When you move into a new home, those first few hours matter more than you think. Before you decide where the couch goes or start breaking down boxes, there are a few essential steps that can make your space feel safer and help you settle in faster.
Here’s where to start:
1. Secure your main entry point
Start with your front door. It’s wise to change the locks of a new home right away. And when you’re uggling boxes, keys are one of the last things you want to think about. A smart lock, like the Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch, secures your space and lets you unlock your door with a fingerprint.
A smart lock also gives you more control over who can enter your home and when. With the ADT+ app, you can lock or unlock your door remotely, create automations, or schedule access for trusted visitors using our Trusted Neighbor* feature, whether it’s a friend helping you move or a cleaner getting the place ready before you arrive.
2. Set up life-safety devices
Installing smoke and CO2 detectors is not the most exciting task, but your life could literally depend on it. Place them in each living room and bedroom, and ensure they are powered and working properly. Test each one and replace all batteries for good measure.
Opting for monitors connected to your security system, like the ADT Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector, provides extra protection, beyond a loud alert. If one alarm goes off, they are all triggered for extra safety in large homes. And with ADT professional monitoring, trained professionals will respond to alerts quickly, providing added protection when you’re away, asleep or unaware that something’s wrong.
“Having working detectors in place from day one ensures you’re protected from hazards you may not see coming,” said George Manginelli, ADT’s Director of Regional Field Operations. “It’s a simple step, but it’s foundational to feeling safe.”
3. Put eyes on access points
Walk through your space and check every window, along with other entries, such as the back door and sliders. Make sure the locks are working properly and that nothing feels loose or misaligned.
Add ADT Door/Window Sensors to any ground-level doors and windows. It’s easy to add components via the ADT+ app, so you can always add additional sensors later, or boost protection with a Motion Sensor and Glass Break Sensor.
If you like the idea of starting small and having a highly flexible system, consider ADT Blu, our DIY system that’s designed to grow with you and adapt as your needs change.
4. Keep an eye on your front step
Moving often means a steady stream of deliveries. That can make your front step an easy target if you’re not paying attention.
This is also where many people choose to add a first layer of smart protection. An outdoor camera can help you keep an eye on what’s happening around your home while you’re focused on unpacking and settling in.
ADT has multiple doorbell options that work seamlessly with the ADT+ app, including the Google Nest Doorbell (battery) and Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd gen) for pro-installation customers and the ADT Blu Doorbell Camera for DIY customers.
The ADT+ app allows you to check the live video feed from your phone. You can also see activity around your entry points and yard, and even speak to someone at your door without having to stop what you’re doing. With professional monitoring, you can relax, knowing our always-on agents have your back.
“Moving isn’t the time you want to be constantly checking your phone or wondering what you missed,” said Shari Wilson, ADT’s Director of Monitoring. “Having visibility into what’s happening outside your home gives you peace of mind, and with ADT’s monitoring team supporting you, you can step away and trust that you’re still covered.”
5. Make your home worker smarter for you
Once the essentials are in place, a few smart home upgrades can make settling into a new home easier.
With the Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen), you can adjust your home’s temperature before you even walk through the door. This helps your space feel comfortable from day one. Lighting controls, like the ADT Dimming Module, can respond to your day in real time. Keep rooms well-lit as you move between spaces while unpacking. Then they can dim automatically once the work is done and you can finally relax.
And for a visible layer of reassurance, the ADT Live Light™, the industry’s first illuminated yard sign, adds another signal that your home is protected.
Because everything runs through the ADT+ Security System, your home can be controlled from one place. Instead of juggling different apps and settings on top of managing a move, you can adjust your locks, cameras, lighting and more in seconds from one central hub.
It’s fewer decisions, fewer interruptions, and one less thing competing for your time as you settle into your new home sweet home.
* Trusted Neighbor features require the ADT Complete (includes Nest Aware) pro-monitoring plan, Google Nest familiar face detection, ADT Base, and compatible smart lock and camera devices. Familiar face detection is not to be used as definitive identification, and is not available on Nest cameras used in Illinois. Customer is responsible to inform their trusted individuals of any dangerous conditions existing at the premises. Feature not available to Illinois residents.
Yale is a registered trademark of Master Lock Company LLC and its affiliates.
Google, Pixel, Nest, Nest Aware, Nest Audio, Nest Cam, Nest Doorbell, Nest Hub, Nest Learning Thermostat, Nest Thermostat and Google Home are trademarks of Google LLC. Google Nest products and services featured are designed to make life easier and to build a helpful home and were not designed specifically for life-sustaining or safety-critical use cases. These products and services depend upon working internet, Wi-Fi, and, in some cases, the service availability from ADT and/or Google. To learn more, please visit g.co/nest/TOS.