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TAKE A SMART HOME INVENTORY
When you are faced with the daunting task of moving to a new home, the last thing you want to deal with is the headache of managing all your smart home gadgets. Deciding what to do with your smart devices when you move adds an extra layer of complexity to the already challenging process. Do you take your smart lock with you, or should you leave it behind? Should you uninstall your smart lighting system, or provide detailed instructions for the new owners? These are just a few of the questions you may encounter when moving your smart home.
SHOULD IT STAY OR SHOULD IT GO?
As you prepare to move, it’s essential to go through your entire place and decide what devices should stay and what should go with you to your new home. Consider where your old gadgets will fit in your new space and where you might need to purchase new devices. In this guide, we will help you determine which devices make sense to take with you and which ones are easier to leave behind. We will also discuss how to decommission devices in your old home and recommission them in your new home, or how to reset them if you plan to leave them behind.
SMART GEAR YOU SHOULD LEAVE WHEN YOU SELL YOUR HOME
It is generally expected that fixtures of the home — anything wired or screwed in — should stay with the house. However, anything that is plugged in or battery-powered should come with you or be sold, donated, or recycled if you no longer want it. Here are some examples of smart gear that you should consider leaving behind when you sell your home:
- Smart switches, wired smart light fixtures, and smart outlets
- Smart thermostats, blinds, and smart locks
- Wired video doorbells, smart sprinkler controllers, and smart security systems
- Smart smoke alarms, garage door controllers, smart plumbing, and smart appliances
SMART GEAR YOU SHOULD TAKE WHEN YOU SELL YOUR HOME
Devices that are plugged in or not permanently attached should be taken with you when you sell your home. Here are some examples of smart gear that you should consider taking with you:
- Smart speakers, Wi-Fi routers, modems, and smart hubs
- Smart bulbs, smart plugs, smart sensors, and smart TV/streaming boxes
- Retrofit smart door locks, robot vacuums, smart washer/dryer
HOW TO TRANSFER OWNERSHIP OF YOUR SMART HOME GADGETS
If you negotiate to leave any smart devices behind, ensure that you are clear in your sale that you are leaving them "as is." To ease a buyer’s fears, set up a dedicated email address for your home and transfer the devices to that email address. When the sale closes, hand over the email address and password to the new owner, remove yourself from the devices, and delete them from your app.
HOW TO FACTORY-RESET YOUR SMART HOME GEAR
Some devices require special transfer and factory-reset steps, so it is important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. Here are some popular devices that may need special steps for factory-resetting:
- [Device 1]
- [Device 2]
- [Device 3]
HOW TO PACK UP YOUR SMART HOME GEAR
When packing up devices you plan to take with you, be methodical to ensure everything stays organized. Uninstall devices, place them in their original packaging or containers, label the contents, and pack them away. Do not factory-reset these devices; simply unplug them and remove any batteries. When you move into your new home, set up your Wi-Fi with the same credentials as before to reconnect your devices seamlessly.
Of course, moving is an excellent opportunity to start fresh with your smart home. But that’s a topic for another time!
Source:
- HomePass is an iPad/iPhone app that can track all your smart home gadgets and store details like setup codes and serial numbers – Image: HomePass
- If you plan to take your smart thermostat with you, make sure you install a replacement and ensure it’s working correctly so you don’t cause any damage to the HVAC system – Photo by Jennifer Pattison Tuohy / The Verge
Remember, when transitioning your smart home gadgets to a new location, it’s crucial to consider the needs of the new owner, follow proper transfer and reset procedures, and ensure a smooth and secure handover process.
