Moving Internet Guide: Transfer Service Smoothly

Moving is stressful enough without adding internet headaches to the list. Yet internet is one of the first things you'll need at your new home, whether it's for remote work on Monday morning or keeping the kids entertained while unpacking. With proper planning, you can ensure seamless internet connectivity at your new address with minimal downtime. This guide walks you through every step, from checking availability to getting connected on day one.

Timeline: When to Start Planning

Start your internet planning 3-4 weeks before your move date. This gives you time to research providers, schedule installations, and overlap service if needed. The biggest mistake people make is waiting until the last minute, only to discover their new address requires a professional installation that's booked out for two weeks.

At the 3-4 week mark, check which providers serve your new address. Use our availability checker or visit each provider's website to verify service at your specific address. Apartment and condo buildings sometimes have exclusive provider agreements that limit your options, so check with your new landlord or building management as well.

At the 2-week mark, either schedule a service transfer with your current provider or order new service from a different provider. If professional installation is required, book the earliest available appointment that works with your moving timeline. Many providers offer self-installation kits that arrive by mail in 3-5 business days, which is faster and more flexible than waiting for a technician.

One week before, confirm your installation appointment or self-install kit delivery. If you're keeping your current provider, confirm the disconnect date at your old address and the connect date at your new one. Plan to overlap service by a few days if possible -- having internet at both locations briefly is worth the small extra cost.

Transferring Service with Your Current Provider

If your current provider serves your new address, a service transfer is usually the simplest option. Call your provider or use their online tool to request a transfer. Most providers offer this as a free service, though you may need to pay for professional installation if your new home doesn't have existing wiring. The transfer typically maintains your current plan, promotional pricing, and account history.

When requesting a transfer, ask specifically about whether your promotional pricing carries over. Some providers restart the promotional clock (giving you another 12-24 months at the lower rate), while others continue your existing contract timeline. This is also a great opportunity to renegotiate your plan -- mention that you're considering competitors at the new address to see if they'll offer a better deal to retain you.

Be aware that service availability and speeds may differ at your new address. Even with the same provider, your new location might support different speeds due to infrastructure differences. A fiber plan at your old address might only be available as cable at the new one, or vice versa. Ask specifically what services and speeds are available at your new address, not just whether the provider covers the area.

Switching to a New Provider

If your current provider doesn't serve your new area, or if better options are available, it's time to shop around. This is actually an opportunity -- you can take advantage of new customer promotions and choose the best provider for your new location without the inertia of an existing account. Compare plans from all available providers at your new address based on speed, price, data caps, and contract terms.

When comparing providers at a new address, prioritize: fiber availability (if AT&T Fiber, Verizon Fios, or another fiber provider covers your area, they're typically the best choice), no-contract options (useful in case you move again), and total cost including equipment rental and installation fees. Read our internet plans guide for detailed provider comparisons.

Order your new service 2-3 weeks before move-in day. Schedule professional installation for the day you move in, or earlier if you have access to the new home beforehand. Self-installation is available from most providers and arrives by mail in 3-5 days -- have the kit shipped to your new address if possible, or to your current address if you'll be moving soon.

Cancelling Your Old Service

Time your cancellation carefully. If you're switching providers, schedule your old service to end 1-2 days after your new service is activated, ensuring no gap in coverage. If you're transferring with the same provider, they handle the timing of the switch. Never cancel your old service before confirming your new service works properly.

Check for early termination fees (ETF) before cancelling. If you're in a contract, the ETF can range from $100-400 depending on how much time remains. Some providers prorate the fee based on months remaining, while others charge a flat rate. In some cases, your new provider may offer credit to cover switching costs -- ask about any "switching" or "contract buyout" promotions.

Return all rental equipment (modem, router, DVR) promptly to avoid unreturned equipment charges, which can be $100-300 per device. Most providers allow equipment returns at retail stores (Xfinity at UPS Store, AT&T at AT&T stores, Spectrum at Spectrum stores) or by mail with a prepaid shipping label. Get a receipt and save it for at least 90 days in case of billing disputes. Document the serial numbers and condition of equipment before returning.

Getting Connected on Day One

For the fastest possible connection at your new home, consider these strategies. Self-installation is often available same-day or within a few days -- you simply connect the modem to the existing cable or phone jack and plug in the router. If your new home has no existing wiring, professional installation is required and may take 1-2 weeks to schedule.

As a backup plan, use your phone's mobile hotspot for the first day or two if your new internet isn't ready. Most phone plans include 15-50 GB of hotspot data, which is enough for basic work and browsing for a few days. Alternatively, T-Mobile 5G Home Internet can be set up instantly since it uses cellular signals -- it's an excellent temporary or permanent solution depending on your area's 5G coverage.

If you're buying your own equipment rather than renting, order your modem and router in advance and have them ready for move-in day. Buying your own saves $10-15/month and lets you set up immediately without waiting for a provider's equipment to arrive. Make sure the modem is compatible with your new provider by checking their approved device list. See our modem vs router guide for buying recommendations.