Moving Into a New Home: Your Locksmith Checklist

Moving day has a long checklist already, and locks are easy to push to "later." The problem is that later is exactly when the risk is highest—you're settling into a home where you genuinely don't know who else might still have a key. Here's a practical, move-in-day-friendly checklist.

Why rekeying matters, even if you trust the seller or landlord

It's not about distrust of the previous owner—it's about everyone else who may have had a key over the years: real estate agents, contractors, cleaners, dog walkers, house sitters, or a previous tenant. None of them are people you can realistically track down or trust to have returned every copy. Rekeying resets that unknown to zero.

The move-in day checklist

1. Rekey (or replace) the front and back door locks

This is the single highest-priority item. Rekeying changes the internal pins so old keys stop working, without replacing the hardware itself—usually more affordable than full replacement if the existing lock is in good shape.

2. Don't forget secondary entry points

• Garage entry door (not just the garage door opener—the walk-in door, if there is one)
• Side or basement doors
• Sliding patio doors (often have a simpler lock that's worth checking or upgrading)
• Gate locks, especially for fenced yards or side-yard access
• Any keyed exterior storage, shed, or workshop

3. Check garage door opener codes and remotes

If the garage has a keypad entry, reset the code. If remotes weren't all accounted for at closing, consider reprogramming the opener.

4. Test every lock, not just the ones you'll use daily

Older homes especially can have locks that are stiff, misaligned, or barely functional after years of the same routine. Test each one now, while you have time to schedule a repair, rather than discovering it during an actual lockout later.

5. Decide on smart locks or keypad entry now, if you're considering it

Move-in is a convenient time to upgrade, since you're already planning to change the locks anyway. See our smart lock vs. traditional deadbolt comparison if you're weighing this option.

6. Update your household's spare-key plan

Once new keys exist, decide where the spare lives—a trusted neighbor or family member, or a secured lockbox mounted away from the door. See our lockout prevention guide for the full reasoning on why this matters.

What to bring up with your locksmith

• How many exterior doors and locks need attention (including secondary entry points above).
• Whether you want to keep all locks keyed alike (one key opens everything) or keep them separate.
• Whether you're interested in upgrading any locks to smart/keypad entry while they're already being worked on.
• Any locks that already feel stiff, loose, or inconsistent—worth a full look, not just a rekey.

A note on rental moves

If you're a renter, check your lease terms before changing locks yourself—many landlords require using their preferred locksmith or at minimum providing a copy of any new key. If your lease is silent on this, it's worth a quick conversation with your landlord about rekeying before move-in, both for your security and to stay on good terms.

The takeaway

Rekeying on move-in is one of the simplest, most cost-effective security steps you can take, and it closes the single biggest unknown a new home brings—who else might still have a key. Pair it with a quick check of every entry point and a real spare-key plan, and you've covered the essentials before you've even finished unpacking.

Call (408) 877-2177 for Move-In Rekey Service