The Ultimate Home Security Checklist for Moving

Family moving into a new home - carrying boxes and toys

Moving is widely recognized as one of life's most stressful events. A 2025 survey found that 82% of Americans who moved in 2024 reported the experience as stressful, with 42% admitting it brought them to tears. Notably, 19% said moving was more stressful than getting a divorce.

Amid the chaos of packing boxes and coordinating logistics, it's easy to overlook a critical aspect of your new beginning: home security. Ensuring the safety of your new residence should be a top priority. From evaluating neighborhood safety to setting up security systems, proactive measures can provide peace of mind and protect your investment.

This comprehensive checklist will guide you through securing your home before, during, and after your move.

Already thinking about action steps? If you’d rather skip ahead, you can jump straight to the full checklist for a quick, step-by-step breakdown of what to secure and when.

 

Before the Move: Security Prep Starts Early

 

Home security doesn't begin after you move in—it starts the moment you decide where you’re going. The choices you make before day one can shape how safe, comfortable, and prepared you feel in your new space. From researching neighborhood crime trends to planning your first line of defense, early action gives you a head start that’s hard to replicate later. This stage is where smart moves turn into lasting peace of mind.

Research Local Crime & Neighborhood Safety

Understanding the safety of your prospective neighborhood is crucial. Utilize public databases, law enforcement websites, or apps like ADT SoSecure to assess crime rates and trends. This information can inform decisions about security measures and system installations.

Inquire About Existing Security Systems

Ask the current homeowners or property managers about any existing security systems. Determine if the system is active, transferable, or requires reactivation. If the home is equipped with an ADT system, reactivation might be straightforward.

Evaluate Entry Points Remotely

If possible, review photos or virtual tours of the property to identify potential security vulnerabilities. Pay attention to entry points like doors, windows, and garages. Note areas that may require additional lighting or surveillance.

Plan Your Security System Installation

Decide whether a DIY system or professional installation suits your needs. Scheduling installation before moving in ensures immediate protection. ADT offers customizable solutions that can be tailored to your new home's layout and your personal security preferences.

 

Move-In Day: Start Securing Before the First Box Is Unpacked

 

Move-in day is your first real opportunity to assess your new home with fresh eyes—and a security-first mindset. Before your attention shifts to furniture, internet setup, or unpacking, take time to address potential vulnerabilities while the space is still clear and accessible.

These foundational steps will help establish peace of mind from the start.

Walk the Property with Security in Mind

Your first walkthrough is a key opportunity to spot vulnerabilities before daily routines set in. With the house still empty, it's easier to evaluate entry points, window access, and exterior boundaries with fresh perspective. Identifying and addressing these early helps lay the foundation for a more secure home.

Key areas to check:

  • Doors and locks: Confirm all exterior doors have working deadbolts. Look for damage or wear around frames. Check that sliding glass doors have secondary locks or blocking bars.
  • Windows: Test every window to ensure locks function properly. Take note of low-level or basement windows that may need added protection.
  • Garage, basement, and side entrances: These are often overlooked and may be easy access points if not reinforced.
  • Fencing and gates: Confirm that any exterior gates latch securely and aren’t damaged or easy to bypass.

While doing this walkthrough, also take note of areas that might benefit from lighting, cameras, or sensors later.

Rekey or Replace Entry Locks

Even if the home feels secure, previous owners, tenants, or contractors may still have access. Rekeying or replacing locks is one of the fastest, most effective ways to take control of entry.

  • For homeowners: Install new deadbolts or rekey existing ones as a baseline.
  • For renters: Ask your landlord about rekeying, or consider non-invasive smart locks if allowed.

This simple upgrade prevents unauthorized access and gives you a clean slate.

Locate Emergency Shut-Offs and the Circuit Breaker

In an emergency, seconds matter. Knowing where to shut off water, gas, or power could prevent a minor issue from becoming a major crisis. Use move-in day to locate these controls, test their accessibility, and label anything unclear. It’s one of the simplest ways to protect your home from unexpected hazards.

Take time to identify:

  • The main water shutoff valve
  • Gas shutoff (if applicable)
  • Your home’s circuit breaker panel

Make sure you know how to operate each and label breakers if they aren’t already marked. If you're setting up any smart security equipment, confirm nearby outlets are grounded and reliable.

