Moving house is always stressful, with lots of moving parts to coordinate, and one thing that often slips through the cracks is getting your internet connected at your new place.

It might not seem like a big deal in the madness of packing and organising, but I believe that getting your nbn connection sorted early should be high on your list of priorities.

If it feels overwhelming, don’t stress. Here’s my simple nbn moving house guide to getting your internet working by moving day.

Start by checking your connection options

Before you even start packing, I recommend checking whether your new address is nbn-ready. Moving to a new home is exciting, but you don’t want to arrive and find out that you’re stuck without a reliable internet connection. By checking ahead of time, you can confirm if the nbn is available at your new address and what type of connection you’ll have.

For those moving to an area that doesn’t yet have nbn access, you may need to consider temporary alternatives. But if the nbn® is already there, the process is usually straightforward.

In my opinion, this is also a great opportunity to reassess your current internet plan. If your new home is eligible for a fast fibre upgrade, it might be the perfect time to upgrade to a faster plan, especially if your household does a lot of streaming, gaming or working from home.

Notify your internet provider well in advance

Another important step—one that can save you a lot of hassle—is notifying your internet service provider (ISP) as soon as your moving date is confirmed. I can’t stress enough how important it is to give them plenty of notice. By contacting your ISP a few weeks ahead, you give them enough time to schedule the transfer or installation of your nbn connection.

If an nbn box is already installed at your new home, the transition can be quick and painless. But if a new box is needed, or the existing one needs a check-up, your ISP will need time to arrange a technician. The last thing you want is to move into your new place and discover that you have to wait weeks for an internet connection.

Don’t forget to pack your equipment

You’ll probably want to leave your internet equipment plugged in until the last possible moment, but don’t leave it behind!

Make sure to pack up your modem, router and all associated cables, but leave any nbn-supplied equipment—like the black box and cables—at your old address. These items are registered to the specific location and likely won’t work at your new home.

If you arrive at your new place and discover that the nbn box is missing or damaged, report it to NBN Co. immediately so they can arrange for a replacement.

Set up and test your connection ASAP

Finally, once you’ve moved in, you’ll want to get your internet set up as soon as possible. Unpack your modem and router and connect them to the nbn box at your new address. Follow the instructions from your ISP or the user manual, and then test your connection. If you run into any issues, the sooner you contact your ISP, the sooner they can help you fix them.

By prioritising your nbn connection during the moving process, you ensure a smoother transition and avoid unnecessary stress. After all, moving house is challenging enough without adding internet woes to the mix. Make it a priority, and you’ll be able to settle into your new home without missing a beat.

Can you move an nbn box to a different house?

The equipment provided by NBN Co must stay at the address where it was originally installed. It is specifically registered to that location and won't work or be compatible at a different address. Additionally, this equipment remains the property of NBN Co, so it cannot be taken with you, used at a new residence, or resold.

How do you get nbn connected at a new house?

Your service provider will organise the installation of nbn equipment, if it's not already in place, and activate your service. It’s a good idea to contact your provider before moving in to compare plans and arrange a suitable installation date.

What does it cost to install nbn in a new home?

For most homes, NBN Co will install the nbn network at no charge. However, if you’re moving into a new home that’s never had internet before, there’s a $300 nbn New Development Charge to be paid.

How long does it take to relocate nbn?

If your new property has previously been connected to nbn, your service can typically be relocated and activated within 1-3 business days. If it hasn’t been connected before, an nbn technician may need to visit to activate your new service.

NBN moving house key points

- Check your connection options.

- Reassess your current internet plan.

- Notify your internet provider.

- Pack your equipment from the old house and report a missing or damaged nbn box to NBN Co. at the new house.

- Set up and test your connection.

Author: Marshall Thurlow is Director and Founder of Orion Marketing Pty Ltd. He is a digital marketer with expertise in SEO, website design, content marketing and project management.