Moving into a new home is a big step that brings new opportunities and a clean slate. But changing the locks on the house is something that many people forget to do while they are busy moving and decorating. In the big picture of moving, this may seem like a small thing, but it’s crucial to make sure your home is safe from the start.
Taking steps to protect your space is important, whether you just bought your first home or signed a new lease. Getting all of your outside locks changed or rekeyed as soon as possible is one of the best things you can do.
Understanding the Risk of Unauthorised Access
When you get the keys to your new place, it can be a bit tricky to know how many copies are out there or who might still have access to them. Estate agents, contractors, cleaners, dog walkers, previous tenants, and even neighbours might have had keys at some point.
Even if the previous owner appears reliable, it’s tough to guarantee that all copies were returned or destroyed. This uncertainty can make things a bit worrisome for your family and belongings.
Changing out all the external locks right away takes care of this potential concern. It makes sure that you and your loved ones are the only ones who can get in, giving you a sense of security right when you walk through the front door.
Protecting Your Belongings and Loved Ones
Safety at home should always be a top concern, but it’s especially important in the days after moving in. Most break-ins happen through doors that aren’t locked or aren’t locked properly. Opportunists are more likely to break into your home if your locks are old or have been used before.
Upgrading the locks as you move in not only solves any problems with entry, but it also lets you put in high-quality British Standard locks that meet today’s security standards. This is something that many home insurance companies even make you do to get full coverage.
The Veteran Locksmith often tells new homeowners that their homes are most at risk in the 72 hours following their move. This is the time when thieves might try to get in if they think security is still changing.
When Should Locks Be Changed?
The quick answer is: as soon as you can! It’s a great idea to have a qualified locksmith come by on the day you move in or soon after! Sometimes, landlords or letting agents might take care of this for you, but it’s a good idea to check which locks have been updated.
You should also consider changing locks in the following situations:
- If there is any visible damage or wear
- After a break-in or attempted entry
- If the property was unoccupied for a long time
- When electronic entry codes may have been shared widely
It’s not just the front door either. Patio doors, garages, sheds, and side gates all need checking to ensure complete coverage. A thorough inspection can reveal weak spots that need addressing.
Choosing a Trusted Locksmith
The quality and dependability of locksmiths vary. If you hire a professional locksmith with a good reputation, you can be sure that the job will be done right with the right tools and methods. You should look for someone who has a DBS check, full insurance, and high-quality security gear.
Word of mouth can be helpful, but you should always read reviews and make sure the business is licensed. For people in the UK, the Master Locksmiths Association is a great place to start.
The Veteran Locksmith, a well-known name in home security, stresses how important it is to hire skilled professionals for such a necessary job. As safety standards and threats change, a skilled locksmith can help you decide what the best choices are for your home.
Key Considerations When Replacing Locks
If you’re unfamiliar with the different types of locks available, here are a few considerations to keep in mind:
1. British Standard Approval: Look for the BS3621 certification, which meets insurance requirements and offers high resistance to tampering.
2. Keyed Alike Systems: For convenience, ask about having all locks keyed alike, so you only need one key for multiple doors.
3. Smart Locks: If you’re interested in keyless entry or remote access, smart locks provide an innovative solution. Ensure they come with robust encryption.
4. Anti-Snap Cylinders: Many UK burglaries involve lock snapping. Modern anti-snap cylinders offer an added layer of protection, especially on UPVC doors.
5. Emergency Access: Consider how easy it is to exit in an emergency. Some locks offer internal thumb-turn mechanisms that make it quick to open without a key.
Additional Security Tips After Moving
Changing the locks is a strong first step, but it should be part of a broader approach to home safety. Other security checks include:
- Inspecting window latches and reinforcements
- Installing a door viewer or a smart video doorbell
- Checking or upgrading external lighting
- Setting up a monitored alarm or CCTV system
For flats or shared entrances, liaise with your management company to understand who controls shared access and whether this is sufficiently monitored or secured.
Peace of Mind Begins with Proactivity
When you move, one of the best things you can do to make your new home safer is to change the locks. A quick and inexpensive way to buy peace of mind and make sure that your home stays a safe and private place for you and your family.
While it may not be the most fun part of moving, it is without a doubt one of the most important.
The Veteran locksmith says that replacing locks should be an important part of the moving plan. Prepare for security problems from the start; don’t wait for them to happen.
Securing Your Fresh Start
Your security should show that your move is a fresh start. To make your home safer for your family from the start, make sure that no one else has access to it without your permission.
If you’re moving, changing the locks is one of the most important things you need to do. By keeping people from breaking in and meeting insurance requirements, they give you a solid base for a safe and secure future in your new house.