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With more and more consumers moving or relocating for various reasons, deciding what to do with your home security system is an important consideration. While many homes might already be equipped with an existing solution, another question remains: “Should I take my home security system with me when I move?”
In most cases, for professionally installed and 24/7 monitored solutions, it’s best to install a new security system when moving to a new home due to several factors, such as new technologies, cost efficiencies, compatibility with the new home, smart integrations, and more.
A do-it-yourself (DIY) solution involves additional labor costs to remove and transport the current system on your own, as well as reinstallation and maintenance expenses. While local assistance is available, DIY systems are largely geared toward tech-savvy consumers comfortable with doing this independently.
Regardless of your decision, it’s important to inform all involved parties, such as realtors, prospective buyers, and most importantly, your home security provider and Central Station Monitoring service.
Below we’ll outline various home security system options to consider when moving, as well as tips, smart integrations, and pros and cons of each.
Leaving the Current System
in the Home
Before deciding how to handle your home security system when moving, it’s best to have your current provider survey the new property. While each situation is unique, most will recommend purchasing and installing a new security system for various reasons. Leaving the current system can also attract prospective buyers looking for the added peace of mind of a home security system.
While wireless models could possibly be moved, wired setups with various integrations and equipment require added steps and can be cumbersome to extract and transport. Regardless of either setup, removal can be a messy process—with resulting holes, marks, or other damage left behind when uninstalling the current system.
For a home currently on the market, prospective buyers may not want to patch or paint over these imperfections. You also risk equipment getting damaged during the moving process.
With most basic systems consisting of control panels, security cameras, and contact sensors, the current equipment might not be compatible with your new home’s setup and wireless connections.
It’s also advisable to contact your current security provider and alarm company within 30 to 60 days of moving so they can schedule any appropriate actions, such as system installation, surveys and recommendations, billing, and other housekeeping matters.
Pros
- Could Be a Selling Point for Prospective Buyers
- Opportunity for Upgraded Technologies
Cons
- Can Be Cumbersome & Costly to Remove
- Will Leave Behind Unsightly Holes & Marks
- Equipment Could Become Damaged During Move
- May Not Be Compatible With New Home
- Hourly Cost to Remove & Reinstall
While each situation is unique, most service providers will recommend purchasing and installing a new home security system for various reasons.
Professionally Installing a New Security System
Certain circumstances could prevent you from bringing your current system to the new home, such as additional needs, space, required upgrades, and others.
Upon survey and further inspection, your security provider will recommend a new system. Such scenarios could include moving from a small apartment to a larger, single-family home with a garage and yard, or if you require additional equipment and smart technologies.
Should you decide to bring your current system, constantly evolving technologies might still require system upgrades shortly thereafter, due to discontinued products, new versions and other changes.
Other considerations include incompatibility with the new home. By installing a completely new system, you can pick and choose what’s best for your lifestyle, space, and needs without making any imminent changes.
Many providers such as General Security will also extend special offers for newly installed systems, and flexibility to create your own smart technology package.
Pros
- New Technology for Your New Space
- More Cost-Effective
- Upgrades & Customizations
- Create Your Own Smart Technology Package
Cons
- Could Incur Additional Costs
Can My Security Company Take Over an Existing System?
Even if your alarm company can take over the existing system’s control panel, this is typically a more labor-intensive process, and several items must be taken into consideration, such as the system’s manufacturer, age, and functions.
Additional backend steps include changing account numbers, and adding new Central Station Monitoring information. A complete system test must also be conducted to ensure no faulty wiring or other problematic issues.
Since some manufacturers feature factory-set passwords and codes preventing usage by other alarm companies, users will also need to install a new panel that works in conjunction with your current alarm company’s monitoring system and smart home app.
Pros
- Could Save Time During Moving Process
Cons
- No Guarantee System Can Be Taken Over
- Factory Settings Can Block Usage by Other Alarm Companies
- New Panel for Central Station Monitoring
- Outdated & Incompatible Equipment
DIY Installation With Central Station Monitoring
Many providers such as General Security will also extend special offers for newly installed systems, and flexibility to create your own smart technology package.
Provided your current home security system is compatible with your new residence, DIY could be an option if you're comfortable removing and re-installing the current system on your own.
A typical DIY solution can comprise an alarm panel, window and door contact sensors, motion sensors, and one security camera. While this is a basic system, you can scale up or down on as many technologies as you require. It’s also recommended to purchase equipment from a professional service provider offering local assistance. Should you encounter an issue, they can help troubleshoot.
Pros
- No Cost to Remove & Reinstall Current System
- Can Easily Scale Up or Down
- Local Provider Help & Support
Cons
- Could Be Labor Intensive
- Extra Time for Possible Troubleshooting & Other Potential Issues
Keeping, Upgrading, or Replacing Your Home Security System?
When purchasing a new security system when moving to a new home, it’s best to work through a reputable provider, such as General Security, for the highest level of technology products and professional support.
General Security provides a complete line of security products and equipment for homeowners throughout the U.S. East Coast.. Request a free quote from us today!
