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Planning on moving to a new home? Don’t let that stop you from getting a home security system. Not all home security installations are permanent: Many security devices are actually made for renters, military transfers, house flippers, and others who want to pack up their smart home tech and take it with them.
These portable devices use tricks like cordless models, adhesive mounts to avoid holes in walls, and all-around features that make it easy to set them up in new locations. Here are our top picks, along with some tips on how to store your home security tech while you’re packing up.
Arlo 8-in-1 Sensor Security System
Arlo sensors can do just about anything and are easy to move whenever you want.
Arlo’s security system is unlike anything else we’ve tested: It’s built to be easy to set up and move as needed, with eight-in-one sensors that can do it all, no matter where you put them. The sensors are attached with adhesive, making them easy to install and remove as needed. Combine them with an Arlo Hub and they can measure motion, sound, water leaks, light, heat, and more. Add an Arlo subscription and you can get enhanced notifications or even opt for professional home monitoring.
Arlo’s all-in-one sensors are incredibly easy to pack up and move to any location you want, depending on what your new home looks like. That’s why this is our top suggestion for those with flexible living situations. You can find a five-pack system for full coverage, or you can buy the hub and purchase each sensor individually, depending on what you need, to save money.
SimpliSafe: The Essential Package
SimpliSafe makes devices easy to remove and move.
For a more traditional home security system, SimpliSafe is affordable and offers adhesive sensors that are easy to remove and take with you when you move. The Essentials package is one of the best kits, with a few different entry sensors and a motion sensor to place if needed.
Everything in this SimpliSafe package is do-it-yourself, wireless, and requires no contracts — ideal for frequent movers. Their plans are very affordable compared to companies like ADT and offer advanced home monitoring options.
Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Camera
Ring’s new camera offers pan and tilt capabilities and some welcome upgrades to the Ring Protect subscription.
Ring’s latest camera offers a simple alternative to a full-blown security system that costs less than $100 and is easy to set up — well, anywhere. The wired camera’s pan and tilt capabilities let it peer across an entire room or open floor plan to view multiple entry points or monitor the action. It also comes with a physical privacy cover and activity zones for extra customization.
The HD camera also features Ring technology for color night vision and two-way talk capabilities (plus a siren). Note that you’ll need a Ring Protect subscription ($5 per month) for video storage and smart notifications. If you’d like to avoid a subscription, Eufy’s Pan & Tilt Camera ($130) is a similar option with higher resolution and built-in storage.
Google Nest Doorbell (2nd generation, battery)
Google’s Nest doorbells are effective, easy to install, and won’t cost you extra money like other doorbells.
Google’s Nest Battery Doorbell is a compact way to watch your front door and get alerts about people or packages for free. Add a Nest Aware subscription and it can even recognize familiar faces you save in your Google Home app. Charging is as simple as removing the doorbell and plugging it into a charger overnight, and it will last for three to four months.
Installation is very light for a video doorbell, requiring only a few screw holes in nearby trim or siding, so unscrewing and moving the model is easier than with almost every other doorbell we tested. If that’s still too much damage for renters, you might want to look into Ring’s Peephole Cam, a video doorbell that replaces your peephole without the need for screws.
August Smart Lock Gen 4
August smart lock retrofits are much easier to carry.
Some smart locks replace the deadbolt entirely, which has its uses, but makes them difficult to move without a lot of unscrewing and a noticeable gap in the door where a lock should be. Retrofits like the August Smart Lock Gen 4 ($230) are much more portable. They fit over an existing deadbolt and can removed without significant changes on the door (keep the old dial in a drawer just in case), but still offers plenty of app control, remote unlocking, and auto-lock settings.
The August Smart Lock offers excellent compatibility, pairing with Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Home/HomeKit, and even Samsung SmartThings. You can check recent activity or create guest keys anywhere you like. It may be a little pricey, but with a design that you can move to any new home with a standard deadbolt on the door, you don’t have to worry about losing your investment.
Can I move a security system with adhesive strips?
Yes, adhesive strip sensors and cams are the easiest to relocate. A gentle peel (sometimes using heat and a paint stripper) can disassemble one of the devices in a short amount of time, with minimal damage — although renters should be wary of potential drywall paint stains.
You can’t reuse the same old adhesive strips in a new location, but fortunately most security devices use universal 3M adhesive plasters which you can easily order. Adhesive installation works best on smooth, flat surfaces such as metal, planks or glass, but we have also seen good results on carefully cleaned exterior siding.
If your home security device mount is screwed down, you can usually loosen it by unscrewing the screws with a screwdriver and then using the reverse setting on a drill. But you’ll leave gaps, so you
How do I pack security equipment for a move?
Pack security cameras carefully.
Pack them as you would any sensitive electronics. Place them securely in a box with padding such as towels and bubble wrap. Wrap each individual sensor separately and fill the spaces so they can’t shake.
Avoid using bubble wrap, newspaper or rough towels against the security camera lenses as they can damage them. First wrap the lenses in a felt cleaning cloth or similar material. If you have the original boxes, use those. Some brands such as SimpliSafe offer moving packages specifically designed for transporting your system.
With security technology ready to move with you, read our articles on where you should never install a home security camera and the best cameras without subscription fees. You can also check out tips if you currently live with multiple roommates.
