Moving Soon? Don't Forget About Your Internet

Whether you're doing it all by yourself or hiring some movers, moving can often be chaotic and stressful. There are countless steps and checklists to ensure you're canceling or transferring utilities and services, packing everything up efficiently and staying within your budget and timeline. Your internet is probably the last thing on your mind -- but you'll want to carve out some time to set up a new internet service seamlessly before the move.

Don't worry -- we've got you covered. In this guide, we'll go over the steps you'll need to take to find a new internet service provider, how to cancel and return your equipment or how to transfer your service without any hiccups. Before you lean back and relax in your new place, you'll want to have your Wi-Fi up and running with maximum efficiency and security; we'll cover that too.

That may sound like a lot to add to an exponentially growing list of moving tasks, but we'll break everything down into easy steps. Here’s everything you need to know about setting up internet while moving.

Before you move, find an internet service provider for your new place

Before you move, you'll need to decide if you're going to stick with your current ISP or switch and start fresh with a new one. A lot goes into picking an internet service provider beyond making sure you have the absolute best price, and we'll cover that below.

Find the best internet service

When it comes to picking out a new internet service provider, our options are sorely limited depending on location. Everything from the internet connection type, speeds and pricing varies depending on your address. In some cases, you may find you only have one or two decent internet options.

Your first step to finding your next internet provider is to use an ISP search tool. We often use the Federal Communications Commission's broadband map to figure out which ISPs service which areas. All you have to do is type in your address, and you can pull up a list of internet service providers that serve. Once you get a clear understanding of your options, you can start doing some research to determine which ISP will be a good fit.

If you have a chance to speak with your new neighbors before you move, ask them which internet service they use -- it’s not only informative, it’s a great way to start a conversation and possibly make friends in a new neighborhood. If you're renting, check with your landlord, leasing office or property manager about available internet provider options. If you're moving into an apartment complex, you may be stuck with whatever ISP serves that building, but it never hurts to check with the leasing office first.

Once you’ve got an idea of the internet providers in your area, it’s time to compare connection types, plans and service details. The connection type is important, whether you're trying out fiber or curious about 5G internet -- we can tell you first-hand the difference an internet connection can make.

Before you commit to a new internet provider plan, carefully read the terms of service to figure out what your monthly bill will actually look like. Are there equipment fees you'll need to add to the bill? Are there price increases after a set period of time? Make sure you're avoiding the top mistakes most people make when shopping for internet for the first time by thoroughly reading the terms of service -- no matter how boring it might seem. You'll want to watch out for sneakycontracts, data caps, red flags in customer satisfaction reports and any other limited-time deals that might make your monthly bill a little cheaper.

For more, be sure to check out CNET's internet guides and best lists for additional help finding the best internet service :

• Internet Guide for Apartments
• Internet Guide for Roommates
• Best Cheap Internet Providers
• Best Rural Internet Providers
• Best Internet Bundles
• Best Internet for Streaming
• Best Internet for Gaming

Schedule service start and end dates

Now that you have a new internet provider picked out, you'll need to pick a day to start service. While it may be tempting to schedule the new start for move-in day, it'll likely be much more convenient to start a day or two later.

You'll be juggling a lot of decisions on the move-in day, and you may not have time to set up your internet efficiently. If professional installation is required, you and your stuff may be in the technician’s way -- and they might be in yours. Scheduling your internet start a few days before lets you check one more item off your moving list and move on.

Scheduling your cancellation date is more straightforward. Simply schedule it for your move-out date, or whenever you plan to pack up your router and cut the Wi-Fi connection.

Keep in mind that some providers may charge you a full month’s service after a certain date. Check with your provider to see if there is a major cost difference between terminating service on your move-out date versus a day or two before.

Transferring your internet service vs. starting new

If you've decided to stick with the same ISP, you'll have to decide whether to transfer your service to your new address or cancel the account entirely and start a new one.

