Moving Home Security Tips

In all the excitement and chaos of moving house it’s easy to overlook the simple but serious issue of home security. You’ve got a lot on your plate, and we understand that you might not know where to begin – which is why we’ve put together these helpful tips. They’re broken down into the different sections of moving home to help guide you through the process from start to finish.

Before you move

Before moving home it is a good idea to have a clear understanding of the area you are moving to. We would recommend that you check out the area you’re moving into at different times of the day, especially the evening, and also look at the crime level in the area.

Moving from one home to the other

When you’re moving your possessions from one place to another, it’s important to keep your eye on them. Burglars sometimes use the ‘sold’ sign to target homes and belongings of those they know are moving, so we suggest you carry out the following security measures:

• Don’t leave boxes unattended on the footpath or in the garden
• Don’t leave windows and doors open as these allow easy access to your home
• If you are using a removal vehicle, make sure someone is with your possessions at all times

The new house

It’s important to make sure that your new home is secure and only you or people you trust have access to it. Don’t forget, your new home once had a different owner – and although they ‘hand over the keys’ they may still have access to spare copies. To avoid unwanted thefts, consider these tips:

• Change your locks on moving day as you never know who has a spare set of keys. We recommend using patented or restricted locking systems as these carry legal protection where copies can’t be made unless proof of ownership is given.
• If you have inherited an alarm system, make sure you change the alarm code immediately.
• Only provide spare sets of keys to people that you trust. Neighbours are often left with a spare set for when you go away, but you should always get to know these people properly to make sure you can trust them with your keys.
• Avoid making it look obvious that you’ve just moved in. To help with this, fit curtains or blinds to your windows.
• Check that your home contents insurance is still effective and provides the right cover for the security conditions of your new home.
• If you are having work done to your house before you officially move in and have to trust the tradesmen with your key, then make sure someone you trust checks the house at the end of the day to make sure it is locked properly.
• If you have to trust tradesmen with your keys, it is recommended that you change the locks after this time period.
• Make sure that you close your curtains and blinds on an evening so that people can’t see builders’ tools and an empty house.

After you’ve moved

Once you’ve moved in we recommend you continue to carry out the security checks you did in your previous home. It’s the ideal time to start a new regime and commit to carrying out extra home security measures than you did before. Get to know your new home and its surroundings properly. Here’s a list of security measures you should carry out once you’ve moved in:

• Make sure there is an alarm. If there isn’t one, get one installed. At ADT we offer monitored alarm systems which offer you the reassurance that we’re watching over your home 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The benefits of this can be found here.
• Even when you’re not at home you should still make sure your property looks occupied. This is really effective at deterring burglars.
• If you’re unsure about the security of the windows or doors in your new property then have them replaced.
• Get to know your local Neighbourhood Watch team. This means that your home will be looked over when you’re not there and it also gives you the opportunity to meet your new neighbours.
• If you have bought new and expensive items for you home then don’t leave the packaging in the outside bins. This gives any potential thieves an idea of what your home contains.

It is also important that you are protected against fires in your new home. You should always check for smoke alarms or smoke detection services and arrange for them to be installed if they aren’t already. It is also recommended that you gain a good understanding of the layout of your new home and have a fire escape plan that all family members are aware of. This allows everyone to know how to quickly evacuate in case of a fire.

These tips aim to help make moving home as secure as possible. It’s important to not let the excitement of your new home blur your judgement on the security of it, so by carrying out these simple steps you can help reduce the risk of burglary.

For more security tips when moving home please see our Moving Home Security Guide. Existing ADT customers also have additional information about moving an ADT security system from one home to the other.