Smart Homes and Moving: Everything You Need to Know - MakeUseOf

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Whether you're moving to a new place or your cohabitants are changing, it's time to think about how your smart home is going with you.

Most of us consider our homes as places of safety and comfort. We eat there, we sleep there, and it's where we rest our heads after a hard day. Whenever you're planning to move home, the last thing that will come into your mind is how you are going to pack up your smart appliances that play an integral part in your daily life.

Can Your Smart Home Follow You?

Well, the answer is yes and no. Some smart appliances or devices will likely need to be uninstalled if you wish to take them with you. These include sensors, cameras, speakers, thermostats, switches, and hubs. Some may not come apart easily but can usually be removed with a little effort.

However, other devices are trickier to remove once installed, and the omission of others will surely frustrate anyone moving into your old space.

Smart devices like thermostats should remain as they are an essential part of any home on the first move-in day. No one wants to arrive at their new abode without a thermostat or with the non-smart original hastily reattached before moving out.

What if You're Moving Into a Smart Home?

There's never been a better time to bring the magic of home automation into your new place and many smart home devices readily available on the market.

If you are moving to a different house or apartment, remember that some of your smart home devices may not be compatible with the new location. Some devices may not be able to connect with those in the previous home, so if your new home comes with a smart system already installed, then all you need to do is stick to that

Factory Resetting Your Smart Devices

To avoid the hassle of removing smart home devices, you might want to try factory resetting the technology before moving.

This will ensure that any devices retain smart functions and can be easily set up at your new location. However, there are only a few products that allow you to factory reset, and there are many you cannot reset.

The main thing to know is that most smart home devices like Google Nest Thermostat or Amazon Echo have a reset button. So even if your roommate or partner refuses to disconnect their account, you can still factory reset your devices all by yourself.

The one thing you need to be aware of is that doing a factory reset erases its history and any customizations made. So it might not be the most pleasant idea for those who have been using their smart appliances for a long time now. You will have to create a new routine or skills as well as reconnect to your preferred voice assistant.

What if You Can't Reset a Device?

There are some smart home devices, though, which don't have a reset button. One good example is the Philips Hue Bridge since it's not an individual device but instead connects all its smart bulbs together.

You can reset the Phillips Hue Bridge but not the individual lightbulbs.

In such cases, you will need to use their app to delete them one by one or contact customer service for help.

Delete Devices From Accounts

Another way you can prepare for moving is by deleting any connected apps and accounts on your smart home devices. This means you will have to delete the device from your account.

This way, your ex-housemate won't be able to access the services you’re subscribed to. You can then use a different account instead or share an alternative account with them if necessary.

You can also delete connected apps from your smart home devices to prevent someone who doesn't live with you anymore from accessing them. Simply search for any connected accounts in the settings of your smart appliances and remove them

Turning Off Subscriptions and Auto-payments for Services

It is always a good idea to turn off any recurring charges or subscriptions for your smart home devices. This way, you won't be charged for any services like Nest Aware when you no longer live in your home.

This is something that can get overlooked when you are moving out. So make sure to keep your eyes peeled for any monthly or annual charges that can be turned off before you leave.

Home Sweet Smart Home

A smart home is the way of the future, but moving is no walk in the park. Dealing with a house full of smart devices sometimes requires a lot more thought and effort. Without the right steps and precautions, you can find yourself stuck with unneeded services and subscriptions.

If you're planning to move but haven't decided if you want to take your smart appliances with you, think about how much effort it will require. Do you really need to move all of your smart appliances with you? Or are there alternative devices that can replace them?

It takes smart planning and execution to move a smart home, but it's possible. And once you get settled into your new home, you can enjoy all the perks that come with a smart appliance again.