Moving Into a New Home in Kenya? Your New Home Security Checklist
Moving into a new home is exciting, busy and exhausting. Between packing, transport, utilities and school changes, security often slips down the list. Yet the first weeks in a new home are some of the most vulnerable: you do not know who has keys, which parts of the wall are weak, what the neighbourhood risks are, or whether the previous guard or workers still have access. A simple new home security checklist keeps you on track through all of it.
This new home security checklist takes you through what to do before you move, on moving day and in the first month. It works whether you are buying or renting, and whether you are moving into a house, a townhouse or an apartment in Nairobi or elsewhere in Kenya.
Why new homes are vulnerable
| Risk | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Unknown keyholders | Previous owners, tenants, agents, workers and contractors may still have keys |
| Unfamiliar layout | You don’t yet know the weak points of the compound |
| Moving day chaos | Gates open for hours, many strangers, valuables in boxes |
| Visible valuables | New furniture, electronics and packaging show what you own |
| Unknown neighbourhood | You don’t yet know local risks or who to call |
| No routine | New habits have not formed yet |
Before you move in
1. Research the area
Talk to neighbours, the estate committee, local shops and the nearest police station about recent incidents. Ask which security companies serve the area.
2. Walk the property in daylight and at night
Visit at least once after dark. Look for dark areas, low wall sections, weak gates and broken lights. Use our home security checklist for Nairobi homeowners.
3. Ask about security history
Ask the landlord, agent or seller: have there been break-ins? Which security company, if any, protects the property? Are there alarms, CCTV or electric fences, and do they work?
4. Arrange security from day one
Do not wait until you have settled. Arrange guarding or alarm response to start on the day you move in. See our residential security services.
Just moved in? Call us for a free new-home security assessment
Talk to a Bestcare Security adviser now: call 0709 004 600. We answer 24/7 and the first site assessment is free.
On moving day
- Keep the gate controlled, with one person responsible for letting movers in and out
- Record the movers’ company name, vehicle registration and staff names
- Keep valuables, documents, cash and laptops with you, not in the truck
- Do not leave the house open and empty while you fetch the next load
- Break down boxes and packaging for electronics so they are not left visibly outside
- Close and lock the gate as soon as the last vehicle leaves
The first 48 hours
5. Change the locks
This is the single most important step. Change or re-key every external door lock and padlock. You have no idea how many copies of the old keys exist.
6. Change codes
Reset alarm codes, gate remote codes and any smart lock codes. Ask the alarm company to update contact details to yours.
7. Check doors, windows and grilles
Test every lock and grille. Make sure at least one grille per bedroom or floor opens from inside for fire escape. See burglar proofing doors and windows.
8. Check lighting
Replace failed bulbs and add lights to dark corners. See security lighting for homes.
The first week
9. Decide on guarding
If the previous occupant had a guard, do not simply keep them without checking. Find out who employed them, whether they are vetted and supervised, and whether they are from a licensed company. Read hiring a home security guard in Nairobi.
10. Check or install an alarm
Test any existing alarm, confirm it is linked to a response company and update contacts. If there is no alarm, consider installing one. See our alarm response services.
11. Check or install CCTV
Test existing cameras, reset passwords and set up viewing on your phone. See our CCTV monitoring services.
12. Save emergency numbers
Save the local police station, your security company’s control room, the estate gate, a trusted neighbour and the nearest hospital.
The first month
13. Vet domestic workers
If you hire new domestic workers, verify ID and references. If you inherit workers from the previous occupant, vet them as carefully as new hires. See vetting domestic workers.
14. Meet your neighbours
Introduce yourself to neighbours on each side and join the estate or neighbourhood group. Neighbours notice unusual activity and can help in emergencies.
15. Establish your routines
Set up a night security routine, agree visitor rules with your guard, and agree a family emergency plan.
