Impatient consumers can shoot themselves in the foot when trying to port their number from their old cellphone provider to their new one, reports the NYT. Instead, make sure you follow these basic steps:

1. Order your new cellphone service
2. Request your old provider release your number to your new carrier
3. Wait for the new carrier to pick up the number
4. Cancel old service

Don’t make the mistake of canceling the old service first to try to save money. Then your number gets released to a general pool and you’ll have a hard time getting it back.

(Photo: iamblueone)

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