Moving into a new home can be chaotic, and one of the first things you’ll want is a working Wi-Fi signal. Without it, unpacking furniture can become boring, you won’t get smooth service for your Zoom calls, and Netflix nights won’t even be possible. If your kids play games, they’ll be disappointed (and probably bored) if they can’t play right away. 

To keep everyone happy, getting your internet up and running fast is essential. Here’s your guide to getting your internet connection set up as quickly as possible.

1. See if you can transfer your service

If you like your current internet service, call your provider and find out if you can transfer your existing service and account to your new home. Make this call as soon as possible so you’ll have time to schedule an installation or choose a new provider if you can’t transfer your account to a new address.

If you have a popular service with national coverage, there’s a good chance you can transfer service when moving as long as the infrastructure is in place. However, if you need to find a new ISP, start doing research as soon as possible to ensure you get the speed and bandwidth you need.

2. Choose the best internet plan

Whether you transfer your existing account or get a new plan, consider the speed and bandwidth you actually need. If you’ve been struggling with slow speeds, moving is the perfect opportunity to upgrade your plan.

First, consider your available options: DSL, satellite, cable, and fiber. Fiber is the fastest and most reliable type of connection, but if you can’t get fiber or cable in your new place, you’ll need to look at satellite and DSL. There are pros and cons to each.

When it comes to speed, most cable companies offer more than enough on a basic plan. If you work from home, stream in 4k, or run multiple devices at once, you’ll want a plan with a download speed of at least 100 Mbps. If you have a gamer in your house, 100 Mbps down is good, but aim for a plan that offers upload speeds of 50 Mbps. If you aren’t sure what your routines will be in your new home, you can always upgrade your plan later.

3. Schedule installation early

Unless you’re doing a self-install, schedule your internet installation before your official move day. A tech may not be available on short notice, and you don’t want to go a week or two without internet.

Line up your installation appointment for the day of your move or the day after for a seamless experience. It’s usually best to do it the day after to avoid any potential issues with timing.

If you’re considering self-install, you’ll save some money, but it might become a headache. What seems like a simple act of plugging in a router can turn into hours of troubleshooting network settings on YouTube from your phone. If you don’t know how to release and renew IP addresses or set DNS on your computer, or if you plan to bypass your provider’s router and use your own, it’s best to get a professional installation.

4. Consider mesh or access points

If you have a big home, mesh systems like Eero and Luma will cover your dead zones. For multi-floor homes, you can get up and running with just a few devices strategically placed. Just be sure to research each option since some devices cause a significant drop in speed.

5. Hardwire key devices

You’ll get better speeds and a more stable connection for gaming, desktops, and TVs with a hardwired connection. The drop in speed when using wireless connections is noticeable. For example, test results published by Business Insider showed a hardwired Ethernet connection hitting 310.2 Mbps, while Wi-Fi clocked in at just 164 Mbps.

6. Connect and test all devices

Once you have your new internet connection running, connect each device and test each room for connectivity and speed. If performance drops, add boosters or more mesh nodes to fix dead zones.

Connect all your devices – even ones you rarely use. Doing it now will save you the frustration of having to do it later when you have to dig for the Wi-Fi password.

Make your move easy

Before you even think about dragging in your couch, get fast, reliable internet to secure smooth streaming and effortless connections. With a little research, planning, and a professional installation, transitioning to your new home will be hassle-free.