How should you move your smart home—and can full-service moving companies help? While some smart home systems are hardwired into the house, others are less permanent. If you plan to bring some of these devices with you, take a look at what you need to know about residential moving and smart home technology.
Which Smart Technology Should You Move And Which Should Stay Behind?
Some smart tech will need to stay behind when you move. Even though you've enjoyed the convenience or security of these devices, the next owner may have paid you extra to move into your smart home. If the buyer specifically stated in the sales agreement which devices or tech they want to keep, you will need to leave these investments behind. But if the buyer doesn't want your smart tech, you have choices to make before you move.
Anything that is hardwired into your home should stay. Unless you absolutely can't part with the smart component, lighting, HVAC, security, or other similar features can stay behind. While you can remove any of the parts in your smart system, ask yourself if it makes sense to pay a professional for the service or if it could potentially damage your soon-to-be former home.
If you don't take every part of the smart system with you, make sure to deactivate or wipe sensitive information from the memory of each device. You may need to contact the manufacturer or the professional who installed the system for information on how to safely and securely transfer smart devices to your home's new owner.
What Do You Need To Know About Packing and Full-Service Moving?
Protection is a top priority for these potentially pricey devices. Electronics aren't always easy to move. If your moving contractor offers a full-service option, leave the packing to the professional.
This less-stress option gives the chance to relax during a potentially anxiety-filled time and lets the movers do everything from gathering packing materials to transporting your smart home system. But if the company will only transport everything from point A to point B, you will need to safely pack the components or devices.
Reuse the original packaging when possible. If you don't have these boxes to use for your move, find containers that are similar in size. Carefully wrap each device separately in plain, dye-free packing paper. Never use towels or foam peanuts. These can shed lint or pieces of foam onto, and into, your electronic items.
Secure each item in its container with a buffer of crumpled packing paper or bubble wrap. Carefully close or tape shut the bin or box and label the outside. The label should include the name of the item, where it goes in your new home, whether it is fragile, and whether it needs to sit upright or stay in one specific direction. This information will help the movers carry and transport the smart devices safely.
Contact a full-service moving company for more information.
