Moving Into a New Home Security Steps

Moving day is chaotic. Doors stay open, people walk in and out, and no one knows yet which keys work where. This is the exact moment a house is most vulnerable. Lock it down fast with these simple steps.

If you also want a room-by-room safety walk for the first week, check the New Homeowner Safety Checklist.

1. Secure the House Before Unpacking

[ ] Rekey or replace every exterior lock immediately.
[ ] Verify deadbolts extend fully and doorframes are not cracked or loose.
[ ] Confirm every exterior door actually latches without lifting or forcing it.
[ ] Check sliding doors for working locks; add a dowel or security bar.
[ ] Close and lock all windows on the first and second floors.

2. Control Access While Movers Are Present

[ ] Keep only one primary entry door in use; lock all others.
[ ] Assign one person to monitor the open door—packages and tools disappear fast.
[ ] Don’t leave wallets, purses, car keys, or electronics near the entry point.
[ ] If movers are strangers, keep valuable boxes in sight at all times.

3. Evaluate Lighting and Visibility

[ ] Replace burned-out bulbs at entry doors, walkways, and the driveway.
[ ] Check for dark corners around the house where someone could wait unseen.
[ ] Verify house numbers are visible from the street; emergency crews rely on that.
[ ] Plan to add motion lights to the sides and back of the house if needed.

4. Reset Security Tech

[ ] Change Wi-Fi name and password before connecting any smart devices.
[ ] Reset all inherited smart home gear to factory settings.
[ ] Update firmware on cameras, doorbells, and smart locks.
[ ] Confirm any existing alarm plan is actually active—or cancel and replace it.
[ ] Check which windows and doors have sensors and which don’t.

If you need help choosing a system before installing anything, review Home Security Systems Explained.

5. Fire and CO Protection Basics

[ ] Test all smoke alarms to confirm they actually work.
[ ] Replace any smoke alarm older than 10 years.
[ ] Verify at least one carbon monoxide alarm per level if you have gas appliances.
[ ] Confirm extinguishers exist and are not expired or empty.
[ ] Clear hallways and exits so nothing blocks emergency routes.

6. Quick Utility Safety Checks

[ ] Locate the water shutoff and confirm it turns.
[ ] Find the main electrical panel; label unclear breakers later.
[ ] Identify the gas shutoff if applicable.
[ ] Check for leaks, burnt smells, or warm outlets as you walk room to room.

7. Exterior Walk Around the Home

[ ] Inspect fences, gates, and side doors that may have been left open.
[ ] Look for low windows with no locks or damaged screens.
[ ] Trim back shrubs covering windows—security 101.
[ ] Note dark areas that need lighting upgrades this weekend.

8. Protect Documents, Keys, and Valuables

[ ] Store closing documents, IDs, and spare keys out of sight immediately.
[ ] Don’t leave the garage door opener in an unlocked car.
[ ] Put valuables in one clearly marked box you control at all times.

9. Post-Move Follow-Ups

[ ] Replace temporary bulbs with long-life LEDs once settled.
[ ] Add cameras or sensors to blind spots you noted earlier.
[ ] Set reminders for monthly alarm tests and seasonal safety tasks.
[ ] Walk the home at night later this week to see if anything still feels unsafe.