Check All Exterior Lighting

Lighting plays a critical role in how secure your home appears—especially when you’ve just moved in and may not yet have blinds, routines, or full occupancy. A quick perimeter check on your first evening can reveal dark zones around doors, pathways, or side yards that make your home more vulnerable to unwanted attention. Addressing these early helps deter intruders and improves your peace of mind from night one.

Focus on:

  • Entryways including front and back doors
  • Driveways and walkways
  • Side yards or alleys
  • Detached structures like garages or sheds

Replace any broken bulbs. If lighting is limited, consider adding battery-powered or solar motion lights as a temporary fix until you install permanent options.

Secure What You Can Immediately

If your full system install is still days away, that doesn’t mean you’re unprotected. The first 24 hours in a new home are often when you're most vulnerable—fewer routines, limited visibility, and unfamiliar surroundings. Taking a few quick, low-effort steps now helps establish a baseline layer of security while you get settled.

Suggestions include:

  • Adding temporary window or door sensors
  • Using stick-on privacy film on ground-floor windows
  • Setting up a video doorbell or portable indoor camera near main entry points

 

Week 1: Secure, Customize, and Test

 

Once the essentials are unpacked and you’re beginning to settle in, it’s time to fine-tune your home security system and ensure everything works the way it should. The first week is the perfect window to move beyond physical locks and lighting into a more connected, customized layer of protection.

These steps help you transition from basic safety to a fully secured and smart-enabled home.

Install or Reactivate Your Security System

Now that the essentials are unpacked, it’s time to turn your home security from plan to reality. Whether you chose a DIY system or went with professional installation, this is when your protection goes live and starts working for you 24/7.

Key steps:

  • Mount cameras and sensors in their optimal locations
  • Activate your control panel or mobile app dashboard
  • Customize your system settings (entry delay, siren volume, emergency contacts)
  • Link devices together for real-time monitoring and automation

For homes equipped with an existing system, you may only need to reactivate service and verify that all devices are functioning properly. If the system is compatible, switching to a provider like ADT can often be done without additional hardware.

Test All Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

It’s easy to assume smoke and CO detectors are ready to go, but many are outdated, disconnected, or missing batteries altogether. Early testing gives you confidence that these life-safety devices are functioning—and gives you time to replace or upgrade as needed.

Here’s what to do:

  • Manually test each detector using the built-in button
  • Replace batteries even if they seem new—consider it a fresh start
  • Upgrade old units (5+ years) to newer models with smart capabilities
  • Check placement: Smoke rises, while CO disperses evenly. Each should be placed according to guidelines, ideally near bedrooms and main living areas

You can also link some detectors to your home security system for automatic alerts in case of smoke, gas, or fire—even while you’re away.

Add Smart Locks, Sensors, or Keypads as Needed

Now that you’ve spent a few days in the home, you’ve likely noticed areas that feel exposed or inconvenient. This is a good time to fine-tune your setup by adding smart locks, sensors, or access tools that match your daily routines and entry points.

Add-on ideas:

  • Window sensors for easily accessible or hidden windows
  • Interior cameras to cover entryways or monitor deliveries
  • Keypads for back entrances or garage access
  • Smart locks on secondary doors or detached spaces
  • Glass break sensors for rooms with large panes or sliding doors

Start with essentials and scale based on your comfort level, layout, and budget.

Test and Familiarize Yourself with Alerts

An alarm system is only as effective as your comfort with using it. Your first week is the perfect time to run controlled tests, explore your app settings, and make sure alerts are configured the way you want (so there’s no guesswork in an actual emergency).

In your first week:

  • Trigger a test alert and confirm it appears on your phone
  • Practice arming/disarming via the app and wall panel
  • Check that all entry/exit points are covered in the app’s status dashboard
  • Create custom alerts or schedules (e.g., alert if door opens between 10pm–6am)

This step ensures you’re confident with your system’s interface and its real-world response.

By the end of Week 1, your system should not only be installed—it should be actively protecting you, personalized to your lifestyle, and functioning with the level of visibility and control you expect.

