Essential New Home Checklist with PhoneWatch: Stress-Free Tips for Settling In

Moving into a new home is exciting, but security can easily slip down the priority list. The first few weeks in a new build, recent purchase, or renovation are when protection matters most. Routines are not yet established, and the house can sit empty for long periods.

This checklist from PhoneWatch walks through nine practical steps to get your new home properly secured from day one, so you can focus on settling in rather than worrying about what you have overlooked.

1. Fit the Alarm Before You Decorate

The easiest time to install an alarm system is before furniture is in place and walls are freshly plastered. Fitting 24/7 alarm monitoring early also means your home is protected during the chaotic move-in period, when doors are propped open and valuables are being carried in and out. With PhoneWatch’s Dublin Alarm Receiving Centre delivering a 15-second average response time and dispatch of the Gardaí or fire service where required, monitored protection gives you peace of mind from the very first night.

2. Cover the Whole Layout, Not Just the Front Door

A single sensor on the front door is not enough. Every potential entry point is vulnerable. PhoneWatch house alarms are designed to cover the entire layout, ensuring there are no blind spots a burglar could exploit.

3. Protect Doors and Windows at the Point of Entry

Rather than waiting for an intruder to get inside, contact and shock detectors pick up vibration at the door or window frame the moment someone tampers with it. These sensors also carry a built-in temperature sensor, adding an extra layer of environmental awareness.

4. See Who Is at the Door

During a fit-out, deliveries and tradespeople are constant. A video doorbell camera lets you see, hear, and speak to whoever is at the door, whether you’re there or away. It’s no surprise that PhoneWatch video doorbell camera sales are up 102 per cent comparing July 2025 with July 2026 (PhoneWatch sales data).

5. Make an Empty House Look Lived-In

Smart plugs let you schedule lamps, radios, or other devices to switch on and off or via scheduled automations creating the impression someone is home even when the house is empty. Sales of smart plugs have risen 177 per cent year on year, July 2025 versus July 2026 (PhoneWatch sales data) a clear sign that homeowners increasingly see lighting automation as a simple, effective deterrent.

6. Keep an Eye on the Outside

Driveways, side passages, and back gardens are common approach routes. Weatherproof outdoor security cameras give you a clear view of the perimeter around the clock.

7. Monitor for Smoke and Fire Even When the Alarm Is Off

A new home is often half-finished for months. Painters, electricians, and plasterers come and go, and the alarm may not always be armed during the day. PhoneWatch smoke and fire monitoring works even when the intruder alarm is not set, with the Alarm Receiving Centre alerted immediately and the fire service dispatched where needed.

8. Catch Leaks Early

New flooring, new appliances, and new plumbing all under one roof, it’s a perfect recipe for an undetected leak to cause serious damage. Water leakage detectors placed near washing machines, dishwashers, sinks, and boilers will alert you the moment moisture is detected, helping prevent costly damage. It is one of the things that people overlook when moving home, but it can save thousands.

9. Run It All from the App

Once everything is installed, the PhoneWatch app puts your entire system in your pocket. Arm or disarm remotely or via scheduled automation, check event history, monitor temperature and much more. PhoneWatch does daily remote alarm health checks to ensure everything is working correctly and if it’s not, we’ll contact you. If a battery sensor is running low, you’ll be notified via the app. (Click the image below to watch the video)

Visit PhoneWatch at the PTSB Ideal Home Show

PhoneWatch will be at the PTSB Ideal Home Show from October 16th – 18th at the RDS. Drop by the stand to see the full range of home security and smart home products in person and take advantage of exclusive show offers.

PhoneWatch also sponsors the Ask An Expert Hub, where visitors can book free one-to-one consultations on extensions, self-builds, energy upgrades, planning, landscaping, and interior design.

With over 33 years in Ireland and more than 120,000 Irish homes protected, PhoneWatch is a trusted name to have on your side as you settle into your new home. Ready to get started before the show? Request a quote and a PhoneWatch advisor will help you build the right system for your new property.

The PTSB Ideal Home Show runs from 16^th-18^th October, RDS Simmonscourt 

Plan your Visit and get your Free Tickets here