Moving house is a stressful process. All that time spent waiting on surveys, searches, and stuffing your life into boxes means that, when it’s all over, most people want to take some time to put their feet up with a cup of tea.
However, there is one critical step that many people overlook when moving house: asking whether they should change their locks.
In short, you should change the locks when moving house, ideally on the day you get the keys. It’s impossible to know who still holds copies, and insurers expect suitable locks to be in place. The exact work depends on door type, existing hardware and budget, but new owners should, at minimum, take control of every main entrance. The rest of this guide explains what to change, safer upgrade options and the practical way to get it done.
Why New Owners Should Take Control of the Keys
Keys circulate. Previous owners and tenants hand sets to relatives, cleaners, dog walkers and tradespeople. Spare keys get hidden in gardens or left with neighbours, then forgotten. Copies are cut over the years, and not all are returned. On moving day, you will also prop doors open, look after removals and be distracted, creating a risk that keys may be stolen or misplaced. Changing locks gives you a clean start and removes the worry about who could still walk in. It can also reduce opportunist crime; burglars look for easy targets, and homes in transition often have boxes, valuables and confused routines. Fit dependable locks early, keep keys organised, and you remove an obvious weakness.
What to Change on Day One
Prioritise every door that allows entry from outside. That usually means the front door, back door and any side or utility door. If your garage has a door into the house, treat both the garage vehicle door and the internal connecting door as part of the plan. French doors and patio doors with multipoint locks also need attention, especially if the cylinder is old or poorly fitted. If there are easily accessible ground-floor windows with locks, check them and replace any weak or missing keys. Outbuildings matter too, because tools stored in sheds can be used to attack a house door. The quickest win is often replacing the euro cylinders in uPVC and composite doors, then reviewing timber doors with mortice locks or a night latch.
Rekeying Versus Replacing the Lock
Rekeying changes a lock so old keys no longer work while keeping the existing case or cylinder. With uPVC and composite doors, the practical route is usually a new euro cylinder, which is quick, cost-effective and lets you upgrade security at the same time. Timber doors are different: a mortice deadlock or sashlock can be rekeyed by changing levers, but if the case is worn or below a recognised standard, replacement is wiser. Night latches can be rekeyed by swapping the rim cylinder, though older units may still merit a full upgrade. If a lock body or multipoint gearbox is failing, rekeying will not fix the underlying fault.
Standards and Sensible Upgrades
Moving is a good time to lift weak points. On timber doors, choose British Standard BS 3621 or BS 8621 mortice locks and night latches. BS 3621 resists attack, BS 8621 allows keyless escape from inside. On uPVC and composite doors, focus on the cylinder and handle set. Use a TS 007 3-star cylinder, or a 1-star cylinder with a 2-star security handle, and size the cylinder so it does not protrude. Consider restricted or registered keys to control copying. If the multipoint strip is worn or misaligned, have that adjusted or replaced so the new cylinder is not fighting a failing mechanism. If you’re unsure about multipoint systems or gearboxes on plastic or composite doors, Rob’s page on uPVC door locking systems can help you understand the options and common faults before you decide.
Insurance and Key Control
Home insurance policies vary widely, so don’t assume that what worked in your last house is acceptable in your new property. Many UK policies specify the standard of locks expected on external doors, and some will ask how entry was gained if there is a burglary with no sign of forced access. If you cannot account for all copies of the keys you received, a claim could be harder to evidence. The safe approach is to meet or exceed the standards in your paperwork and to take control of the keys as you move in. Keep the purchase invoice for new locks or cylinders with your policy documents. If you choose restricted keys, record the registration details somewhere secure and avoid leaving the card with the keys themselves.
What Affects Cost and Timing
- Lock type and specification
- Number of doors and cylinders
- Security upgrades chosen
- Door condition and alignment
- Urgency and out-of-hours work
A straightforward cylinder change can be quick, while correcting a failing multipoint mechanism or fitting a new mortice lock takes longer. Plan ahead where possible and book a convenient slot soon after completion so you are not doing it in the dark at the end of move day. If timings slip or you need help late in the evening, Rob provides emergency locksmith support in Reading, including out-of-hours support where available.
DIY Pitfalls and Safety
Changing a euro cylinder looks simple, but the wrong size leaves metal proud of the handle and makes snapping easier. Fit it too short, and the key may not turn cleanly. On timber doors, a poor mortice fit can weaken the door edge or stop the bolt from engaging, and forcing a stiff uPVC handle risks breaking the gearbox, a costlier problem than a planned cylinder change. If anything feels unclear, a locksmith will measure up, specify compatible parts and test the door so you leave it secure.
A Simple Moving Home Lock Plan
Use this quick checklist to stay organised and reduce gaps in security:
- Make a door and window inventory before completion
- Photograph existing locks and note visible standards
- Pre-book a locksmith for move day or the morning after
- Decide how many key sets you need and who holds them
- Store invoices and any key registration details safely
Small preparation makes moving day calmer and the house secure from the start.
When a Repair is Enough
Not every lock needs changing on day one. If a door has a modern, correctly fitted, secure lock and you are certain no spare keys exist, you could focus your budget elsewhere and schedule a later review. Windows often benefit from an adjustment or a replacement handle rather than a complete change. A good locksmith will tell you when cleaning, lubrication, or alignment removes the problem. The point is to leave the property secure and working properly, not to swap parts for the sake of it. Make a sensible plan, tackle priorities and set a date to reassess once you have lived in the home.
How a Local Locksmith Helps on Moving Day
A professional will check each entrance, confirm authority and explain options before work starts. On uPVC and composite doors, that means measuring the cylinder, choosing the right security rating and fitting it flush with suitable handles. On timber doors, it may involve fitting a compliant mortice lock, aligning the keep and checking the night latch and frame. Everything is then tested with every key set. For help locally, Rob’s residential locksmith service in Reading can assess your new home and carry out proportionate changes.
Change Your New Home Locks Safely
Moving home is a busy time, but security should not wait. Take control of the keys, pick sensible upgrades and get the work checked properly. If you would like calm, practical help, speak to Rob for calm advice and current availability today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I change the locks before or after I move in?
Change them as soon as you legally have the keys and access, ideally on completion day or the morning after. Pre-booking avoids delays and keeps your new home secure from the start.
Can Assured Locksmiths change my locks on completion day?
Yes, subject to availability. Many customers pre-arrange a slot for handover day so work can begin once you have the authority. If timings shift, Rob will discuss the nearest workable window.
Do you rekey existing locks or fit new ones?
Both are possible. On uPVC and composite doors, a new euro cylinder is usually the quickest and most secure route. On timber doors, rekeying or replacing the mortice case and rim cylinder are options. Rob will recommend the most reliable approach for the door and budget.
Which lock standards should I ask for on a new home?
On timber doors, BS 3621 or BS 8621 mortice locks and night latches are sensible choices. On uPVC and composite doors, use TS 007 3-star cylinders, or pair a 1-star cylinder with a 2-star security handle. Always size cylinders so they do not protrude.
How long does a typical lock change take?
Many cylinder changes are completed quickly, while fitting a new mortice lock or correcting a failing multipoint mechanism takes longer. Allow time for proper assessment, fitting and testing on every key set.
Can you provide restricted or registered keys so copies are controlled?
Yes, restricted key systems can be specified for stronger key control. You will receive registration details so only authorised copies can be made. Rob will explain how this works and who can request additional keys.
