How to Move a Smart Home or Security System

Whether you're moving across town or somewhere several hundred miles away, you might have explored options available for moving your home alarm system. A home security system brings peace of mind, and if you like the system you have, there's no reason you can't take it with you.

Discover some strategies and steps you might need to take to move an alarm system from a house.

Contact Your Home Security Company

Before you start disconnecting parts from your home security system, it's a good idea to contact your home security company to let them know your plans for moving. The company might offer some strategies or assistance for disconnecting your home security system safely.

Any applicable fees for taking your alarm system with you when you move are going to vary by the home security company. Also, be sure to find out if you need to sign a new contract once you arrive at your residence.

When you contact your home security company to let them know you plan to remove the system and take it with you, they might ask you to recycle some devices, so check with them first.

Take Your Favorite Devices with You

If you have a wireless security system, it should be fairly easy to take it with you to your new house since it operates on a Wi-Fi connection. You can choose a portable smart hub that you can move around, and opt for wireless security equipment if you think you'll move again. This way it will be seamless to transfer equipment from one home to another.

If your system is wired, it might be a bit trickier to handle--- you may want to consult the services of an electrician before you start. Once the security system panel is removed, most of the time you can cap off the wires so the new homeowner can install their own security system, if they choose.

Create a list with the devices you currently have and all their information, like passwords, codes, customer support numbers and manuals. If you leave any pieces behind, be sure to reset them to factory default settings. Do this before you move out, as you may need physical access to the device.

If you can take items with you, don't forget all the window stickers and outdoor yard signs too.

Convey Anything you Can't Take

Consider conveying the following items to get a better price for your home. This means that you leave it behind for the next owner. If you take them with you, you may have to replace them depending on the expectations set during the sale of your home. 

• Smart door locks

• Smart light switches

• Smart garage door controllers

• Smart smoke alarms

• Smart sprinkler controllers

• Smart shades

Call to Get Your System Installed at Your New House

Once you arrive at your new residence and begin to settle in, you can contact your home security provider to walk you through the installation process in your new house. 

They may provide assistance virtually over the phone, or they may choose to send a representative out to your home.

Consider how you'll place your new smart home devices, such as motion detectors or cameras in high traffic areas or smart speakers with access to power.

If there are already existing smart devices installed, check for compatibility with the ones you'd like to use. Make sure that the previous owners logged out as well. 

Consider Some Upgrades

There are a few new pieces of smart devices that stand out for being especially useful. A small handful of smart devices can work together to elevate the convenience, security and fun factor of everyday life.

Think about whether you'd like smart equipment such as:

• Video doorbells

• Smart lights

• Smart locks

• Smoke & CO detectors

• Shades or blinds

• Autonomous vacuums

• Kitchens (fridges or microwaves)

• Speakers 

Depending on your lifestyle and routines, a move is a great time to enhance your quality of life with some new technology.

Test It Out

An important part of installing your new home security system is testing it out to be sure it works. It's better to be safe than sorry---you don't want to find out there's a problem after you need it to work.

Be sure to inform your alarm company you're going to do a test run on your system so they're fully aware that nothing is out of the ordinary.

All in all, when it comes to moving smart homes, you have any number of options. Like many choose-your-own-adventure scenarios, you get to decide whether your new home will be safe, secure, smart, or all of the above.