7 Tips for Moving Your Existing Internet Service

Today, transferring your internet service when you move is almost as essential as transferring your electricity and gas. And unlike those typically one-and-done tasks, you may have a lot of questions when transferring your internet: Can I move my WiFi router to another house? How do I know which internet service providers (ISPs) are available at my new home? Is this a good time to switch to high-speed fiber?

Fortunately, once you’ve figured out the basics, transferring your internet service to a new home is relatively straightforward. The move can also allow you to explore different internet service options. Let’s dive in and get the key facts on transferring your internet service when you move.

1.    If You’re Happy With Your Internet Service, Contact Your Isp And Ask To Have It Transferred.

If you simply want to move your existing service to a new address, your ISP will be happy to assist. Typically, this is as easy as filling out an online form on the ISP’s website. Just look for a page called “Transfer Service” or similar wording; you’ll enter your current address and new address and schedule a time for a technician to arrive. (Most ISPs also offer the option to transfer your service by phone, if you prefer the human touch.)

The caveat is that your current ISP may not have service available at your new address. Service availability depends on where the provider has physical data infrastructure like coaxial or fiber cables. Your new address may be outside the service area, so check the ISP’s website to learn where they offer coverage. Most will have a page that allows you to enter your new address and see whether service is available there.

2.    Don’t Be Afraid To Shop Around.

Moving is also the perfect time to change ISPs if your current provider isn’t meeting your needs. Finding other available ISPs in your area is usually as easy as searching “ISPs near me” or a similar term. You’ll find ISP comparison sites that help you compare a service provider’s offerings, including available speeds and service packages.

Shopping around for ISPs can also help you score a good deal on your internet service. Talk to a representative from the ISP you’re interested in and ask if they have deals available for new subscribers. Bundle deals can be a smart option if you want to add other services like cable TV and/or landline phone services. However, be sure to read your contracts closely, since new-subscriber deals from ISPs may come with strings attached (such as early cancellation fees or rates that increase later).

3.    If You’re Keeping Your Service, You Can Usually Use The Same Modem And Router At Your New Home.

Keeping your existing internet service? You can almost always use the same modem and router that you use currently, especially if you rent them from your ISP. If you use your own modem and router, it’s always a good idea to verify that your ISP still supports them. Using an unsupported modem and router can cause issues with your service, and your ISP may not be able to provide support.

There’s no special trick for moving your internet router to another house. Simply box it up, preferably in its own well-padded box, and connect it at your new home once your connection has been set up. Remember that your router’s location matters. Try to place it in a central location, elevated off the floor, and away from other electronic devices that can cause interference.

4.    Find Out If High-Speed Fiber Is Available At Your New Address.

It’s always worth checking if fiber optic internet is an option at your new residence. This ultra-fast internet technology still isn’t available everywhere, but its availability has improved dramatically in the 2020s. Search for terms like “fiber internet near me” to find local providers.

While fiber does tend to cost more than other types of internet, its superior performance makes it worthwhile. Fiber offers supercharged upload speeds and very low latency, which makes it ideal for gamers, remote workers, and anyone else who needs to upload data quickly and consistently. It’s also extremely reliable, thanks to its immunity to electromagnetic interference, which can be a problem for copper-based internet technologies (such as cable internet).

5.    Schedule an Installation Time When You’ll Be Home.

In most cases, you (or someone 18 and older) will need to be home when your ISP’s technician comes to install internet service at your new home. If you’ll have possession of the house before the move-in date, that’s an ideal time to schedule your internet installation. Some people choose to set the appointment on move-in day itself — convenient, but potentially hectic, since you’ll probably be juggling many other tasks. Others choose to schedule installation a day or two after moving in so they have time to complete other basic tasks before installation day.

6.    WiFi Hotspots Can Get You Through While You’re Waiting For Installation.

If you’ll have to wait a few days before getting your internet connected at your new home, don’t fret. Most people’s smartphones can create a WiFi hotspot that broadcasts a basic WiFi network and allows devices like laptops to connect.

While a hotspot won’t be the fastest or most high-performance internet, it’s typically enough for essential functions like paying bills and sending emails. It can also provide basic functionality for working from home, although some functions, like video conferencing, may not work perfectly on the hotspot’s limited bandwidth.

7.    Run a Speed Test On Your Wifi After Installation.

Once your ISP technician has installed your internet connection, they should run an internet speed test to verify that your connection can provide the agreed-upon speeds. Although it’s common for WiFi speeds to vary slightly from the advertised speeds, your connection should at least be in the ballpark of what you’re paying for. Many people also run speed tests on their own after installation to ensure that their service remains consistent.

Transferring your internet service isn’t exactly the most fun or exciting part of moving into a new home. However, it’s a must for establishing your new place as a space where you can live your 21st-century lifestyle — and with a little research, you might end up with improved internet service.