Home phone Guides

Top tips when moving house

By Becca Talbot - becca.talbot@consumerchoices.co.uk

If you’re moving house, read our guide for tips on taking your landline with you or signing-up to a new provider, so you’ll be connected as soon as you move in. (Updated 11/11/09)

You’re probably worried that getting a phone line installed or connected at your new address could be complicated and even expensive. But it’s really simple and, in some instances, won’t cost a penny.

If you follow these three basic steps, you’ll be able to make calls at your new house before you’ve even had time to unpack the kettle…

1. Check phone line availability

You need to check which home phone providers are available in your new area. That goes for whether you want to take your existing home phone service when you move house, or sign-up to a new deal with a different provider.

If your current supplier doesn’t offer a phone service where you’re moving to, you need to compare packages and prices, and choose a new supplier to sign-up to. Consider the following:

• Call plans - When do you make the majority of your calls? It is worth comparing weekend call plans, evening and weekend call plans and anytime call plans to see which would suit your calling habits.
• Add-ons - Would you save money with a mobile calls or international calls add-on? Some providers offer these add-ons, which can help reduce your monthly phone bills.
• Payment - How will you pay your bills? And, how will you receive them? Some providers offer discounts for paying by direct debit and receiving paperless e-bills.
• Bundle - Would you save money bundling your home phone, broadband and TV services? Bundling can reduce your costs considerably, and you may get free line installation.

When you’ve chosen a supplier to offer the home phone service in your new house, just switch online using our site. Remember to put the postcode of your new house, and not your old house. Read our guide for more information on how to switch home phone provider.

2. Tell your supplier you’re moving house

Whether you’re going to continue your home phone service at your new address or you’re terminating your contract and signing up to a new deal with a different supplier, you need to tell your existing provider that you are moving.

You should aim to tell your supplier around 14 days before you move, to give them time to either arrange to transfer your home phone service to the new house, or send you a final bill.

You can call your supplier on the number below:

With most providers you’ll be put through to their “moving home” department, where they’ll be happy to help you achieve your move with the minimum fuss.

If you are going to continue your service in your new house but there isn’t an active or connected phone line at the property, the supplier will also need time to Install a second phone line. There can be a cost for this, so make sure you check with the provider first. Costs do vary, but for more information, read our guide to phone line installation options.

3. Arrange a transfer/sign-up date

Whether you’re transferring your current service or entering a contract with a new supplier, give the supplier your new address and the date you’ll be moving in. They can then arrange a suitable date to either transfer or activate your landline, and if necessary to install any new wires or cables required.

Remember to keep your provider informed if the date changes. This will help guarantee that your phone line is active when you move in, and that your current service isn’t disconnected while you’re still at your old house.

If you follow these three basic steps, your telephone service should be transferred to your new address without any problems, and you’ll be able to make calls on the day you move in.

Remember, if you’ve decided to switch providers when you move house, or your current home phone service isn’t available in the area you are moving to, it’s important to compare installation costs as well as call packages and line rental.

It may also be worth considering a home phone, broadband and TV bundle offer. This would reduce the amount of bills you have to pay, as well as potentially reducing the amount you have to pay for your telecoms and home entertainment.