Guide for moving and staying online

Moving to a new location often comes with a full range of emotions. It’s an exciting time, but it can also be stressful, as people try to balance all the different tasks and responsibilities that come with moving to a new home. Taking the time to plan for the transition of your high-speed internet service can help you set up the home network at your new residence quickly.

We’ll walk you through what you need to know about finding a new service provider, how to set up your internet plan and the steps to make the entire transition go smoothly alongside the rest of the moving process.

Before your move to a new home

In the weeks leading up to your move, you’ll likely have various tasks to take care of, including the immense job of packing. However, to make a smooth migration of your internet service, make sure you plan ahead.

After all, you don’t want to move into your new home only to discover that you’ll be without the internet service for days. We will walk you through the process, from verifying pricing for your new location to testing your setup once you’re connected.

Find internet service providers for your new home

The first step in this process is determining the internet service providers (ISPs) available in your new area. Different companies tend to have their own service areas, so you might find that your old company doesn’t provide internet services in your new area. On the other hand, you might stumble on a new internet service provider who offers the perfect internet package for you at the new location.

You’ll want to learn about your ISP options. You can get started by checking to see if Frontier is available in your area. In addition to searching online for service providers in your area, people who live locally can be especially helpful. They might help you uncover new providers or offer information about the reliability of internet service providers in your area.

Consider the different service options of available providers

Once you have your list of potential providers, the next step involves researching the different packages and types of service they offer. Remember that not all internet providers offer the same quality of service or the right services for your needs. For example, if you plan to run a business out of your home, you’ll have different needs than someone who only needs to check their email periodically.

In general, here’s what you should look for in a quality ISP:

• No data caps: With modern consumers’ internet consumption, data caps can become very expensive very quickly. You don’t want to worry about racking up your internet bill while streaming your favorite shows.
• Different internet speed options: Different people have different internet needs, so why should they have to buy the same package? Look for a provider that offers a fiber-optic network if internet speed is your priority, or multiple internet speed packages if you need a cost-effective and reliable internet connection.
• Able to handle your internet needs: Few things are more frustrating than a video game lagging or buffering while you’re watching a movie. Your internet connection should be able to handle your needs and provide a seamless experience.
• Choice of bundles: The internet is probably not the only piece of technology you want to transition to your new home. If you also want a connection for your TV and home phone service for your new home, look for a provider that can bundle these services for you.

Fortunately, there is already an ISP that offers these benefits alongside outstanding service and network reliability. See if Frontier might be right for you and learn more about what we have to offer.

Schedule activation at your new home

Once you’ve selected your ISP and preferred package option, it’s time to schedule an installation. Take care of this step well in advance of your moving date so that you can get the appointment you want. Begin by contacting the ISP and letting them know the service you want as well as when and where they need to connect it. This includes providing them with the address of your new home.

Keep in mind that moving days tend to be a bit chaotic. If you’ll have movers carrying furniture around the house and you’ll be in and out of the home all day, it might be a good idea to schedule the internet installation and activation for the following day. Consider what your moving process will consist of and if you’ll be able to manage the night without the internet.

Return old equipment or pack it for your move

Many internet service customers use equipment provided by their ISP, such as routers and modems. As you get ready to move, you’ll want to return any equipment you’ve borrowed. This can help you avoid fines and extra payments. Call your service provider to learn about their process for returning equipment.

However, if you’ll be staying with your ISP, the company will often let you bring the equipment to your new house to be set up there. Just make sure to notify them of the move so that they can connect the accounts between the two residences.

As you prepare for this step, also look into any early termination fees that your current ISP charges. Some will waive them if you’re moving, but you’ll need to be in contact with them to know what to expect.

During your move

When the big day finally comes and it’s time to move to your new location, make sure you remain in contact with your ISP throughout the process. Let them know your anticipated schedule, the address where they’ll be hooking up your service and any other important information they need so that the process goes smoothly.

Coordinate your arrival with your ISP

If you have any changes in your schedule that will impact your move-in date, let your ISP know as soon as possible so that you can reschedule the appointment if needed. For example, if you will arrive at the new location several hours behind schedule due to traffic and unanticipated delays, and your ISP needs someone at the house to let them access the necessary areas, reach out as soon as you realize you will fall behind schedule.

Also, let your internet provider know important information ahead of time. If moving trucks are blocking the main entrance or if delivery people are expected to set up furniture around the same area where the internet will go, this can be helpful to pass on so that the internet technicians can be prepared.

After you’ve arrived at your new home

You have now arrived at your new home. You’re excited to connect your smart home devices and really settle into your new home.

Only a few steps to follow to get your internet connection up and running.

Connect the modem and wireless router to a cable outlet

Once your ISP has activated internet service to a cable outlet in your home, connect the modem and wireless router with an ethernet cable. Your ISP will either provide you with detailed instructions for getting these parts connected or they may provide installation services.

During installation, consider how you plan to use the internet. For example, if you know your internet usage will be heavy in one part of the house, make sure that the router can broadcast a clear signal to that area. Your router will function essentially as an access point and create a wireless network that your devices can access.

Connect your devices

Once you have a Wi-Fi connection, connect your devices to make sure that the process has gone smoothly. Your router will come with a password that allows you to access this specific network. You can reset the password and network name later if you want.

Use a laptop to test the network’s ability, then get your TV and any other internet-dependent technology up and running.

Expand your Wi-Fi coverage if necessary

Even if you carefully plan where to put your router for maximum Wi-Fi network coverage, you might still find areas of the home that have a weak signal. This can be particularly true for those with a home that has larger square footage or for people who want internet access in their backyards.

If you find that you need to boost your signal, you have some options. You can add a Wi-Fi extender to your home to help amplify the Wi-Fi signal and help it reach any hard-to-reach areas. Speak with your ISP about recommendations for extenders that they might have.

Test your internet speed

This step is optional. If you want to make sure that your internet speed will be fast enough for certain activities, such as online games, you should test the connection. To test your internet speed, simply search for “internet speed test” through Google search. This query will return you a speed test that you can run right in the browser of your computer.

Tips to stay online while moving to a new home

As you prepare to move to your new home, here are a few tips to help you avoid any interruptions in your connectivity.

Coordinate installation/activation times with your ISP

Work with your ISP several weeks before your actual move to set up time for installation and activation. This timing will help you get your desired appointment date and time.

Make sure they fully understand when and where you are moving so that the activation can be timed correctly. Having the connection turned on days after your actual move can result in frustration.

Schedule your equipment to arrive on time at your new place

Many providers can ship you the equipment you need for your internet connection. Make sure that you schedule your equipment to arrive on time at your new place. Failing to do so can cause more delays in your internet activation.

If your ISP will be sending you internet equipment through the mail, make sure they don’t send it too early. You don’t want the equipment to arrive when the former residents are still there, as this can cause unnecessary confusion. It might even result in equipment being sent back if the former residents think it was sent to them by mistake.

Choose a helpful internet service provider

One of the best things you can do through the moving process is to work with your ISP directly. A quality internet service provider will offer guidance and assistance to you throughout the process, demonstrating a genuine interest in providing quality customer service.

Find out if Frontier Internet is available in your area

Frontier offers straightforward internet packages with 24/7 customer service. Our customers know they can count on us to help them throughout major transitions, like moving to a new home. Use our availability checker to see if Frontier can be used at your new address and see how we can help you.