Tag Archive for: Moving Home

Broadband And Moving Home

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When you’re in the process of moving home, there are always a million tasks requiring your attention. And one thing that’s increasingly important in our lives today is ensuring that we have internet access in the new home.
It isn’t complicated, but it may not be something you’ve done before, and there are a few common pitfalls to avoid. In this guide, we’ll explain how you go about moving or switching broadband when settling into a new place, and hopefully, take a little bit of the stress out of your moving day.
Before you move – checking contracts and coverage
The first step is to contact your existing broadband provider to find out several key bits of information:

  1. How much time – if any – is left on your broadband contract.
  2. How much it might cost you to cancel your contract.
  3. How much it might cost you to move your broadband to a new address.
  4. How much notice your broadband provider requires to either move or cancel your service.

All of these are important, though number 4 is the most crucial; if you leave it too late to notify your ISP (Internet Service Provider) about a move or cancellation, you’ll face delays and additional costs.
Once you’ve got the above info, the next stage is to check broadband coverage at your new address.
To do this, use an online postcode check to see the available services.
This is also something your existing ISP can do when you contact them, but they will only tell you about their services. You might be able to get a faster or cheaper deal (perhaps both) with another provider, so it’s well worth looking at the bigger picture.
As well as finding out about potential cost savings or upgrades, checking coverage will also show whether you might end up with a slower speed. Coverage varies around the country, and there is no guarantee that you can get the same provider or the same type of broadband when you move. Having this information will help you decide whether it is best to switch or stick with your current provider.
When you’re ready to move – cancelling or keeping your broadband
Once you’ve got a moving date, you’ll need to contact your existing ISP within their minimum notice period.
If you’ve decided to cancel the broadband, you need to ask them to end the service as close to the day you leave as possible. Ideally, it will be the same day, but if that’s not possible, you should end the contract at some point before your moving date. If you leave it too late, you’ll end up paying for the service even after you’ve left, and could block the line for the next occupant.
When cancelling and switching providers you will also need to sign up for the new service with enough notice that it can be activated as close as possible to the moving in date. It usually takes around 14 working days to set up broadband, but you should contact your new ISP and confirm their timescales. It may also be possible to pick a specific date for installation.
If moving the broadband, you’ll need to get in touch with your provider within the minimum time frame specified (usually something in the region of two weeks, but it can be longer). Give them the details of your new address, and they will end your service at the old address on or near the day you leave, and arrange to activate broadband at the new home on or near your moving-in date.
In either case, you should be prepared for delays. In an ideal scenario, your connection will be up and running on or just after the moving day, but if something goes wrong or you do not meet the ISP’s time frames you could be waiting days or even weeks to get broadband. It’s sensible to have a backup option just in case.
A mobile broadband service can be a suitable replacement in the short term, but unless you already own a dongle and SIM card there will be some expense involved, and that may not be cost-effective if it’s just to plug a gap of a few days. Instead, you can use a smartphone with Wi-Fi tethering (also known as a Wi-Fi Hotspot or Wi-Fi Sharing) to connect computers and other devices to a mobile network. But before you do this, check with the mobile network operator to find out if there is any fee involved, and confirm any data usage restrictions to avoid a surprise charge in your next bill.

Packing: A Guide To Take The Stress Out Of Packing

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Packing is a daunting thought for most, therefore it often gets put off right until the last minute, but to keep stress levels low an early start to packing is key!

Choose Packing Materials
First things first, before you can pack anything you need to have the right materials at hand such as strong packing boxes, tape, marker pen or labels, bubble wrap and or newspapers. It might be worth buying a packing kit that includes all of these items, as this could also save you money.
If you have saved boxes from a previous move it is worth checking they can still hold weight and cover any old labels so there is no confusion to what is in them.

Building Boxes
Most boxes will come with clear instructions on how to correctly put them together, however it is worth taking note of any signage such as this way up so you don’t end up having upside down boxes! The shorter tabs should always be folded in first and the longer ones after, and ensure you property secure them down with tape following all the edges and corners. Try not to overfill boxes as this not only makes them more difficult to lift but you also run the risk of damaging your items.

Labelling Boxes
It is important to clearly label boxes with the room they are intended for and what is in them such as fragile items and if the box does not already specify, which way up it should be held.
If any boxes contain items that you will need quick access to when you arrive at your new property such as kettles, knifes. Forks, spoons etc. then it might be worth listing the contents of the whole box they have been put in.

Top Tips

  • Use smaller boxes for heavier items and bigger boxers for lighter items.
  • If you don’t have paper or bubble wrap then soft items such as clothes, towels and blankets are great for packing delicate.
  • Pack heavier items at the bottom of the box and ensure the weight is evenly distributed and not all to one side or central.
  • Pack one room up at a time rather than doing bits in each room, this will save time and confusion and will also save time unpacking as well.
  • When dismantling, furniture keep all screws, nuts and bolts etc. in a sealed bag and tape it to the item of furniture in which they belong.
  • It is always best to move TV’s in the original box that they came in, however if this is not possible then be sure to wrap it up as security as possible.
  • Any kitchen utensils and cutlery should be carefully wrapped in paper before putting them in the box.
  • It is worth purchasing knife protectors for sharp knives as they will help prevent injury when unpacking, they should then be wrapped in paper and placed in the box.
  • When packing, glasses wrap them carefully in bubble wrap and place them in the box widest side down. Be sure to label the box fragile!
  • When packing medicines, you should also have a bit of a clear out, check for any out of date products, or medication that is no longer required, this will save space and it’s also the perfect time for a clear out that you would never usually get around to doing!
  • It is best to pack valuables such as jewellery and important documents such as passports, driver’s licences and other such items separately, and clearly ladled on the box exactly what is in it, keep them with you and transport them in your own car, this way you can be sure that they are safe and you know exactly where to find them when it comes to unpacking.

If you need packing advice, moving supplies or even help with packing and dismantling then contact MooveIt Removals today – 01302 891295