Switching houses is a natural part of life. For example, your family grows, and you need more space. Or you need to relocate for work. Whatever the reasons, a lot of time and planning goes into a move. And it can be very stressful.
You need to plan, ask for help, hire some help and take care of legal work. On top of that, you also need to take care of security when moving.
Image Courtesy of Pexels
Be Vigilant about Insurance
It’s always a good idea to have insurance. Pet insurance, life insurance, and home contents insurance are among the most popular. However, you should be aware that your contents might not be insured while in transit when moving. Therefore, it’s good to check with your provider and update your cover temporarily if you need to.
Yet, hire a local mover. They will likely take on the insurance responsibility while your items are in their vans. This means they are liable if your stuff is lost, damaged, or stolen. But ask first because not all moving companies are insured.
Stay Off Social Media
Social media platforms like Facebook have pretty much taken over our lives. Some people post every detail of their life in their chosen media. And while it can be fun to share your activities with people, there are some things you need to keep to yourself.
For instance, photos with your bank card in the background aren’t so clever. And details of a move are also not advised. For example, an unsavory local type could plan to rob your house if you post details of when you will be transporting goods between your old home and your new one.
Cover Up Expensive Items for Better Security when Moving
In the United States alone, TV and electronics theft accounts for over $500 million in value of the stolen property. Sometimes, moving home is tricky, and heavier items are a pain to shift. But it’s better to put in a little more effort than to have your stuff stolen. For example, it’s helpful to cover up expensive items such as your TV and sound system, so anyone scoping them doesn’t know exactly what they are.
It’s also good to put things into boxes rather than expose them to anyone with bad intentions. For example, limit exposure of your PlayStation or Xbox systems.
Install CCTV Cameras at Both Properties
During a move, it’s likely you will travel between your old house and your new home. And depending on the work you must do and the distances, you could be gone for a while. Therefore, you should install CCTV in both properties to deter criminals or catch them later.
Don’t worry about the price because you can get CCTV that connects to your smartphone pretty cheap these days. Additionally, you can always see them. Some of the better ones come with sensors that alert you to movement in a specific area.
Know where Your Expensive Items Are
Before, during, and following a move, you must know where everything is. For instance, you might want to load non-essential items first, so the stuff you need is accessible when you arrive at your new home. But you also need to know where things are in transit:
- Use smart labels for locating stuff.
- Ask your mover about GPS.
- Mark boxes of expensive items with codes rather than words.
- Hire movers with vehicle tracking.
- Follow the moving vans in your car en route to your new home.
Some of these security methods might seem excessive or paranoid, but you never know who is transporting your items or what they are capable of. It isn’t unheard of for things to go missing in transit. You also need to locate expensive stuff for securing them quickly at your new house.
Make Use of Smart Locks
Like smart cameras, smart locks connect to your smartphone. They are cheap to install, and provide an extra layer of security. When moving stuff between houses, you might be gone for a while. So you need to know what is happening at either. Smart locks will alert your phone if someone attempts to open them and can be controlled remotely.
You can make your homes inaccessible to all but the most determined thief by using smart locks with CCTV. Both can help catch criminals in the act, so you can call the police when a crime is in progress.
Ask Friends to Watch Your Properties
Of course, asking friends and family to help you out is always good. Someone can house sit for you at either end while you move your stuff between properties. Most people are willing to help out if they have the time, and you can repay the favor when they need something similar. Or, you can offer to pay them for their time.
Having someone inside the properties will greatly reduce the chances of something happening. However, make sure you ask people you trust since it’s not uncommon to be robbed by people known to you.
Security When Moving Means Checking Everywhere
When it comes to moving houses, technology can only go so far. There is always a need for good old common sense. And this means taking a look around and securing anything that is potentially an access point for criminals. For instance, close all windows and lock them if you can. Even upstairs ones.
Further to that, remove anything that could help gain access to an upper floor. For instance, don’t leave your ladder in the backyard. Additionally, lock every door with a locking device and arm all your security devices before you go.
Change the Locks When You are Done
Even after a move, you are liable for the security of a property until all the legal work is done. Therefore, you must get the locks changed and hand the keys to your realtor or new owners. Doing this means you cannot be blamed for entering the home after moving. And it also prevents anyone else who might have an old key from gaining access as well.
It’s a simple but necessary step. And it essentially prevents any criminal access from happening. Finally, it will give the new owners peace of mind knowing that they are safe in their new home.
Summary
You must protect your stuff when moving. And this means goods at your old and new houses, and while they are in transit. Fortunately, it’s easier than you think. But first, you must check insurance with your provider and the moving company. Then try not to advertise your move on social media, and cover up expensive stuff when loading and unloading vans.