Moving House? Your Complete Lock & Key Security Checklist

By Eagle's Locksmith · November 3, 2026

New home, old keys — held by people you've never met. Four checks that close the security gaps most movers miss, from rekeying on day one to resetting every inherited code.

1. Rekey or replace — on day one

You cannot know who holds keys to your new home: previous owners, their relatives, a former cleaner, a contractor from years ago. Rekeying changes the pins inside your existing locks so old keys stop working; replacing upgrades the hardware itself. Either way, it is a moving-day job, not a someday job — and keying every lock alike means one key opens your whole home.

2. Walk every door, not just the front

Check the back door, side door, garage entry and basement door — the ones the previous owners actually used daily. Test that every lock latches smoothly and that every key you were handed works where it should. Sliding patio doors and garage doors are the most commonly forgotten weak points; both can be properly locked and reinforced.

3. Reset every code and remote

Change the garage door opener codes and clear its old remotes, reset alarm and smart lock codes, and remove any phones or fobs paired by the previous owner. A forgotten remote in a kitchen drawer is effectively a key to your house. If the home has a keypad deadbolt, delete every existing code and start fresh with your own.

4. Plan your spares like an adult

Decide deliberately who holds a spare: one trusted neighbour or nearby family member beats a key under the mat every time. Label your keys, store them out of sight of windows, and note how many copies exist. Run the same audit for the mailbox lock and any shed, gate or outbuilding locks — they are part of the home's security too.