Moving House? Here’s What You Should (and Shouldn’t) Take with You — Especially Your nbn Box
Moving house can be exciting — a fresh start in a new space! But between packing boxes, cleaning, and arranging your utilities, it’s easy to forget a few small details that can make a big difference.
One of the most common questions we hear from tenants moving out is:
“Do I take the nbn box with me?”
Here’s the short answer: No — always leave the nbn box behind.
Let’s explain why, and what you should take instead, so you can move smoothly and get connected quickly at your next home.
Why You Should Leave the nbn Box Behind
The nbn connection box (sometimes called an nbn modem or network termination device) is linked to your property — not your personal internet account.
That means it won’t work at your new address, and the next tenant or owner will need it to connect their own internet service.
Leaving it behind ensures a seamless experience for everyone. When you move into your new place, the nbn box should already be there — ready for you to plug in and reconnect without delays.
1. Leave the nbn Box at the Property
Think of the nbn box like a hot water system — it’s part of the home.
When you move out, it stays, so the next person can easily get their internet up and running.
You’ll usually find one of these boxes inside the home, often labelled “Property of nbn – Do not remove from this address.”
Common types include:
- Fibre to the Curb (FTTC): a small white box with the nbn logo
- Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC): a black box with the nbn logo
If you see the nbn logo — leave it behind.
Can’t find an nbn box?
Don’t stress.
Some properties use Fibre to the Node (FTTN) or Fibre to the Basement (FTTB) connections that don’t require a separate box.
You can check your address to see what nbn technology your current home uses.
2. Take Your Own Equipment With You
While the nbn box belongs to the property, other devices are yours to take.
This includes your modem, router, Wi-Fi boosters, and any personal networking equipment supplied by your internet provider.
✅ Quick tip:
If it has the nbn logo, it stays.
If it doesn’t, pack it.
This helps ensure you can reconnect faster when you move into your next property.
3. Getting Connected at Your New Home
Before moving, check if your new address already has an nbn connection.
If it does, and the previous residents have done the right thing by leaving the nbn box behind, you’ll be able to get connected quickly by contacting your preferred internet provider.
If it does, and the previous residents have done the right thing by leaving the nbn box behind, you’ll be able to get connected quickly by contacting your preferred internet provider.
If your new home doesn’t have an nbn box, your provider can help organise a replacement or schedule a technician visit.
Moving Made Easy
At Moshav Realty, we know moving can be a big job — and we’re here to make it as simple as possible.
When you leave the nbn box at your old address, you’re helping the next tenant get connected quickly, just as the previous tenant helped you. It’s one small step that makes a big difference.
Need help with your move or tenancy handover?
Our property management team is here to guide you through every step — from final inspections to utility disconnections and everything in between.
Moshav Realty is a boutique property management agency serving the eastern suburbs, eastern beaches, CBD, lower north shore, and inner west areas of Sydney. Specialising in both residential and commercial real estate.
Download the guide and FAQs
Here are must-reads for both real estate agents and tenants who are moving: the nbn Good Move Guide and nbn Good Move FAQs. They include important info like what an nbn connection box looks like, why you should leave it, and what happens if you’ve accidentally taken it.
nbn Good Move Guide
nbn Good Move FAQs