Moving house is exciting, but let’s be honest, it can also be a bit overwhelming. You’ve got dozens of boxes to pack, a mountain of address change forms, and maybe a pet or two wondering what’s going on. Amid all this hustle, it’s easy to overlook one essential: your internet connection. Many of us don’t realise how much we rely on broadband until faced with the prospect of a new home without Wi-Fi. If you’ve ever imagined your first night in a new flat with no Netflix or the kids unable to get online, you’ll know it’s something worth planning for. In fact, a recent industry study found that about one million Britons who moved recently had to wait an average of eight days to get broadband set up, and a third of those movers burned through their entire mobile data allowance just to stay online during the gap. Eight days might not sound like much at first, but try telling that to someone working from home or a family with teenagers! Clearly, sorting out broadband before the big move can spare you a lot of frustration.

But a smooth broadband transition isn’t just about avoiding downtime. Moving home offers a perfect chance to re-evaluate your services. You might be moving to an area with faster full-fibre options, or perhaps you’ve been itching to drop that pricey TV bundle you no longer watch. A house move is an opportunity to switch to a better deal or upgrade your plan so you’re not only connected in your new place, but maybe even saving money or enjoying better speeds than before. On the flip side, if you’re happy with your current provider, you’ll want to know how to take them with you seamlessly. Either way, a bit of planning ensures you won’t be left scrambling for an internet connection on move-in day.

In this guide, we’ll walk UK consumers through everything to do with broadband when moving home. We’ll cover whether it’s better to stick with your existing provider or switch to a new one, how to handle contracts and potential fees, and tips to minimise any downtime. We’ll also talk about using mobile data or other backups to stay connected if there’s a gap between disconnection and reconnection. By the end, you should feel confident that when you carry that sofa into your new living room, your Wi-Fi will be ready and waiting. Let’s unpack the details (pun intended) and ensure your broadband move is as easy as the rest of your relocation.

Assessing Your Current Broadband Before You Move

Before you even think about wires and routers, take a step back and look at your current broadband situation. A house move is the ideal time for a broadband reality check. Start by asking a few key questions about your existing service and contract:

• Are you still in contract, or free to switch? If you’re mid-contract with your provider, find out how long is left on your term. If the fixed term ends by the time you move (or has already ended), you’re in a great position – you can leave without penalties. If you still have many months remaining, you’ll want to weigh up any early termination fees before deciding to switch. (We’ll talk more about fees in a bit.)
• Has your provider announced any price increases? Many UK broadband contracts now include clauses for annual price rises, often tied to inflation. If your provider recently hiked prices above inflation and didn’t give you a way out, you might actually have grounds to leave early without penalty. Ofcom rules allow customers to exit contracts penalty-free if a provider raises prices beyond what was agreed up front. So, check those emails or letters from your ISP – a sneaky mid-contract increase could be your ticket to switch providers without fees. On the other hand, if you’re on a price-fixed deal (no mid-term rises), that stability might be something you want to keep – assuming the service is good.
• Do you like your current broadband package? This sounds basic, but really consider it. Is your speed adequate for your needs? Any recurring issues with reliability or customer service? Moving is one of those moments you can break free from an unsatisfactory service. Conversely, if you’re perfectly content – you get the speeds promised and the price is right – note that down. There’s no rule saying you must change anything when you move; you can often take your plan with you (if the provider serves the new area). The key is knowing how you feel about what you have, so you can decide logically rather than just sticking by habit.
• Does your provider cover your new area? This is a big one. Coverage is sometimes the deciding factor. If you’re moving two streets over, chances are you can get the same broadband options. But moving to a different town or city (or even from an urban area to a rural village) can change the lineup of available providers. For instance, you might currently be on Virgin Media cable broadband, but your new house is nowhere near Virgin’s network – or vice versa. Or perhaps you’ve been using a smaller full-fibre provider (one of those new alt-net companies) in your current flat, but they haven’t rolled out service at the new postcode yet. It’s crucial to check availability at the new address. You can do this by entering the postcode into a broadband comparison tool. In fact, feel free to Check these broadband deals{:target=”_blank”} for your new postcode to see which providers and speeds are on offer. This step will quickly show if your current provider is an option there. If they’re not, well – the decision to switch has practically been made for you.
• Are there faster or cheaper options in the new location? Even if your current ISP does serve the new area, don’t assume they’re your best bet. Different locales can have different tech available. Your new place might have access to full-fibre (FTTP) where your old place didn’t, meaning you could potentially jump from, say, a 50 Mbps copper/fibre mix to 500 Mbps pure fibre. Alternatively, perhaps a competitor has a strong presence in the new town and is offering special promotional prices to gain customers. It’s worth doing a fresh comparison of deals for the new postcode. You might discover that another provider can give you a better deal or a big speed boost. On the flip side, in some rural moves, you might find fewer choices than you’re used to – which makes it all the more important to plan ahead and secure the best option available. Either way, knowledge is power: knowing what’s out there will guide your next steps.

