The decision to move from one home to another is both stressful and exciting. It involves long hours of searching and of agonizing, of giving and of taking, of compromising over a second bathroom in order to fit another car into the garage. And all of this happens before any contracts are signed or definitive deals are made. Later comes the back-and-forth of the sale of the old home, the hiring of movers, the setting of dates and, eventually, the move itself.
In the midst of the chaos that moving can represent, it’s easy to forget entirely about home security. This, however, can be a dangerous omission. While you may not be the definitive owner or resident of neither your new home nor your old home, you must not leave behind the home security precautions necessary to keep both properties safe. Intruders know that homeowners tend to be lax in security and safety during the moving process, and leaving home security to the wayside while you move can have dire consequences.
How does one go about keeping on top of home security during the moving process? It can be a toughie.
First, the old place of residence. You may be tempted to forego securing your soon-to-be ex-home, leaving doors unlocked and home security systems unset as you figure that you have nothing of value left in the house anyway. This can be a costly decision. Even though your most personal valuables may not be left in the house, other things like washing machines and refrigerators will. And intruders knowing that no one will be home to interrupt them may be tempted to carry these things off – leaving you behind to compensate for the missing items.
Whenever you leave the old place, make sure to lock up everything that you can. Consider leaving a lamp on at night, and ask neighbors to keep watch. If there is a home security system in the home, set it. Make sure that gas valves are shut and that electrical items that are not in use are unplugged. Though you may no longer be living in the home, any damage done when it is still in your name will be your responsibility.
In your new home, the security game will be much the same. Lock doors and windows at all times, and keep the doors of garages filled with moving boxes closed. Try to have your new home security system installed before you move in. If you plan to use a home alarm already in the house, change the security code as soon as you can. Ask locksmiths to finish their work quickly, and find out from the old owners or from realtors about possible in-home safety hazards. Locate gas valves and switch boxes, and if you’ve hired movers, make sure you’re always aware of who is inside of your new home.
Moving is an exciting event, but one that requires a certain amount of prudence to ensure smooth sailing.
ADT security may be the perfect fit for your new home. With
ADT protecting you, you’re sure to set off on the right foot.
