Leaving a home vacant after a move can create unexpected risks.
Whether you’re going on a long vacation or just sold your home, it’s important to protect your home when you aren’t there.
That’s because a vacant house has a higher risk of burglary than occupied ones, and many unfortunate events can happen when you leave your house empty and uninhabited. The last thing you want to deal with when moving or going on an extended trip is damage to your empty house.
As one of the most trusted Fort Worth movers, Olde World Movers has seen firsthand how stressful it can be for homeowners to juggle both moving and protecting their old property.
Fortunately, it’s fairly easy to keep your vacant home protected. Here are some helpful tips.
Put in an Alarm System
Investing in an alarm system will give you peace of mind, plus it will save you money on your insurance policy. Continued monitoring services may include fire alarms, which means the security company will alert the fire department if necessary. Plus, you don’t have to worry about theft after moving and before the new owners move in.
Empty homes without signs of occupancy are prime targets for burglars, but a visible and monitored security system helps deter most intruders.
- Choose monitored systems: Opt for 24/7 monitored alarm systems that notify local authorities in Fort Worth or neighboring cities like Frisco and Euless when triggered.
- Install sensors on all entry points: Cover doors, windows, and even garage entrances.
- Use visible signage: A sign in the yard from a well-known alarm provider is often enough to discourage unwanted entry.
Many Fort Worth residents work with companies that integrate smoke detectors, water sensors, and smart locks into the same system, helping protect against fire, flooding, or other emergencies. For homeowners relocating long-distance, this remote monitoring provides peace of mind even if you’ve moved hundreds of miles away.
Be sure to tell your alarm company before you leave, and give them a list of approved people who may enter the premises.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
Regulating your home temperature when you’re away can prevent your interior pipes from bursting in the winter and from any hard wood in the house from swelling in summertime. Many thermostats are available with wi-fi, which allow you to program them from your phone. This way, no matter where you are, the home will be at the right temperature.
Security isn’t the only concern for a vacant home—maintenance matters too. Temperature control prevents costly damage:
- Winter freezes can burst pipes in areas of North Texas where cold snaps occasionally hit.
- Hot summers in Fort Worth can cause wood to swell, warp floors, and damage finishes.
Installing a smart thermostat allows you to:
- Maintain safe, consistent interior temperatures.
- Adjust settings remotely from your smartphone.
- Receive alerts if temperatures spike or drop unexpectedly.
This is especially important if you’ve moved into a new home but haven’t yet sold your previous property. A one-time investment in a Wi-Fi thermostat can save thousands in repairs.
Utilize Exterior Lighting and Cameras
Exterior lights on timers act as an intruder deterrent. Install exterior lighting and cameras on your home and on any detached garages and sheds. When you keep these lights on a timer, it looks as if someone is home. This also increases visibility around the house so you don’t become a target for potential thefts.
A dark, unlit home signals vacancy. Bright lights and cameras, on the other hand, signal that the property is actively monitored.
- Install motion-activated lights around the perimeter, garage, and back entryways.
- Add security cameras that allow remote viewing. Many affordable systems now connect directly to your phone.
- Use timers for indoor lights so the home appears occupied at night.
In busy areas like Downtown Fort Worth, where passersby quickly notice darkened homes, this strategy is especially effective. Even in quieter residential neighborhoods such as Benbrook or Colleyville, cameras and lights provide visible deterrents.
Have a Local Contact for Home Check-Ins
Make sure to have a local contact in place who can regularly check up on your house. This has two benefits: it gives the illusion someone is there, plus it gives you a lookout of sorts as to any potentially damaging problems or threats. A family friend or neighbor would be able to let you know right away if a pipe burst and has flooded the downstairs, or if a window has been smashed.
Even the best technology can’t replace a human presence. Ask a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member in the Fort Worth area to keep an eye on your vacant home.
Their responsibilities might include:
- Collecting mail or packages so they don’t pile up.
- Checking that windows and doors remain locked.
- Watering plants or monitoring the yard for overgrowth.
- Reporting any suspicious activity or maintenance issues.