By running through the above checklist, you’ll get a sense of whether it makes more sense to stay or switch. In short: if you’re out of contract (or unhappy with something) and there are enticing deals at the new address, it’s prime time to consider switching. If you’re under contract but love your service and it’s available at the new place, transferring it might be simplest. In the sections below, we’ll explore both paths – taking your existing broadband with you or choosing a new provider – and how to handle each scenario smoothly.

Transferring Your Broadband to a New Address

If you’ve decided to stick with your current provider, either because you’re pleased with the service or want to avoid exit fees, the good news is that most UK broadband companies will help you transfer your connection to your new home. In many cases, it’s a straightforward process, but there are still some things to keep in mind.

1. Confirm coverage and service at the new property: We touched on this, but double-check that your provider not only serves the general area but can service your specific address. In the UK, this is especially important if you’re moving into a flat or an apartment block. Sometimes a provider might have network coverage in the town, but the building infrastructure might be a limitation (for example, maybe the flat is only wired for Openreach phone lines and not cable, or vice versa). If you live in a flat, ask the landlord or previous occupant which ISPs are available, or use the provider’s online postcode checker. It’s better to discover any issues before moving day.

2. Give your provider plenty of notice: As soon as you know your moving date, ring up your broadband provider (or hop onto their web chat) and let them know you’re moving home. Providers generally ask for at least two weeks’ notice, but if you can give more, even better. In busy periods (like summer moves or end-of-month rental changeovers), engineers can get booked up. By notifying early, you increase the chance of having your service activated at the new place on the day you move in, or very shortly after. During this call, they will schedule the stop service at your old address and the start service at the new one. Often, these can be the same day to avoid overlap charges, but you can discuss a short overlap if needed (more on overlap in a moment).

3. Ask about any fees or new contracts: When transferring service, some providers charge a home move fee – essentially an administration or installation charge. It might cover sending out an engineer or a new router if needed. For example, a provider could charge something like £20–£60 for moving home, though others might do it for free, especially if you agree to a new contract term. This brings us to the next point: many will require you to start a new contract at the new address. It could be a fresh 12-, 18-, or 24-month term. This isn’t necessarily bad; if you were out of contract anyway, a new term often comes with new-customer pricing (or at least a better deal than the pricey monthly rolling rate). However, do check whether they are putting you on the same package or if they’re switching you to a different plan due to local availability. If the only equivalent service at your new home is, say, a slower or faster plan, make sure you’re happy with that change. And if you’re not keen on re-committing for a long term, see if they offer a monthly rolling option – though note that might be more expensive.

4. Schedule the installation or activation: Depending on the technology, you may or may not need a home visit. If your new house already has the appropriate line (for example, an Openreach phone line for ADSL or fibre-to-the-cabinet broadband) and it’s just a matter of activation, you might not need an engineer inside – it can be switched remotely on the agreed date. But if you’re moving to a property that’s never had that service (or you’re upgrading to something like full-fibre which requires new equipment), an engineer appointment might be needed. Coordinate this for as close to your move-in as possible. Providers will often let you choose an installation date. If you can be flexible (like taking a day off during the week), you might get an earlier slot. On the day, the engineer will either install any required gear or just ensure the connection is live. Tip: If an engineer is coming, try to be at the property, or have someone there, so you can ask questions and ensure everything is working before they leave. Also, keep your router unpacked and handy – you’d be surprised how many people bury it in a moving box and then can’t find it when the internet man shows up!

5. Keep using your old broadband until move-out: One perk of transferring is that you might be able to keep your current broadband running at the old place right up until moving day. If there’s a slight overlap, you could even have both old and new active for a short period (though you might end up paying a few days of two services). Usually, though, providers will stop your old service on the day you move (or the day after) and start the new one on the same day. If you arrange it right, you’ll leave home A in the morning and by the time you settle into home B in the evening, your Wi-Fi could already be live. It doesn’t always line up perfectly, but one can hope!

