Amid the upheaval of moving home – packing boxes, unpacking boxes and deciding where to put everything in your new place – staying connected can make the transition smoother.
Especially if you’re a first time buyer. Something as small as being able to stream your comfort series on your first night living there can go a long way in helping you settle in.
On average, movers face 7.2 days without broadband during a home move. Although a week isn’t that long in the grand scheme of things, it’s more than long enough to disrupt your daily life, especially if you work from home.
To help you stay online when moving into your Pocket home, we’ve put together this handy guide with everything you need to know.
Is broadband already installed in my new Pocket home?
Many Pocket homes are already installed with Hyperoptic broadband with three months free, so you can get online quickly and easily when you move in. You don’t need to worry about setting up a new internet connection for your home; all you have to do is choose your Hyperoptic deal and place your order to activate it.
What to do before you move
Bringing over an existing broadband deal
If you already have a broadband provider at your current address, you may prefer to transfer your existing package to your new home. This could be a suitable option if:
- They provide broadband coverage at your new home
- You’re happy with your current deal and service
- You don’t want to pay cancellation fees
When transferring an existing broadband deal, it’s not always possible to avoid not having a connection, but planning can keep disruption to a minimum. You just need to tell your provider when you’re moving and when you want your broadband installed.
Most providers require at least 14 days’ notice, while some require up to 30 days, so let them know as soon as you have a completion or move-in date. If you move with your current provider, you may have to sign a new contract, which can incur a cost. Not all providers do this, so check when you’re discussing the move with them.
Cancelling a contract or avoiding early exit fees
Whether you choose to keep your existing provider or opt for the pre-installed Hyperoptic broadband service, you’ll need to make your choice clear. You typically need to give a provider between 14 and 28 days’ notice to cancel a service.
If you’re in the fixed-term part of the contract, they might charge you cancellation fees. The amount varies by provider, but you’ll usually have to pay for the outstanding months on your contract. You may also have to pay for equipment, like the router.
Can I choose a different broadband provider?
When moving home, you can also search the market for other broadband deals. Using a comparison site can help you find the best package for your needs.
Once you’ve picked a provider, your first task is to check if they offer broadband at your new address, as not all providers cover all areas of the UK. After you’ve confirmed this, you’ll need to arrange for them to install the service. Inform the provider as soon as you have a completion or move-in date, as installation may require an engineer visit.
Setting up your new router
Once the engineer has installed your broadband, they’ll set up the router and test your connection and speed. Alternatively, if you’ve been sent a new router in the post, you can set it up by following three simple steps:
- Decide where to place the router – choose a central, open location to avoid interference with the connection.
- Plug in and connect to the internet – check the router’s lights to confirm you’ve successfully connected.
- Test the connection – connect your devices to the Wi-Fi to check that the internet is working as expected.
How to secure your Wi-Fi router at home
You’ll need to adjust a couple of settings to keep your network secure after you set up the router. All routers come with default settings and passwords, so it’s recommended to change the default router login and password, as well as the Wi-Fi network name and login password. Use memorable, hard-to-guess passwords to maximise security.
Need help getting online?
When an engineer visits your home to install your broadband service, it’s their job to complete the installation and leave you with a fully operational connection. If they have left or you experience problems after the installation, you should contact your broadband provider’s customer services for support. Stay on the case until they have remedied the issue and provided a fully working broadband connection.
If you need internet access while you wait, you can use your smartphone as a mobile hotspot. Just bear in mind that this will use data from your mobile plan, so be aware of your allowance and any extra charges.
Move home with Pocket Living
Buying your first home is exciting, but it takes some planning to go smoothly. We hope this guide helps you navigate the process of moving home while staying connected.
To learn more about Pocket design and buying your first home in London, explore our developments. Create a My Pocket account to register interest in homes you may be eligible for.