And while we say that in a light-hearted tone, you can easily assume that the situation can be a lot graver than that. That's why all homeowners should have a dedicated move-in security checklist to tick off the key security steps.
A move-in security checklist identifies your primary security concerns and outlines the steps needed to address them. It's the stepping stone to implementing the ideal security system for your household. It works in stages and alleviates security issues systemically.
At Shield & Shelter, we have divided the ideal move-in security checklist into four distinctive stages so you can set your priorities straight. So, without further ado, let's dive right in!
Cover Access Zones Before You Move In
Replace All Previous Locks & Security Codes
Moving into a new place doesn't automatically mean you have full access. The previous homeowners or construction contractors could still have keys to the entrances. According to the FBI, a break-in takes place every 26 seconds in the United States. So, to protect your family members and your valuables, it's in your best interest to restrict access to outsiders as much as possible. Before moving in, you should ideally rekey all previous locks; if not, replace them and install new ANSI Grade 1 deadbolts. This extends to all digital devices as well. If you have smart locks, alarm systems, or automated assistants, replace the security codes immediately.
Test All Locks & Doors Before Moving In
Replacing the locks and security codes isn't enough. You must check all doors and locks in person to ensure they aren't faulty. In older homes, door hinges may get loose due to long-term wear and tear. Reinforce strike plates with 3-inch screws and fix issues before your furniture arrives.
Test Window Access & Visibility
Intruders don't just walk through doors; they can also use windows to get inside the house. So, check all windows and their latches so no one can open them from the outside. Additionally, check the durability of the glass panes and window hinges. Use window locks, but don't make them too complex — in emergencies, you might need them as escape routes. For privacy, use curtains and trim exterior bushes and hedges so intruders cannot hide beneath sills.
Check Garage Entrance & Backyard Doors
Most garages open into the house, and they're one of the most overlooked areas. While checking locks, doors, and windows, don't forget about the exterior garage door and the interior connecting door with the main property.
Look For Hidden Entry Points
Houses, especially older ones, come with secrets. Know your property thoroughly before moving in: check crawlspace hatches, service doors, pet doors, and cellar entries. For pre-closing builder review, see our New Home Security Setup service.
Secure The Perimeter & Place Sensors
Check Router Connectivity & IoT Hardening
The central router connects all smart home devices, including security cameras. It's essentially the brain of the entire process. Don't use unsupported devices, get rid of outdated routers, change default admin passwords, and separate your smart cameras onto an isolated guest or IoT VLAN so your main home network remains secure.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Always enable two-factor authentication for your security apps and camera accounts. Routinely check who has access to the security system as authorized users, and update the access list regularly.
Place Relevant Motion Sensors
Motion sensors are tricky to place. You don't want unnecessary alerts that everyone eventually gets used to ignoring. Place relevant motion sensors in primary transition bottlenecks: garage doors opening, movement in cellar entries, or basement trap door activity.
Place Security Cameras In Main Areas
According to The Zebra, 46.9% of people do not have a home security system installed. To eliminate most threats, place cameras to cover key entrances: main door, back door, garage, driveway, and backyard fence. Use wide-angle cameras in driveways and hallways, and narrower cameras around doorbells. Read our detailed Home Camera Placement Guide or explore our Camera Placement Planning service.
Ensure Good Lighting Around Cameras & Entrances
Dark ambiance hides intruders' identities. Arrange for ample lighting around the house, especially camera hotspots such as the porch, garage, and rear entrance. Do not aim floodlights directly into camera lenses to prevent reflection glare.
Align Intruder Security With Life Safety Measures
Set Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Between placing cameras and updating Wi-Fi passwords, don't forget about smoke and CO alarms. Install detectors in every bedroom, common hallway, and basement. Test each one personally before moving in.
Discuss, Decide, & Set Up Possible Exit Routes
As a family, get together to identify main emergency exit routes. Treat the house as a coherent system and set up your exit plans accordingly. Every family member must also know key utility shutoffs: main electric breaker panel, water shutoff valve, and gas switch.
Ensure Access-Friendly Emergency Contacts
Make an accessible contact list: local police, fire service, ambulance, poison control, insurance policy details, and trusted neighbors. Post this sheet on the refrigerator and save it to family smartphones.
Think Like An Intruder; Find Loopholes & Fix Them
Inspect Your Property During Nighttime
A nighttime inspection reveals what daytime misses. Walk around the property in the dark to see whether you can access blind spots undetected. Check night-vision camera footage to adjust angles and eliminate glare.
Keep Track Of Everyone With House Access
Keep a master list of everyone with a physical key. For smart devices, avoid sharing a single master code; issue unique, individual user codes and remove them once the task is complete.
Make Sure To Remove Temporary Access
We often give access to painters, movers, cleaners, and contractors, then forget about them. Record these interactions and immediately revoke temporary access codes once moving is finished.
Think Before You Share Private Information Online
Moving into a new house is exciting, but share that happiness online cautiously. Review photos before posting to avoid revealing your street address, house numbers, layout clues, or expensive electronics.
What If You Are Renting The Place?
If you're renting, you may not have the freedom to drill or replace hardware permanently. However, the core security principles still apply:
- Ask the landlord whether previous occupants still hold keys, and request rekeying before move-in.
- Test the sturdiness of apartment doors, window latches, balcony doors, peepholes, and fire exit doors.
- Check the building intercom, guest-entry buzzer, and visitor access policies.
- Set up your own Wi-Fi router or change the password of any provided network immediately.
- Use removable wireless cameras or adhesive sensors that comply with lease policies. For DIY self-install advice, see our DIY Security Planning service.
How To Choose The Ideal Security System For Your Home?
Build the ideal security system by understanding your property infrastructure’s strengths and shortcomings. It's not just about placing as many cameras as you can; it's about placing them efficiently in all the right spots.
Here is a crash course on choosing the ideal security system for your home:
- Pinpoint ideal coverage areas: Focus cameras on main access bottlenecks rather than stationary spots.
- Differentiate alert sounds: Set distinctive tones for intruder alerts vs. routine notifications to eliminate alert fatigue.
- Ensure 24/7 connectivity & power backup: Install a dedicated UPS battery backup for your router and NVR.
- Secure your recordings: Utilize encrypted local storage (NVR/NAS) so you own your video feeds without cloud leaks. Explore our Smart Home Security Design service.
- Enforce strong credentials: Never share master passwords; require 2FA on all user profiles.
Final Thoughts
Moving into a new home is exciting because you get a fresh start in a new environment with new neighbors. It's also the best time to establish your security system so you can start your new life free of worries.
Remember that your goal is not to turn your house into a fort. Rather, it's to ensure everyone has access to security and safety measures so they can protect themselves during emergencies. For a comprehensive whole-home risk score, book our Virtual Home Security Audit.