6. Update your address and details: While you’re on the phone with customer service, remember to update your billing address and contact info. You don’t want bills or letters going to your old address after you’ve left. Also ask if you need to return any equipment. If you’re using the same provider and they don’t upgrade your router, they’ll likely have you bring your old router with you to reuse at the new place. But if, say, you were on an older tech and now you’re upgrading to a new hub or a fibre ONT (optical terminal) device, they might send new kit. In that case, ask how to return the old one to avoid any unreturned equipment charges. Many providers send a pre-paid returns bag if they want the router back.

Transferring with the same company generally means you won’t pay any exit fees and you keep things familiar. The key is communication – keep your provider in the loop early, follow their instructions, and you should have a fairly seamless transition. It’s in their interest to make it easy for you to stay with them. Just watch out for any new contract terms or one-off fees sneaking into the paperwork, and you’ll be fine.

Switching to a Different Provider at Your New Home

Moving is often the perfect time to switch broadband providers. Maybe you found a better deal, your old provider doesn’t serve the new area, or you’ve just had it with inconsistent speeds and want a fresh start. Whatever the reason, switching during a move is common – but it does add a few extra considerations compared to a normal switch. Here’s how to navigate it.

1. Shop around for the best deal: First up, you’ll want to compare what’s available at your new address. Use a trusted comparison site to see all the options in one go. You can explore UK broadband deals{:target=”_blank”} by entering the new postcode – this will show you which providers operate there and what packages (speeds, prices, etc.) you can get. Pay attention to introductory offers (like 6 months half-price) versus the regular rate, contract length, and whether prices will rise mid-contract. If you have particular needs – say you work from home and upload speed is vital, or you’re a gamer who cares about low latency – filter or read details to find a plan that suits those. It’s worth checking if the new provider offers any bundles that interest you, such as broadband + TV packages or broadband + mobile deals. Sometimes, moving to a new provider can also mean consolidating services (for example, if you’ve considered getting pay TV, a provider like Sky or BT might have a bundle that saves money overall). On the other hand, if you’re dropping services, you might choose a leaner package (no phone line, broadband-only, etc.). The bottom line: take advantage of your “new customer” status and grab a good deal.

2. Check the timeline and overlap: Timing is everything in a move-related switch. Ideally, you want the new broadband to go live as soon as you’re in the new house. To make that happen, plan backwards: how long does the new provider need to get you set up? In many cases, switching provider (especially on the Openreach network) takes about 2 weeks from order to activation. Cable or full-fibre providers might have similar lead times, though if an engineer visit is required it depends on slot availability. If you’re organised, you could actually arrange for your new service to start on your move-in day or very shortly after. This might mean placing an order a couple of weeks before moving. It can feel strange to sign up for broadband at an address you’ve not moved into yet, but it’s quite normal to do so for the sake of timing. Meanwhile, consider what to do with your old service. If you’re still living at the old place up to moving day, you probably want to keep the old broadband active until you leave (no point living without internet before the move!). This might mean there’s overlap where you’re paying for old and new services for a brief period – which is fine if it ensures you’re never offline. You’ll just cancel the old service effective on moving day or soon after (once the new one is live). Remember, with One Touch Switch (discussed below), your new provider can often handle the cancellation for you on the switch date. Just be clear on the dates when you sign up.

3. Use the new One Touch Switch system: The UK has made switching easier in recent times. As of September 2024, a process called One Touch Switch (OTS) is in place for broadband and landline providers across most of the market. What does that mean for you? In simple terms, you only need to deal with your new provider – you don’t have to spend ages on hold with your old company just to tell them you’re leaving. You sign up with the new ISP, and they will arrange the switch and inform your old provider for you. It takes the hassle out of switching, which is especially welcome when you’re juggling move-related tasks. One Touch Switch also coordinates the handover so that any loss of service is minimal (often just a few minutes, or a couple of hours at most during the switchover). In fact, Ofcom rules say any loss of service during a provider switch should be at most one working day, and if something goes wrong and you’re offline longer, providers must compensate you for the delay. That’s a nice safety net to know about! When you place your order with the new company, make sure to tell them it’s a house move scenario. Usually the sign-up will ask if you have an existing line or service at the new address – since in this case, you likely don’t (unless the previous occupant left an active line, which is rare). They’ll then just treat it as a new installation at the new place and handle shutting off your old service on the appropriate date. Your old provider will send a confirmation of cancellation. Keep an eye out for any final bills from them.

