Guide
Home Security When Moving or Away: Two Checklists
Moving a monitored security system takes 12 steps over the 4 weeks before a move, from scheduling the removal appointment to filing the new city's alarm permit, and securing a home for a trip takes 10 steps on the day you leave, from arming Away mode to setting camera and light schedules. This guide gives both checklists, states Vivint's moving fees ($149 removal, $149 reinstall, waived for deployed military), and lists the 4 settings that matter most while away.
What Are the 12 Steps to Move a Security System?
The 12 steps to move a security system are listed below in order, starting 4 weeks before the move.
Moving checklist:
- 4 weeks out: confirm the new address is serviceable (Vivint installs in all 50 states; cellular signal decides).
- 4 weeks out: book removal and reinstall with the Moves team; choose Basic Move (you remove) or Full Move.
- 3 weeks out: check the new city's alarm permit rules on the state page and apply.
- 2 weeks out: photograph sensor locations so the new layout can match.
- 1 week out: order extra sensors if the new home has more doors and windows.
- Move day: keep the hub powered and armed until removal; disarm before disconnecting to avoid a false alarm.
- Move day: pack sensors with their batteries in; label each by room.
- New home, day 1: reinstall appointment; walk the technician through the new placement.
- Day 1: update the monitoring centre address and emergency contacts in the app.
- Day 1: re-add Wi-Fi for cameras and test each one.
- Week 1: file the new alarm permit; most cities require it before the first alarm.
- Week 1: send the new Certificate of Installation to your insurer.
What Does Moving a System Cost?
Moving a Vivint system costs $149 for removal and $149 for reinstall ($149 total under Basic Move when you remove it yourself), waived for military members deployed 90 days or longer, with a $99 contract transfer available if the home buyer takes the system instead; DIY brands charge nothing because you move them yourself.
The Vivint moving guide and contract page have the full rules.
What Are the 10 Steps Before a Trip?
The 10 steps before a trip are listed below.
Vacation checklist:
- Arm Away mode, not Stay, so interior motion sensors are active.
- Set camera person alerts to notify a second household member or a neighbour.
- Schedule lamp modules to run on your normal evening pattern.
- Set the thermostat Away schedule; add a freeze sensor in winter.
- Place a water sensor by the water heater and washing machine.
- Hold mail and deliveries, or enable doorbell package alerts and ask a neighbour to collect.
- Lock the garage door controller in the app and check the status daily.
- Give a trusted contact a user code and add them to the monitoring call list.
- Confirm the hub battery and cellular backup are healthy in the app before leaving.
- Avoid posting travel dates publicly until you return.
Which 4 Settings Matter Most While Away?
The 4 settings that matter most while away are Away arming, a second notification contact, light schedules, and water and freeze sensors, because those are the 4 things a monitoring centre cannot do for you: detect interior movement, reach someone when you are unreachable, make the home look occupied, and catch a leak before it floods.
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