 

Smart Safety Add-Ons for Your New Home

 

Once your core home security system is in place, you have the opportunity to expand protection, enhance daily convenience, and future-proof your space with smart add-ons. These upgrades aren’t just about tech—they solve real-world challenges like package theft, energy use, and unmonitored access points.

Below are the most valuable smart safety enhancements to consider in the first few weeks after your move.

Video Doorbell

When it comes to deterring package theft and seeing who’s at your door, few tools are as impactful as a video doorbell. It's one of the simplest ways to upgrade visibility and control.

A must-have for homes of any size, a video doorbell helps you:

  • See who’s at your door in real time—even when you’re not home
  • Record interactions or suspicious activity
  • Deter package theft and unsolicited visitors
  • Communicate with guests remotely via two-way audio

For newly relocated homeowners or renters still getting to know the neighborhood, it offers immediate peace of mind.

Smart Lighting (Interior + Exterior)

Good lighting does more than make a home feel welcoming—it actively helps prevent intrusions. Smart lighting adds flexibility, automation, and presence simulation to your security setup, giving you control over how your home looks and feels even when you're not there.

Smart lighting solutions allow you to:

  • Automate lights to turn on at dusk, off at sunrise
  • Control indoor or outdoor lights remotely
  • Set vacation routines to simulate occupancy
  • Pair lights with motion sensors or door activity

Consider installing smart bulbs in entryways, bedrooms, or high-traffic areas to gain both energy efficiency and layered protection.

Garage Door Security

The garage is one of the most commonly overlooked entry points—but it’s often one of the most vulnerable. Smart garage systems offer control, visibility, and peace of mind, especially for homes where the garage connects directly to living space.

With a smart garage system, you can:

  • Check whether the door is open or closed from your phone
  • Close it remotely if left open
  • Get alerts if someone opens it manually
  • Grant access to guests or deliveries without handing over a key

This is especially useful if your garage connects directly to your home—or if you frequently enter through it.

Environmental Sensors

Threats to your home don’t always come from people. Environmental hazards like smoke, carbon monoxide, water leaks, and freezing pipes can cause major damage when unnoticed. Smart sensors detect these risks early, including:

  • Water leaks (under sinks, near water heaters)
  • Frozen pipes in colder climates
  • Smoke and carbon monoxide
  • Sudden temperature changes that could affect pets or electronics

Many of these can be integrated into your existing security platform and trigger mobile alerts before damage becomes severe.

Not every home needs every device—but starting with 1–2 smart add-ons based on your layout, routines, and climate can give you a meaningful security upgrade without overwhelming your system or your budget.

 

Moving Security Tips for Renters

 

Home security isn’t just for homeowners. Renters face many of the same risks—package theft, break-ins, and safety blind spots—but often have fewer options due to lease restrictions or shared building layouts.

Fortunately, modern security solutions have evolved to meet the needs of renters with flexibility, portability, and easy, landlord-friendly setup.

Here’s how renters can protect their space without risking lease violations or losing their deposit.

Use Non-Invasive, No-Drill Security Devices

Many DIY systems are built specifically with renters in mind. These devices are ready to install without drilling holes, hardwiring, or making permanent changes to the property.

Smart, renter-safe options include:

  • Peel-and-stick window and door sensors
  • Plug-in indoor security cameras
  • Adhesive-mounted motion detectors
  • Smart plugs and bulbs to control lighting remotely
  • Battery-powered entry keypads or app-controlled locks (if landlord-approved)

These tools can typically be removed without damage and reused in your next apartment.

Consider a Portable Security System

Look for a security system that doesn’t require a long-term contract or professional installation. Portable systems can move with you from rental to rental, making them a long-term investment in your peace of mind.

Pro Tip: ADT DIY is one such option—ready for quick installation, no drilling, and optional professional monitoring when you need it.

Communicate with Your Landlord Early

Before installing any cameras or smart locks, check your lease or communicate your intentions with your property manager. Many landlords are open to tenant-installed security—especially if you agree to:

  • Use non-invasive products
  • Return the unit to original condition
  • Share guest access with the landlord (if required)

Framing it as a way to protect their property may help gain approval faster.

Secure Common Areas and Shared Entry Points

In apartments and shared living situations, security challenges are unique. You may not control building access, but you can still take proactive steps to protect your space and belongings. These renter-friendly tools make a big impact without altering the property.