4. Coordinate the installation at the new place: Much like with transferring within the same provider, a new provider may or may not need to send an engineer to your new home. If the infrastructure is already there (e.g., a BT/Openreach master socket or a fibre ONT from a previous occupant’s service), sometimes it’s just remote activation. Other times, a tech will need to come out. When you sign up, the new provider will usually offer you an installation date or options to book one. Try to choose the earliest convenient date on or after your move-in. If you’re moving in on a weekend, note that many broadband activations happen on weekdays, so you might be looking at the next Monday or Tuesday – plan accordingly. If you are switching network types (for example, moving from a provider on the Openreach network to Virgin Media cable, or vice versa), definitely expect an engineer visit to either install a new line or set up equipment. Be prepared on that day: have a power outlet free near where the line comes in, have your router (which the new company will post to you ahead of time) ready to plug in, and so forth. The quicker the engineer can do their job, the sooner you’ll be online.

5. Don’t cancel your old service too early: One common mistake is to pre-emptively cancel your current broadband as soon as you decide to switch, before arranging the new one. Avoid this. If you cancel your old broadband before the new provider initiates the switch, you could end up with a cease order on your line that complicates the new installation. Instead, let the new provider handle it through the switching process – or, if you’re on a totally separate network (say you’re leaving Virgin Media for an Openreach service), wait until your new service is up and running, then cancel the old one. It might mean paying for a tiny overlap, but it guarantees you’re not left in limbo with no internet. The exception is if your old provider doesn’t serve the new address and you’re effectively just terminating service when you move out – in that case, do inform them you’re ending the contract because of a move (there may be a special process or even a move-related waiver of fees if they can’t serve your new home, which we’ll address next).

6. Take note of any equipment returns or email accounts: When switching providers, you’ll likely need to return the old provider’s router (if it was a rental or provided as part of the service). They usually send a returns bag. Do this promptly to avoid charges. Also, if you’ve been using an ISP-provided email address (like one ending in @btinternet.com, @virginmedia.com, etc.), remember that leaving the provider might mean you lose that email (or have to start paying for it separately). Plan to transition any important contacts or logins to a new email (Gmail, Outlook, etc.) well before the move, so you don’t lose access to communications. This isn’t directly about moving house, but it’s a common snag people forget when switching ISPs.

Switching providers might involve a bit more coordination than sticking with the same one, but it’s often worth it for a better deal or improved service. Just treat it as another part of the moving checklist: choose your new broadband, schedule the start date, and allow the automated processes (or the new provider’s team) to handle the rest. With One Touch Switch in play and a bit of timing savvy, you can land in your new home with a brand-new, better broadband service ready to go.

Planning Ahead to Minimize Downtime

One of the biggest worries people have is “Will I be stuck without internet when I move?”. The goal, of course, is to have as little downtime as humanly possible – ideally none at all. While we can’t promise absolutely zero interruption (there’s always that one router that refuses to sync at midnight on move-in day, isn’t there?), we can get pretty close to seamless by planning ahead. Here are some tips to keep your offline time to a minimum:

• Start the process early: As soon as you have a confirmed moving date and new address, start looking into your broadband options. If you leave it until the week you move, you might be forcing yourself into a gap. Many providers need about 10–14 days lead time for setting up a new connection. By initiating things a few weeks in advance, you can often align the dates so that the new service goes live right when you need it. Procrastination is your enemy here – set a reminder if you have to, because it’s easy to push off broadband admin amidst packing boxes.
• Overlap if necessary: We’ve mentioned overlapping services a couple of times, and it’s worth reiterating: paying for a week or two of dual service (old and new) can be a small price for continuity. Yes, for a short while you’re not exactly “saving money” by switching since you’re doubling up, but think of it as a one-time insurance payment against a week of no connectivity. If you can afford to overlap by a few days, do it. For example, you might arrange the new broadband to start two days before you move in (if someone is at the new place to receive equipment or if it’s just activation). That way, you could test it the day before moving (if you have access), or at least you know it’s live when you get there. Meanwhile, you let your old broadband run until the day after you move out (in case move-out gets messy or you need to go back for cleaning and still want Wi-Fi). This cushion ensures you’re covered on both ends.
• Coordinate with previous/new occupants if possible: This one’s a bit hit-or-miss, but if you’re buying a house and have contact with the sellers, or if you’re friendly with the new tenants moving into your old place, sometimes a cooperative handover can help. For example, if the previous occupant of your new home was kind enough to leave the broadband line active until you take over, your new provider might be able to switch it without a dead period. Or if you know the exact date the old service there is ending, you can aim to start yours the next day. These things aren’t always in our control, but it doesn’t hurt to ask. Similarly, you could offer to leave yours on until the new folks in your old home get theirs set – they’d have to be with the same provider for that to matter, but it’s a neighbourly gesture. Of course, be mindful of privacy and security – never use someone else’s connection without proper arrangement and resetting of routers, etc.
• Be available on installation/activation day: Mark the activation or installation date on your calendar and make sure someone (you, a family member, a trusted friend) is at home to greet the engineer if one is coming. Missed appointments can push your connection date out by days or even weeks. If it’s a self-activation, on that day plug in the router and get it all set up early. Don’t wait until you desperately need the internet to try it – as soon as the activation window starts, connect your kit and see if it works. If there’s an issue, you’ll have a bit of time to call support that day. The sooner you detect a problem, the quicker it can be resolved. In rare cases, an activation might fail (for example, a tag on the line wasn’t cleared, or an engineer needs access to something). Having daylight and a working phone to talk to customer service will beat discovering it late at night when you’re tired from unpacking.
• Know your downtime rights: We touched on this with the One Touch Switch, but it’s worth knowing – UK providers shouldn’t leave you high and dry for long. If you’re switching via the proper process, any downtime should typically be a matter of minutes or hours, not days. If something goes wrong and you end up without service for over a full day, keep track of it and note that you may be entitled to automatic compensation. Ofcom’s rules on switching and service say that if a customer is left without a connection for more than one working day during a switch, the providers have to compensate them in a timely manner. The standard compensation (at the time of writing) is around £5–£8 for each day without service, depending on the scenario. While money doesn’t fully make up for the hassle, it’s good to know there’s at least some recompense if things go awry. This policy motivates ISPs to get you up and running quickly.

The overarching theme here is proactivity. The sooner and more diligently you arrange your broadband plans, the less likely you’ll be staring at a silent Alexa and an ominously un-blinking router on your first night in the new place. With proper planning, many movers manage to have zero downtime – that’s the goal! And even if there is a small gap, knowing it’s coming allows you to prepare alternative ways to get by (which leads us to our next section…).

Staying Connected During the Transition

Despite best-laid plans, life happens – perhaps the previous occupant’s line had an issue, or an engineer appointment got delayed. Or maybe you intentionally have a week between leaving one place and getting into the next (in which case, you won’t have your “home” broadband for that period). So, what can you do to stay connected if there’s any gap between disconnection at the old house and activation at the new one? Thankfully, we live in an age of multiple connectivity options. Here are some lifelines:

• Use your mobile data (tethering): The quickest backup for most people is their smartphone. Nearly all mobile plans these days allow tethering, which means you can use your phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot for your laptop, tablet, or even TV (if it has Wi-Fi). Check your mobile plan’s data allowance. If you have plenty of data (or an unlimited data plan), you can likely get through a few days or even weeks using your phone’s 4G or 5G connection for essential internet access. Just be mindful of speed and coverage – in some rural moving scenarios, your mobile signal at the new house might be weak until you sort out a booster or pick the best network. But for many, tethering is a seamless interim solution. Tip: If your current mobile data allowance is low, consider grabbing a one-month SIM-only deal with lots of data to use during the move. You can browse UK SIM-Only Deals{:target=”_blank”} for an affordable 30-day plan that gives you, say, 100 GB or unlimited data just for the moving month. Pop it into an old phone or a portable Wi-Fi device if you have one, and you’ve got instant internet to tide you over.
• Mobile broadband devices: If you anticipate a longer gap or need a more robust solution than phone tethering, you could look into a mobile broadband hub or dongle. Some providers offer short-term contracts or even pay-as-you-go options for wireless broadband devices. These are essentially little routers that take a 4G/5G SIM card. You can connect your household devices to them just like normal Wi-Fi. They’re especially useful if you’re in temporary accommodation or if your new place won’t have wired broadband for an extended period. For example, let’s say you move somewhere quite remote and it will take a month for a specialist provider to hook you up – a 4G router from Three, EE, Vodafone etc., on a monthly plan, could fill that gap. You can find these through mobile network providers or electronics retailers. Just ensure the network coverage is decent in the area you’ll be using it.
• Public Wi-Fi and hotspots: This is more of a stopgap and less convenient (especially if you’re concerned about security), but worth mentioning. If you find yourself with a few days before home internet is live, you can rely on public Wi-Fi where available – perhaps in a local library, café, or even tethering off a friend’s broadband if they live nearby. Also, many broadband providers have Wi-Fi hotspot networks (for example, BT has Wi-Fi hotspots all over, which BT customers can use for free). If you still have access to those or can get a login, it might help for basic usage. Always use a VPN if doing anything sensitive on public Wi-Fi, though.
• Ask your new provider for a mini-hub: Certain providers, keen to keep customers happy, will supply a mini 4G hub if there’s a delay with your broadband installation. For instance, BT (and some others) have a promise that if your broadband isn’t working from day one, they’ll send a mini hub (which is a little mobile broadband box) so you can get online until the issue is fixed. This usually applies if there’s a fault or delay on their side, but if you’re really desperate or expect a problem, it doesn’t hurt to ask if they have any interim solutions. They might charge for it or they might not, depending on the circumstance.

Staying connected during a move is important for practical reasons (working from home, keeping kids entertained, setting up utilities which often requires online accounts) and for peace of mind. Even if you love a digital detox, moving week is not the best time to force one on yourself – there are too many logistics that benefit from being online (from looking up IKEA opening times to checking emails for your new bills). So have a backup plan. In many cases, your mobile phone will be the hero of the day. Just remember to keep an eye on that battery if you’re hotspotting for hours (keep a charger handy amidst the chaos of boxes). And if you know internet is vital for your work, consider double-insuring by having both a mobile plan and maybe a second backup SIM on another network. It might sound extreme, but some people do this, and it can be a real stress-saver if primary connections falter.

Making the Most of Your Move (Upgrades and Savings)

We’ve covered avoiding problems, but moving home can also be an opportunity for some upgrades and new conveniences. Since you’re effectively starting fresh with setting up services, think about whether you want to add, drop, or change anything in your telecom package to better suit your current lifestyle (which may have changed since you first set up your old broadband contract).

