Moving Your Internet? Follow These 10 Steps
Moving is stressful whether you’re traveling to a new state or across the street. The last thing you need to worry about is if your new home has access to high speed internet for your entertainment and work needs.
In this article, we will outline the 10 steps for moving your internet. By the end, you’ll be armed with the information you need to get the best internet service for your new home.
What you'll learn:
- Move or transfer your internet with ease
- Find the speed you need
- Contact your internet provider
- Is your current provider in your new area?
- Can you take your router or modem with you?
- Search for moving offers and deals
- Consider bundling services to maximize value
- Find the best WiFi for your new home
- Schedule installation before you move
- Set up modem and router and run a speed test
- Secure your network and devices
- What to avoid when moving your internet
- Looking for info on more topics?
Moving or transferring your internet with ease
1. Find the speed you need
Consider how your new home might affect your internet requirements. Some questions to consider:
-
- Will your internet usage change?
- Will more people be connecting multiple devices?
- Is your new space larger?
-
- Do you have any aspiring gamers in your house? Do you have the right equipment to support their internet speed needs?
Once you have the answers to these questions, you’re ready to determine what internet speed you need.
2. Contact your internet provider
Your internet provider can walk you through the specific steps needed to transfer your services or cancel your account. You’ll need to have your move-out date as well as your move-in date if transferring service.
Be sure to ask how to return your equipment.
You may be given prepaid shipping labels or you can search for your provider’s locations and payment centers to return the equipment in person. No matter which option you choose, be sure you get a receipt.
Need to transfer your Astound services? Call 1.800.427.8686 and speak with an agent today!
3. Ask if your current provider is available in your new area
Your current provider can input your new address into their check for service system to find out if they offer service in your new location.
Most providers make it seamless to continue your existing service in a new location, however, some restrictions may apply.
It’s always best to ask your provider how your services may be affected by your move.
4. Determine if you can take your WiFi router or modem with you
In most cases, you’ll be able to take your internet equipment with you if you own it. Your provider can confirm whether your current equipment needs to be returned.
Find out if you can bring your own modem to your new home.
5. Search for moving offers and deals
Many providers offer exclusive deals when moving to a new location.
Spend some time exploring internet providers in your area to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Be sure to compare rates, service levels and any special offers they have.
6. Consider bundling services to maximize value
Bundling your internet with other services like television or phone can save you money and offers the convenience of only paying one bill instead of two or more.
Many companies that have internet plans also offer television. Explore the options for purchasing television and internet together.
If you need cell phone service as well, it could work in your favor to get your internet, television and mobile phone all from one provider.
7. Get the best WiFi for your new home
Consider what home WiFi solution is best for your new address:
-
- Standard WiFi allows you to pick the best speed for your household, from 110 Mbps (best for households with just one to two users) all the way up to 1000 Mbps (allows several users on multiple devices to stream, work and play at the fastest speeds available).
-
- Mesh WiFi enables multiple routers to work as a team, improving the range, speed and stability of your WiFi network.
You may want to consider a Mesh WiFi system if you have a large house or have trouble getting a strong WiFi signal everywhere in your home.
- Mesh WiFi enables multiple routers to work as a team, improving the range, speed and stability of your WiFi network.
-
- Gaming WiFi is optimized for online game play, allowing you to prioritize gaming traffic, connect to servers with the lowest ping, track the performance of your network and more.
8. Schedule your internet installation before you move
Gone are the days of needing to be available between the hours of 9am and 2pm to have your internet installed. Most internet providers offer flexible scheduling options with as little as 24 hours notice.
Find out how to move or transfer your internet to Astound Broadband
While you can schedule your internet to be set up prior to your official move-in date, you will still need to meet the installer there.
Apartment complexes are already pre-wired as are some other types of buildings.
This means that your internet can be set up quickly. Check with your landlord or building manager to determine if this is the case for your new home.
9. Set up your modem & router and run a speed test
After your internet is installed, you’ll want to run a speed test to make sure you’re actually getting the speeds you’re paying for.
You should also confirm that your equipment is set up correctly.
If you do run into any issues, consider searching for support articles from your provider to ensure you’re maximizing your internet speed.
10. Secure your network and devices
Once your router is set up, there are a few steps you should take to ensure your network is secure.
-
- Change the default login credentials. Use a strong password and don’t include any identifying information like your address in the name of your account.
-
- Block your router from broadcasting its identifier. Your router broadcasts its network name, referred to as an SSID. This feature makes it easy for you to connect devices in your home, but also makes it easy for hackers to infiltrate your network. For extra security, turn off broadcasting by default and turn it back on when you need to connect a device.
-
- Get a router with a VPN. Consider upgrading to a VPN with a router, like eero Plus.
What to avoid when moving your internet
-
- Don’t rush – Most ISPs recommend you start the process of moving your internet at least two weeks in advance. This allows plenty of lead time to schedule your installation appointment so you won’t be left without service when you move in.
- Not scouting the local area – Familiarize yourself with local utilities, donation centers, and other moving resources in your new area so you’ll be ready to hit the ground running when you arrive.
- Not planning ahead – Locate your internet hookup before the technician arrives. Better yet, find it before you move your furniture so your router and television (if applicable), are in a position where they can be easily connected.
Conclusion
Now that you know exactly how to move or transfer your internet in these 9 easy steps, you can pick the perfect provider with the best deals, offering the exact perfect speed and best WiFi for your home.
You also know to plan ahead so you’ll have internet ready and waiting at your new home, and how you can save even more money by bundling your services together.
Related content
How to increase WiFi speeds in 8 simple steps
Many factors influence your network performance. This article covers ways to maximize your internet’s speed potential and how to troubleshoot potential issues...
Gaming router vs normal router: which is better?
The main differences between a gaming router and a normal router is that a gaming router has enhanced functionality and can be customized...
How to set up internet and WiFi in your new apartment
Get the internet speed and reliability you need for your new apartment. Check out our step-by-step moving guide...
6 internet security tips to keep you secure
There has been an increase in Cybercrime which experts attribute to the increase in the number of people working from home. Here are a few Internet security tips to ensure your safety online...
What is gigabit internet speed and why you (probably) need it
Gigabit internet is 1000 Mbps and is often referred to as 1 Gbps, 1G, or 1 Gig. 1 megabit = 1 million bits of data. 1 gigabit = 1 billion bits of data. 1 megabit = 100 mbps (megabits per second)...
How to set up your WiFi router for gaming
If you’re looking for better hit rates, lower latency, strong ping, and complete control over your network traffic and game, learning how to optimize your router for the best gaming settings will help get you there...
Save with Mobile & Internet Together
Get the mobile service, home internet & streaming that’s just right for you.
Astound Mobile requires Astound Internet service. Coverage not available in all areas. A trademark of Ziff Davis, LLC. Used under license. Reprinted with permission. Where available. © 2023 Ziff Davis, LLC. All Rights Reserved. All names, logos, images and service marks are property of their respective owners. ©2024 Astound Broadband. All rights reserved.
This website contains instructional information, including from third-party sources, and is intended, but cannot be guaranteed, to be always up-to-date, complete and accurate. Astound does not endorse, and is not responsible for, any third-party content that may be accessed through this website. Any representation or warranty by Astound that might be otherwise implied by information on this website is expressly disclaimed. Astound expressly disclaims all liability or responsibility with respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the instructional information contained on this website. Astound does not warrant or guarantee the availability of any services at any specific time or geographic location or that services will be provided without interruption. Not all aspects of the Astound services function on all equipment and devices. Use of this website is subject to the Web Site Disclaimer and Web Content Accessibility Policy.