Moving house comes with a seemingly endless list of things to remember, we’ve all been there.
There are solicitors, removal companies, utilities, broadband, address changes and redirecting your post, not to mention the actual process of packing up your life and moving it somewhere new.
With so much happening, it’s understandable that security isn’t always at the top of the list and you’d be surprised how many people don’t even consider security AT ALL.
Whether you’re leaving a property with an existing alarm or CCTV system, or moving into a home where someone else’s security equipment has been left behind, it’s worth giving the subject some thought as every move will be completely different.
The good news is that moving house doesn’t necessarily mean starting from scratch. A few simple checks before and after your move, either end can help make sure both properties remain secure during what can be a busy and unpredictable time.
When You're Moving Out: Don't Forget Your Security System
If you have CCTV, an intruder alarm, access control or other security equipment installed at your current property, one of the first questions to consider is what will happen to it when you move.
Can it come with you? Should it stay with the property? And if it is staying, what information or access needs to be passed on to the new owner?
The answer does usually depend on the type of system and how it has been installed. Some equipment may be practical to relocate, while in other cases it may make more sense to leave the system in place and arrange security for your new home separately.
If you're unsure, it's always worth asking for advice before making any decisions or removing equipment and this is especially important where wiring has been done. What works well in one property may not necessarily be suitable for another, and a professional can help you understand the options available.
Remember Your Apps, Accounts and Codes
Modern security systems often come with remote access, smartphone apps and individual user accounts.
If a system is staying with the property, it's important to remove your personal access and ensure that any relevant accounts or users are updated appropriately. These can usually be reset through the app/access.
The same applies to alarm codes, access codes, fobs and other methods of entry. You don't want to leave the new owner with a system they can't access but equally, you shouldn't retain unnecessary access to a property once you've moved out.
Making sure everything is correctly handed over can help avoid confusion for everyone involved. A good way to do this is through writing a concise handover to the new tenant/home owner so they can move in being completely set up knowing how to access what and when.
Moving Day Can Create Its Own Security Challenges
Moving day is understandably hectic, I think everyone who has ever moved house will know that the stress is something else in its own entirety.
Front doors are left open while boxes are carried in and out. Removal vans are being loaded, belongings may be temporarily placed outside, and there can be several people coming and going throughout the day. In the middle of all this activity, it can be difficult to keep track of who is where and which doors are open.
This doesn't mean you need to turn a moving day into a stressful security operation, but being aware of everything can make it much smoother. It's simply worth being aware that your normal routines will be temporarily disrupted.
A few tips from us: where possible, keep particularly valuable items within sight and avoid leaving them unattended outside for longer than necessary. If people you don't know are coming and going, try to keep access to the property reasonably controlled.
More importantly: once the last box has left, don't forget about the property you're leaving behind.
If there is a gap between moving out and completion or handing the property over, make sure doors and windows are properly secured and any remaining security systems are still functioning as intended.
An empty property can sometimes be more vulnerable simply because there's no one there to notice if something isn't right.
Moving In: Start With Fresh Eyes
Moving into a new home is exciting but it's also a good opportunity to think about security from a completely fresh perspective.
One of the most important things to remember is that you don't always know exactly who has had access to the property before you.
Previous owners may have handed over their keys, but what about copies? What about alarm codes, access fobs or accounts connected to a smart security system?
Changing relevant codes and reviewing who has access should be one of the early things to consider once you've moved in. If the property has an existing alarm or CCTV system, don't simply assume everything is working because the equipment is still on the wall. You would be surprised at how many CCTV cameras are still hung up but no longer being actively used.
You should check whether the system is operational, whether cameras are recording correctly and whether any previous remote access has been removed.
A professional review can be particularly useful here. You may not need to replace an existing system, it could simply need checking, servicing, updating or reconfiguring for your needs.
Does the Existing Security Actually Suit Your Lifestyle?
It’s important to remember that every household uses a property differently.
A security setup that worked perfectly for the previous owner might not be the best fit for you.
Perhaps you work from home and have valuable equipment in the property, maybe you have pets that affect how an alarm system needs to be configured. You might have children coming and going, vehicles on the driveway, frequent deliveries or a garden office containing expensive equipment ; this is exactly where looking at the property with fresh eyes can really help.
Don’t forget to take notice of side gates, rear access, garages, sheds and darker areas around the property. Consider whether existing CCTV covers the areas that matter to you and whether there are any obvious blind spots.
You don't necessarily need more security, you may simply need the right security for the way you live.
Practical Advice Before You Make Any Changes
Moving house is expensive enough without automatically replacing things that don't need replacing, we understand that.
If your new property already has security equipment installed, getting it professionally checked can be a sensible first step. You can establish what is working, what needs attention and whether the system can be adapted to suit your requirements and if you're planning to move an existing system from your current home, it's worth discussing this before moving day rather than making assumptions about what can be removed or relocated.
At Herts Security Systems, we believe the best advice isn't always “replace everything.”
Already have security at the property? We can take a look.
Need something different? We can advise you on options that suit your new home and lifestyle.
Want to take elements of your existing system with you? Ask us before you move.
With everything else on your moving checklist, security might not be the first thing you think about but taking a little time to consider it can help you settle into your new home with greater confidence and peace of mind.