Your new home security checklist at a glance
| When | Task | Done |
|---|---|---|
| Before moving | Research area and security history | |
| Before moving | Walk property day and night | |
| Before moving | Arrange security from day one | |
| Moving day | Control the gate and record movers | |
| Moving day | Keep valuables with you | |
| First 48 hours | Change all locks and padlocks | |
| First 48 hours | Reset alarm, gate and smart codes | |
| First 48 hours | Check doors, windows, grilles and lights | |
| First week | Decide on guarding | |
| First week | Test or install alarm and CCTV | |
| First week | Save emergency numbers | |
| First month | Vet domestic workers | |
| First month | Meet neighbours and join groups | |
| First month | Establish family routines |
Renting vs buying
Tenants: ask your landlord to change locks before you move in, or get written permission to change them yourself. Record the condition of doors, windows and grilles with photos. Ask who is responsible for the guard, gate and lighting. See rental property security.
Buyers: budget for security upgrades as part of your moving costs. Changing locks, adding lights and installing an alarm are much easier before furniture is in place.
Moving into a new estate or satellite town
New developments in areas like Syokimau, Kitengela, Ruaka and Athi River often have unfinished plots, new roads without lighting and construction workers nearby. Pay special attention to perimeter security, lighting on access roads and gate procedures, and ask the developer or committee about security plans for the estate. Read gated estate security in Nairobi.
Worked example: moving into a house in Ruaka
A young couple bought a house in a new Ruaka estate. Before moving, they visited at night and noticed that the access road was unlit and the neighbouring plot was an active construction site. On moving day they kept laptops and documents in their car and recorded the movers’ details. Within 48 hours they changed every lock, reset the gate remote and asked the estate’s security company to add them to the resident register. In the first week they installed an alarm linked to a response team and two cameras covering the gate and back door. By the end of the month they had met both neighbours and joined the estate group, and felt settled and secure.
How Bestcare Security can help
We offer free new-home security assessments across Nairobi and nearby towns. We walk your property with you, check locks, walls, gates and lighting, and set up guarding, alarm response or CCTV from the day you move in. Learn more about our residential security services.
Common moving-in mistakes
- Keeping the old locks “for now”. Weeks become months, and nobody knows who still has a key.
- Hiring the first watchman who knocks on the gate. People sometimes approach new residents offering guarding or domestic work. Vet anyone carefully, or use a licensed provider.
- Leaving boxes for TVs and laptops outside. Packaging advertises exactly what is inside.
- Posting moving-day photos online. These can reveal the address, layout and valuables.
- Assuming the estate’s security covers everything. Estate guards protect the main gate; your own compound, doors and routines are still your responsibility.
Use this new home security checklist to avoid these mistakes and settle in with confidence.
Frequently asked questions
What is the first thing to do when moving into a new home?
Change all external locks and padlocks, and reset alarm and gate codes.
Should I keep the previous occupant’s guard?
Only after checking who employs them, whether they are vetted and supervised, and whether they come from a licensed company.
How can I stay secure on moving day?
Control the gate, record movers’ details, keep valuables with you and never leave the house open and empty.
Can tenants change the locks?
Ask your landlord for permission, or ask them to change the locks before you move in.
Should I install an alarm in a new home?
It is strongly recommended, ideally linked to a response company.
How do I learn about crime in a new area?
Talk to neighbours, estate committees, local businesses and the nearest police station.
What should I check at night before moving in?
Lighting, dark corners, wall height, gate strength and how the road looks after dark.
How soon should security start after moving in?
From the first night. Arrange guarding or alarm response to begin on moving day, before furniture and valuables are in place.
Should I tell the estate gate I have moved in?
Yes. Register your household, vehicles and any domestic workers so guards can recognise you and confirm your visitors properly.
Can Bestcare Security assess my new home?
Yes. Call 0709 004 600 for a free new-home security assessment.
Related reading
- Home Security Checklist for Nairobi Homeowners: 40 Things to Check
- Perimeter Wall and Gate Security in Kenya: A Homeowner's Guide
- Electric Fence vs Razor Wire in Kenya: Which Is Better for Your Home?
Explore our residential security services or see all our security services in Kenya.
Just moved in? Call us for a free new-home security assessment
Speak to our team today for honest advice and a free, no-obligation site assessment anywhere in Nairobi.
