Secure Your Home While Moving House UK¶

Protect your belongings during the chaos of moving day and the empty-house period.

Security During the Moving Process¶

Moving day is a peak opportunity for theft. Removal firms reported 1,200+ cases of 'distraction theft' in 2023, according to the British Association of Removers. Keep valuables (jewellery, passports, cash) in your own car - not the removal van. Have a friend or family member supervise the loading process. Fit a temporary padlock on garden gates (Squire padlock, from £14.99) to prevent rear access. The Home Office warns that 15 % of moving-day thefts involve removal staff acting alone or with accomplices - always use a BAR-registered firm with insurance.

Securing the Property Between Occupancy¶

There is often a gap between completion and move-in. Install a temporary alarm (Ring Alarm Panic Kit, £69.99) that works on 4G backup. Arrange regular visits - insurers typically limit unoccupied cover to 30 consecutive days. Change the locks on day one (locksmith call-out £70 - £120 plus cylinder). A Yale Conexis L1 smart lock (£199.99) lets you use codes rather than keys for contractors. If the property is vacant for longer than 30 days, inform your insurer and have someone check it weekly to maintain cover.

Specifications and Comparison¶

Risk Point	Action	Cost
Valuables in transit	Keep in your car	Free
Garden access	Temporary padlock	£14.99
Locks unknown	Change cylinders	£70 - £120
Vacant period	Temporary alarm	£69.99

FAQ¶

Should I tell my insurer the house is empty?: Yes - most policies limit unoccupied cover to 30 days; tell them if longer.
Can I trust removal staff with my security?: Use a BAR-registered firm - they carry insurance and vet employees.
What is the first thing to do when I get the keys?: Change the external lock cylinders immediately - you never know who has copies. For more information see our New Home Security Setup Guide UK.

Last updated: 2026-05-31.

External Resources¶

For further information consult authority guidelines at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.