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May 3, 2022
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Top 5 Tips for a Seamless Move
May is National Moving Month. Here are simple tips for stress-free moving, all while maintaining home security
Moving can be stressful, but it certainly doesn't have to be. Whether you're packing up an entire home to move across the country or simply moving across town, consider some of these quick and easy moving tips that are sure to put your mind at ease as you prepare to take on the big move. Before you know it, you'll have your place unpacked and your feet kicked up in your new abode.
Prepare by decluttering
Proper planning can go a long way when it comes to moving. Start by planning months, at the latest, a few weeks in advance. First up, start with decluttering. Get rid of anything you don’t use, broken items that can’t be fixed, and anything else that’s been wasting space. There’s no point in spending time, energy, and boxes packing things that won’t be useful in your new home. So, really ask yourself, "Do I need this?" Chances are, some of these items have been sitting in your closet or extra storage collecting dust. Please do yourself a favor and donate these items, sell them online, or give them away to friends.
Pack smarter and early on
Packing can be such a time-consuming process. Start as far in advance as possible by boxing up seasonal items and anything that won’t be needed between now and the move. Keep your things secured by using sturdy boxes and strong packing tape. Wrapping fragile items in sheets, towels, and clothing protect them from breakage and reduce the amount of bubble wrap you need to buy. You can also use linens and clothes to fill empty spaces in boxes and keep items from shifting while in transition.
Stay organized by labeling boxes/containers
Try to pack boxes and bins by room. Label each container with the place it belongs and what’s inside. Whether you hire professional movers or have family and friends helping, label each room at your new home as soon as you arrive so people know where to put each box. Another method is to number the containers, so you know if any go missing. You may also want to use the numbering system to keep track of what’s in each carton rather than writing the contents on the box itself. This can help prevent the theft of valuable items like jewelry and electronics.
Pack essentials last and keep everything you need, like a change of clothes, toys for kids, medications, and toiletry, in an overnight bag. Once you arrive at your new home, put these essentials somewhere you can easily access them. Supplies like box cutters, trash bags, cleaning supplies, and toilet paper are important to have on hand as well.
Change your address and update important information
Once you know the date you will be moving, arrange for utilities to be turned on at your new home and for service to be stopped or transferred at your current address. It ensures you'll have electricity, water, and heat as soon as you move and won’t be paying two unnecessary bills.
Submit a change-of-address form online from the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) at least two weeks before your move. That way, important mail will be forwarded to your new home, and it also keeps the new residents at your old address from having access to your personal information. Allowing strangers to see bank statements, credit card statements, insurance information, and medical letters is a major security risk. Remember to update your address information with your bank, credit card companies, insurance companies, doctors’ offices, employers, and anyone else you do business with.
Take proper security precautions
Burglars are opportunists, and the chaos of moving provides them with plenty of opportunities. During this transition, the last thing you want to deal with is stolen belongings, filing police reports, and added anxiety. Moving day requires a lot of coming and going, so it’s important to be extra cautious. Don’t leave either residence unlocked and unattended. Close and lock any doors and windows that don’t need to be open while carrying things in and out. And be sure to lock doors and windows when you leave. Considering your new home from a security perspective is just as important as deciding where to put your furniture. Make it a priority to replace the existing locks in your new home as soon as possible. You don’t know who still has keys for the old lock—such as past residents or realtors.
Installing a Smart Door Lock, removes the need to carry a house key and can easily replace an existing deadbolt. This eliminates the temptation to hide a spare key and makes it easy for you to provide temporary access codes to painters, cleaners, and contractors if you’re having work done. Be sure not to hide spare keys outside your home, because most burglars know exactly where to look.
Frontpoint's DIY systems add extra security and peace of mind
Did you know that homes with security systems are almost three times less likely to be broken into than those without them? If your new home doesn’t already have a security system, you should strongly consider installing one. Wireless home security systems with cellular monitoring, like those offered by Frontpoint, are safer, smarter, and easy to install and to take with you when you move.
To easily monitor your property, Outdoor Cameras are helpful. They deter criminals before they even approach your home. With live streams, recorded video clips, and motion-sensor-triggered alerts, you can remain aware of what’s happening on your property at all times, no matter where you are. Doorbell Security Cameras are also burglar deterrents, that seamlessly capture video of anyone approaching your front door, whether or not they ring the bell. Within the doorbell are two-way audio allows you to speak with visitors from the safety of your living room or your desk at work. You can even use the sound of your voice to scare burglars away safely. Intrusion sensors like Door/Window Sensors and Motion Sensors are another way to know if someone enters your property, even if they don’t come through the front door. Be aware of what’s going on inside your home as well, with a Premium Indoor Camera. These offer a Bluetooth speaker, an echo-canceling microphone, and digital-pan-and-tilt and enhanced-zoom capabilities for even more security. The indoor cameras provide high-resolution video and two-way audio that can be accessed from a smartphone.
One of the most convenient things about Frontpoint’s wireless home security system is that it’s easy to take the devices with you when you move. Rearranging, adding, or removing components as needed is simple. Unlike traditional hardwired home security systems that require professional installation, Frontpoint systems allow for straightforward DIY installation. There’s no messy wiring to install, no need to wait for a professional installer, and no need for a home phone line. Each system is preprogrammed to work right out of the box, and set-up usually takes about 30 minutes. Frontpoint’s dedicated customer support team is readily available to assist with any remote troubleshooting.
Many tips and tricks are available to make the transition to a new home seamless. Be sure to also focus on security during and after your move. From reviewing your new home’s security needs to installing a comprehensive DIY security system. With Frontpoint, you'll safeguard yourself, your family, and your new home without any added stress.
Frontpoint keeps homes safe whether families are there or not. We've been revolutionizing the home security industry for over a decade. And we're just getting started. To shop DIY home security systems, check out our Security Packages. If you have questions or would like to discuss a quote, contact us at 1-877-602-5276.
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