Publications - Moving: What to know before you go

Moving: What to Know Before You Go • Home Telephone Service   • Cellular Phones • Internet Service • Utilities • The Company That Moves You • Moving Violations • Insuring Your Goods • Useful Resources • Read other CFA publications

Home Telephone Service

With competition for local phone service, there are new choices available that can help you save money. You will need to learn about the service in your new community. For example, what is your new area code and which calls are considered local, local toll or long distance? In some geographic areas, especially metropolitan areas, calls to other area codes are considered local. However, in other areas, calls within the same area code may be charged as long distance.

It is important to do research about local and long distance providers. In addition, consider the types of calls you will be making and then find the service that best fits your needs. Setting aside the time to research your options could help save you lots of money in the long run. With more and more information available on the Internet, you may be able to save time by ordering your phone service online.

One company may be able to provide both local and long distance service in your new home, advise you on plans to meet your new communications needs and put all your local and long distance phone services on one bill. Plans with unlimited local and long distance phone service can help you stay in touch with friends, family and loved ones after you move, without worrying about unexpected high charges.

Even if you decide to continue with the same companies, you still need to set up service at the new location and re-enroll for packages and plans that you currently have.

If you keep in touch with loved ones in different countries, a move is an excellent time to be sure you have the right plan for those calls. Today, there are a variety of plans that offer unlimited international calling to specific countries, cities or on weekends. Don't forget to think about international calling needs when you order your new phone service.

To be sure your phone service is connected at your new home, order your service at least two weeks in advance and have it turned on before you move in. Don't forget to stop phone service in your old home as of the day you are moving. Contact both your local and long distance providers and cancel their services.

If you will be traveling and staying in hotels or with friends during your move, purchasing a prepaid phone card in advance can make it easy to keep in touch and stay within your budget during the transition.