Best home security systems to pack and take with you
If you are traveling from one place to another, you may be concerned about choosing home security equipment to leave behind. We have good news! The right home security systems are made for renters, military families on the move, home-goers, and anyone who wants to pack up their home security and take it with them.
These portable systems offer features like wireless devices, adhesives to prevent holes in the walls, and universal settings that make it easy to move them to a new location. Here are our top picks, along with some tips on how to store your home security technology when you’re packing.
Read more: Is it legal to install a security camera in an apartment building?
Arlo 8-in-1 sensor security system
Arlo sensors can do almost anything and are easy to move whenever you want.
Arlo’s security system is unlike any other we’ve tested: it’s built for easy placement and relocation when needed, with eight-in-one sensors that can do it all, wherever 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 better alerts or even opt for professional home monitoring.
Arlo’s all-in-one sensors are extremely easy to pack up and move to any location depending on what your new home looks like, so it’s our top suggestion for those with flexible living situations. You can find a five-pack system for complete protection, or you can buy the hub and buy each sensor individually, depending on what you need to save money.
SimpliSafe: the Essentials package
SimpliSafe makes its 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 access sensors and a motion sensor that can be placed as needed.
Everything in this SimpliSafe package is DIY, wireless and requires no contract – all 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 features, along with some welcome upgrades to the Ring Protect plan.
Ring’s latest camera offers a simple replacement for a full security system that costs less than $100 and is easy to install – well, anywhere you want. The wired camera’s pan and tilt functions allow it to look across an entire room or open floor plan to view multiple access points or follow the action. It also comes with a physical privacy cover and activity zones for added customization.
The HD camera also comes with Ring technology for color night vision and two-way calling (plus a siren). Note that you’ll need a Ring Protect subscription ($5 per month) for video storage and smart alerts. If you want to avoid a subscription, Eufy’s pan and 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 don’t cost as much as some doorbells.
Google’s Nest Battery Doorbell is a compact way to view your front door and receive free notifications about people or packages. Add a Nest Aware subscription and it can even recognize familiar faces you save to your Google Home app. Charging is as simple as disassembling the doorbell and plugging it into a charger overnight, and it will last three to four months.
Installing a video doorbell is very light and requires only a few screw holes in nearby trim or siding, so unscrewing and moving the model is easier than almost any other doorbell we tested. If that’s still too much damage for renters, you might want to check out Ring’s Peephole Cam, a video doorbell that replaces your peephole without screws.
August Smart Lock Gen 4
August smart lock retrofits are much easier to carry.
Some smart locks replace the deadbolts completely, which is appropriate, 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 easier to carry. They fit and can be on an existing deadbolt removed without significant changes to the door (keep the old thumb in a nearby drawer just in case), but you still have plenty of app control, remote unlocking and auto-lock settings.
The August Smart Lock offers excellent compatibility and links to Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Home/HomeKit and even Samsung SmartThings. You can monitor recent activity from anywhere or create guest keys if necessary. It may be a little pricey, but with a design that if you move into a new home with a standard deadbolt on the door, you won’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 move. Careful peeling (sometimes using heat and a paint remover) can dismantle one of the appliances in a short time, with minimal damage – although renters will want to be wary of possible paint stains on drywall.
You can’t reuse the same old adhesive strips in a new location, but fortunately most security devices are universally used 3M adhesive plasters that you can easily order. Applying adhesive works best on smooth, flat surfaces such as metal, planks or glass, but we have seen some good results on carefully cleaned exterior siding.
If the mount for your home security device is screwed on, you can usually unscrew it by loosening the screws with a screwdriver and then using the reverse setting on a drill. But you leave holes so that you
How do I pack security equipment for a move?
Pack security cameras carefully.
Pack them just as you would for sensitive electronics. Cushion them thoroughly in a box with padding such as towels and bubble wrap. Wrap each individual sensor individually and fill in spaces so they don’t have room to squeeze around.
Do not use bubble wrap, newspaper, or rough towels against security camera lenses as they may damage them. First wrap the lenses in a felt cleaning cloth or something similar. If you have the original boxes, use them. Some brands such as SimpliSafe offer moving kits especially for transporting your system.
With security technology ready to move with you, check out our articles on the places you’ll never need to install a home security camera and the best cameras without subscription fees. Also take a look at tips if you currently live with multiple roommates.