• Upgrade to faster speeds or new tech: Is faster broadband available at the new place? If you’ve been dealing with, say, a 50 Mbps connection and suddenly you can get 300 Mbps full-fibre, this might be the moment to go for it. Faster speeds can be a game-changer if your household has grown or your internet usage has increased (hello, multiple streaming services and video calls). On the flip side, if you were stuck paying for 1 Gbps in the city but now you’re moving somewhere with only standard speeds – you’ll need to adjust expectations. Moving might also bring 5G Home Broadband into the equation: some areas now have strong 5G coverage where you can use a 5G router instead of a traditional fixed line. This can be a flexible option, often on 1-month rolling contracts, which might suit you if you don’t want to commit or if you’re renting short-term. It’s always worth comparing what speed you need versus what’s available and finding a good value point. Our Best UK Broadband Deals{:target=”_blank”} page is a handy spot to see various speed tiers and offers side by side, so you can pick an upgrade that makes sense.
• Consider bundling services for convenience: A new home might come with new needs. Perhaps you finally have space for a big TV in the lounge – you might want to get a broadband + TV bundle to go with it. Or maybe you’re moving in with a partner or family, consolidating bills; a bundle that includes a landline or a mobile SIM might simplify things. UK providers often give discounts or perks if you take multiple services (for example, broadband customers adding a mobile SIM might get extra data or a price cut). Evaluate whether a bundle could save you money or make life easier. However, only bundle what you’ll actually use. Don’t get talked into a big TV package if you’ve gone all-in on Netflix and Prime and never watch live TV – you’ll save more by not bundling unnecessary extras. One thing to note: if you do bundle, all your services might come under one contract and one renewal date, which is convenient but also means you need to redo everything together if you change later. Some people prefer separate services for flexibility. It’s your call.
• Smart home setup and router placement: New home, new setup. Think about where your router will go in the new property for optimal Wi-Fi coverage. This might not affect your choice of provider, but it can affect how you experience that broadband. If the new place is larger or has thick walls, you might need a mesh Wi-Fi system or extenders to get coverage in every room. Some providers offer mesh add-ons with their packages (sometimes at extra cost, sometimes included in premium plans). Or you can purchase your own third-party equipment. Also, if you’re upgrading to full-fibre, the installation will include putting an optical termination point on a wall – discuss with the engineer where that should go (think about where you’ll have your main devices or any office). The bonus of setting this up from day one is you can hide cables nicely before furniture is all in place. A bit of planning here can result in a tidy, efficient home network. And if you’ve been wanting to get into smart home gadgets (security cameras, smart thermostats, etc.), having a robust broadband connection is key – maybe you’ll implement some of those after you settle in.
• Review your mobile plan too: Moving is about the only time we routinely inform our mobile network of something (to change billing address), which makes it a fine moment to also review your mobile contract. Are you paying too much for data you don’t use, or conversely, always running out of data (especially if you had to tether during the move)? The market for SIM deals is very competitive, and chances are you can snag a better offer if you’ve been on the same plan for a while. If you find your new home has weak signal on your current mobile network, that’s another reason to switch networks or plans. You can check the latest UK mobile deals{:target=”_blank”} to see if you could save or get better coverage (some networks are better in certain locales than others). While you’re at it, ensure your provider knows your new address for any emergency services (for landlines) or account verification purposes.
• Take advantage of intro deals and cashback: New customer deals can be really juicy when you move. Besides the advertised prices, look out for providers offering gift cards, bill credits, or cashback for signing up. These are common in the UK market – e.g., a £50 Amazon voucher or a prepaid Mastercard for new joiners. It’s like a little moving present to yourself. Just be sure to read the fine print on how to claim it (some require you to redeem after a certain time). Also, if you’re switching, see if your current provider has a customer retention department that might counter-offer you something to stay. Even if you intend to leave, it costs nothing to hear them out – sometimes they’ll waive moving fees or give a discount. You can use that as a benchmark or even leverage if you prefer to go elsewhere (“Provider X is giving me this, can you match it?”). It might not always work, but you could end up with an even better deal.

All in all, moving home is a chance to hit the reset button on your broadband and other utilities. Rather than just copying and pasting your old arrangements, take a moment to decide if they still make sense for you. Upgrading doesn’t always mean paying more – you might find a faster service for the same price you were paying, or you might decide you can downgrade and save money because you realised you never needed all that speed. The ultimate goal is to settle into your new home with an internet setup that fits just right, so you can enjoy streaming, working, gaming, and browsing without a hitch – and without overpaying.

Final Thoughts

Moving home is a perfect example of life giving you a lot to handle at once. The key to surviving it with sanity intact is planning and prioritisation, and your broadband should be on that priority list (even if it’s not as urgent as packing the kitchen or signing the lease). For UK consumers, there’s plenty of help at hand. Between easy comparison tools and provider support teams, you have the resources to ensure you won’t be left disconnected.

A quick recap: start by checking where you stand with your current broadband – contract status, satisfaction, and service availability in the new area. If staying with your provider makes sense, inform them early and follow their home-mover process. If switching is the better route, shop around for a good deal and schedule the new service to kick in when you need it. Use the One Touch Switch system to your advantage – let the new provider do the heavy lifting of coordinating the switch. Always keep notes of dates and confirmations, just in case. Time the changeover so that any gap is minimal, and have a backup like mobile data ready to fill in. And don’t forget to embrace the move as a chance for a tech upgrade or two, whether it’s faster broadband, a new router, or simply a cheaper plan that frees up some money for other household bills.

At SearchSwitchSave, we’re all about making these transitions easier. Moving is stressful enough without internet woes, so a little preparation can go a long way to giving you one less thing to worry about. With the right approach, you’ll be able to kick back in your new home, put the kettle on (or crack open a celebratory drink), and connect your devices to a Wi-Fi network that works as if nothing ever changed. Apart from maybe needing a new password for that shiny new router, you’ll be back online and enjoying your digital life in no time. Here’s to a successful move and fast, reliable broadband in your new abode – welcome home and happy surfing!

(For more tips on managing your broadband and getting the best deals, be sure to explore our Consumer Hub articles. And if you’re curious about how to save on other services like mobile or TV, we’ve got plenty of guides to help UK consumers make informed, money-smart choices.)

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