The most practical scenario for canceling rather than transferring is if you plan to put the service in someone else’s name, like a spouse or roommate. This could potentially allow you to take advantage of new customer pricing and special offers. Otherwise, it often makes more sense to simply transfer the service.

Transferring your internet service will typically carry over any discounts, promotional offers or locked-in rates you might have. Your account information, including your payment method, will also conveniently carry over to your new home.

Additionally, transferring service will maintain your tenure as a customer, which can be a powerful negotiating point when speaking with customer service about better rates or service terms.

If you need to change your speeds, you should be able to do that with your transfer (though being locked in a contract can complicate things). Speak with a customer service representative about your options when transferring service -- you may even be able to negotiate a lower rate or better service terms for your new home.

Don't forget to pack up your router, too

By this point in the internet-moving process, the hard part is over, but you'll still need to pack up your router, whether you’re taking it with you or returning it to the provider.

If you're returning your equipment, you'll likely have to mail it or drop it off at an approved ISP store or location. Usually, internet providers mail prepaid shipping labels for you to make the process easier.

When packing your router, I recommend treating it like an expensive gaming console. While you don’t necessarily need to protect the exterior from scratches like you would a TV or computer monitor, you don’t want to damage any interior or exterior components (such as buttons or ports); you'll want to handle it carefully.

Wrap your router in newspaper or a soft cloth (save the bubble wrap for your glassware), then securely pack it in a box with little room for it to bounce around during your move. If rain is in the forecast, take care to ensure the router does not get wet.

Preparing for your professional installation

There isn’t much to do when it comes to professional installation, but there are a few things you can do to make their job easier:

• Schedule the installation date for a day and time that you are confident you'll be home.
• Make any required equipment (router, cables) available before your technician’s arrival.
• Have an idea of where you want the router to go and which rooms/locations you will use a wired connection, if possible.
• Provide a clear path in and out of your home and to the various wall plates in your home, especially ones with a coaxial connection.

Your internet provider may give you the option, or requirement, to self-install your internet. Doing so can save you money -- professional installation may cost $100 or more, depending on the provider -- and it’s convenient, allowing you to set up your internet on your own time.

Set up a strong, secure Wi-Fi network

Once your internet service is up and running, you’ll need to position your router and create a Wi-Fi network.

Your first impulse might be to hide away your router and its cables, but you could compromise internet speeds in the process. Internet is already expensive, and you should be getting your money's worth for what you're paying by using an optimized Wi-Fi network.

Ideally, you’ll want to place your router in a central location in your home so that the signals have a better chance of reaching every corner. Somewhere high, like on top of a bookshelf, is often best. Avoid tucking your router away in a corner or hiding it behind a cabinet door with limited air circulation. It's also a good rule of thumb to make sure no big appliances, like your TV, are blocking your router.

Setting up your Wi-Fi network can usually be done via an app, perhaps from your internet provider, but most likely from the router manufacturer. If you have a professional installation, your install tech may walk you through the process. 

Give your network a unique name and, more importantly, a strong password to protect it. Be sure to write the password down exactly as you entered it and store it somewhere accessible to others who may need it. 

While you’re at it, go ahead and create a guest Wi-Fi network. Your visitors and main Wi-Fi network will thank you. A guest Wi-Fi network is also useful for connecting smart devices with fewer security protections, such as smart speakers, cameras and plugs.

Put your new network to the test

After your Wi-Fi network is active, perform speed tests throughout your home at various times over a few days. This will show you where and when your network is strongest and help you identify any weak or dead zones. 

If your Wi-Fi performance is poor, you can try repositioning your router for better coverage throughout your home, but it may be worth upgrading your equipment if it continues to be an issue. A good Wi-Fi extender, a mesh router system or a single high-performance router with a stronger signal and greater range can help boost your router's range.   

Enjoy your new internet (and home)

Is there a better feeling than being settled in a new home? You can post all about it on social media using your newly established Wi-Fi network. Better yet, kick your feet up and stream your favorite show for an hour or more. You’ve earned it.