Moving House? Don’t Forget Your Phone, TV, and Internet Services

Moving to a new home is an exciting time, but it can also be stressful trying to get everything organized and transitioned over. One important aspect that is often overlooked until the last minute is transferring your phone, TV, and internet services to your new address. To avoid gaps in service or unnecessary hassles, it’s best to plan ahead for a smooth transition. Here’s what you need to know about moving these essential utilities in the UK.

Give Plenty of Notice for Your Phone Service

If you want to keep your existing mobile phone number when you move, you’ll need to update your mobile carrier with your new address details and moving date well in advance. Most providers require at least 10–14 days’ notice to process a home move for your phone service.

During this notification period, your provider will check that their network covers your new area. If it doesn’t, you may need to switch to a different provider that does have coverage. Let them know your moving date so they can schedule to activate your service at the new property on the day you arrive.

Transfer Your Home Broadband and Phone Package

For your home broadband internet and landline phone package, you’ll again want to give your current provider at least 2 weeks’ notice that you’re moving out. Confirm the details, like your moving date, new address, and whether you want to transfer or cancel your service.

If you’re transferring service to the new property, they’ll check availability in that area. Depending on the infrastructure, you may need to switch to a different package or provider if the same options aren’t accessible. Your provider can let you know if any new equipment, like a router, will be required as well.

Make Arrangements for Your TV Service

For your TV package from cable, satellite or streaming services, you’ll again want to give plenty of notice ahead of your move-out date. Contact each provider individually to let them know you’re moving and whether you want to transfer, cancel or put your service on hold temporarily.

Cable and satellite companies will verify if they can transfer your same package and equipment to the new property based on their service availability. For streaming services, you can typically just update your new address in your online account.

Try to Bundle Services

To simplify the moving process and potentially save some money, see if you can bundle your TV, phone and internet services from a single provider. Most of the major broadband companies like BT, Sky, Virgin Media and TalkTalk, offer bundle deals that make getting all three services more affordable.

Just be aware that certain services may not be available in bundled packages if the infrastructure is limited in your new area. But at least you only have to coordinate the transition with one company instead of multiple providers.

Return Old Equipment

Before you finalise your move, make sure to return any rented or loaned equipment from your previous services, like the cable box, router or dish, to avoid extra fees. Providers will share instructions on how to properly package and ship back these items. You may be able to return some directly to the new tenant as well.

Setup Utilities Ahead of Arrival

Don’t wait until the day you arrive to try activating utilities at your new address. Arrange for phone, TV and internet services to be ready and connected when you first walk through the door. Providers can make sure any new equipment is installed and that services are live that day so you’re not left waiting or without essential amenities.

With some simple planning and coordination with your service providers, moving your phone, TV and internet doesn’t have to be difficult. Following these tips will ensure you can make a seamless transition and quickly get settled in your new place without disruptions.