If you’ve relocated long-distance, having a local contact can give you the confidence that your home is safe until it’s occupied again.
Protect Entry Points and Prepare the Home Before Leaving
There are simple things you can do, such as replace worn locks and close blinds to protect your home while you’re away or after you’ve moved. Be sure to place strong locks on all exterior doors to guard against an easy break-in. Position your blinds so natural light can stream in as an added deterrent to intruders.
Before you lock the door one final time, take a few key steps to secure and prepare your vacant home:
- Reinforce locks: Upgrade to deadbolts or high-security locks on all exterior doors.
- Secure windows: Install locks or secondary devices to prevent break-ins.
- Close blinds and curtains: Prevent strangers from peeking inside.
- Shut off unnecessary utilities: Reduce risks of leaks or electrical issues, but keep essentials (like power for lights and thermostat) active.
- Remove valuables: Don’t leave electronics, artwork, or jewelry behind in an empty house.
These proactive steps reduce temptation and limit the likelihood of property damage.
Choose Olde World Movers for Secure Relocation in Fort Worth
At Olde World Movers, we do more than just handle the heavy lifting. As a moving company in Fort Worth with decades of experience, we understand the challenges of leaving a home vacant and the stress of relocating to a new place.
Our team provides:
- Local residential moves within Fort Worth and across North Texas.
- Long-distance moving services to help families relocate safely out of state.
- Commercial moves for offices, retail, and business clients.
- Packing services to protect your belongings from start to finish.
- Piano and antique movers for fragile, high-value items.
- Short- and long-term storage solutions in secure facilities.
Whether you’re moving from a historic neighborhood near the Fort Worth Stockyards, a modern apartment in Sundance Square, or a family home in Frisco or Euless, our expert movers ensure a smooth and stress-free relocation.
🏡 Final Thoughts on Protecting a Vacant Home After Moving
Protecting a vacant home after moving doesn’t need to be complicated. By combining security systems, smart technology, lighting, and trusted contacts, you can safeguard your property until it’s sold or reoccupied.
And when it comes to your next relocation, choosing a reliable partner makes all the difference. Olde World Movers is proud to serve families and businesses throughout Fort Worth, Frisco, Euless, and the greater North Texas area, offering professional services backed by experience, care, and attention to detail.
📞 Get a Free Moving Estimate in Fort Worth Today
Ready to move with confidence? Contact Olde World Movers today for your free moving estimate in Fort Worth. Let us handle your local or long-distance relocation—and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from working with trusted professionals.
👉 Call us or request your free Fort Worth moving estimate online to get started!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How do I protect my vacant home after moving out?
To protect a vacant home after moving, install a reliable alarm system, use smart thermostats, add exterior lighting and cameras, and ask a trusted local contact in Fort Worth to check in regularly. Preparing entry points and removing valuables also helps secure the property.
Why is it important to secure a vacant home in Fort Worth, TX?
Vacant homes in Fort Worth can attract burglars, vandals, or suffer from damage due to extreme Texas weather. Securing your home with alarms, lighting, and regular check-ins helps prevent crime and costly repairs.
What smart technology can help protect an empty house?
Smart thermostats, Wi-Fi security cameras, and app-controlled alarm systems allow homeowners to monitor and control their vacant properties remotely. These devices are especially useful if you’ve moved long-distance but still own a home in North Texas.
Should I keep utilities on in my vacant home?
Yes, keeping essential utilities like electricity active is recommended. Power supports lighting timers, thermostats, and security systems, which make the home appear occupied and reduce risks like pipe damage during cold spells.
How can Olde World Movers help with a secure relocation?
Olde World Movers is a trusted moving company in Fort Worth offering local residential moves, long-distance moving, commercial moves, piano and antique movers, packing services, and short- and long-term storage. Our team ensures safe handling of belongings, helping homeowners transition with confidence.
Where does Olde World Movers provide moving services?
Olde World Movers serves Fort Worth, Frisco, Euless, and the surrounding North Texas area, including Arlington, Keller, Grapevine, and Southlake. Whether you need local movers or long-distance relocation, we offer reliable, professional moving solutions.