If you live in an apartment or shared unit, consider these additional measures:

  • Add a doorbell camera (if permitted) to monitor packages and visitors
  • Use a door wedge alarm or portable lock for added entry protection
  • Place cameras inside your unit to monitor entry when you’re away
  • Add a smart light to make it appear someone’s home—even if you’re on vacation

Renters shouldn’t have to choose between safety and compliance. With the right tools and a bit of planning, you can fully secure your space without sacrificing mobility or risking your lease.

 

Checklist: Secure Your Home in 10 Key Steps

 

As the moving process unfolds, it’s easy to get sidetracked by logistics, boxes, and timelines. But your home’s security deserves a dedicated spot on the priority list—before, during, and after the move.

This section brings everything together: a step-by-step, chronological security checklist you can refer to (or share with others) to ensure your new home is protected from day one. This list is built for real-world protection—from first-time buyers settling into a new home to renters locking down a short-term lease. No matter your situation, these are the moves that help you start safe and stay secure.

Task Why It Matters When to Complete
1. Research neighborhood safety Helps inform your system needs and placement strategy 2–4 weeks before move
2. Ask about existing or previous security systems Avoids redundant installs, identifi es upgrade options 2–3 weeks before move
3. Choose and schedule your security provider Ensures protection from day one 1–2 weeks before move
4. Inspect all entry points (doors, windows, garage) Detects weaknesses before furniture and daily routines distract you Move-in day
5. Change or rekey all locks Prevents access by previous tenants, contractors, or unknown keyholders Move-in day
6. Check and update exterior lighting Deters nighttime intrusions and identifi es dark zones Move-in week
7. Install or reactivate security system Establishes monitoring, alerts, and control of main entry points First 2–3 days after move
8. Test all smoke and CO detectors Confi rms life-safety devices are operational and up to code First week after move
9. Add smart devices (locks, sensors, doorbell, etc.) Enhances security layers and customizes control around your routines End of fi rst week or beyond
10. Create custom alerts, automation routines Improves convenience, reduces false alarms, and tailors system to your needs End of fi rst week or beyond

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need a security system if I’m moving into a “safe” neighborhood?

Even in low-crime areas, threats like package theft, break-ins, or accidents can happen. A home security system provides protection beyond crime prevention—think smoke and CO alerts, environmental sensors, and peace of mind when you’re away. Good neighborhoods don’t eliminate risk; they reduce it. Security systems close the rest of the gap.

Can I set up a security system before I officially move in?

Yes. In fact, it’s one of the smartest moves you can make. Many providers, including ADT DIY, allow for pre-move installation so your home is protected the moment you take possession. Just coordinate timing with your closing or lease start date and have access arranged for installers or your own setup.

Should renters install security cameras or smart locks?

Absolutely—provided your landlord allows it. Many modern security devices are wireless, adhesive-mounted, and easily removable. Cameras, smart doorbells, and locks offer renters an added layer of control and visibility, especially in multi-unit buildings or shared entryways. Just be sure to choose options that don’t require permanent alterations.

What’s the best low-cost way to secure a home right after moving?

Start with exterior lighting, door/window sensors, and lock upgrades. These simple improvements create a visible deterrent, increase awareness, and strengthen key entry points—all without major investments or long-term contracts. From there, you can expand into smart devices or full systems over time.

 
Final Thoughts: A Safer Start in Your New Space

Moving represents a fresh chapter—and securing your home should be part of that story from the beginning. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, downsizing, or relocating across the country, taking the time to plan for security means fewer surprises and greater peace of mind. From lock changes to lighting upgrades to full home monitoring, every small action adds up to a safer, more comfortable start in your new space. Looking for a system that fits your lifestyle, budget, and timeline? ADT offers flexible solutions built for both renters and homeowners—so you can secure your space, your way.

Statistical References/Resources

Get a free quote and ADT offers

Call or complete the form and an ADT specialist will contact you with a quote.

Personal Information
All fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required.

By clicking the 'Get a Free Quote' button below, I agree that an ADT specialist may contact me via text messages or phone calls, from time to time, to the phone number provided by me using automated technology about ADT offers and consent is not required to make a purchase. Your information is collected and used in accordance with our privacy policy. Msg & data rates apply.