provider, you must return it after canceling your service to avoid extra charges. Some providers include prepaid return labels for convenience, while others may require you to drop off equipment at a designated location. Confirm the return process with your provider and keep any receipts or tracking information.