Moving house is exciting, exhausting, and expensive. Amid the logistics of packing, removals, and address changes, security often slides down the priority list.
This is a mistake. Your first days in a new property set the foundation for your security going forward.
The Unknown Key Problem
When you receive keys to a new property, you’re receiving one set among many.
Who Might Have Copies?
- Previous owner/tenant and their family
- ex-partners of the previous occupant
- Cleaners, nannies, dog walkers
- Builders who did renovation work
- Estate agents who conducted viewings
- Solicitors who held keys during the sale
- Neighbours given emergency access
- Anyone else the previous occupant shared with
Why This Matters
- Previous occupants still have access to your home
- Their associates still have access
- Those people know the layout of your property
- They know when the property was likely empty (during the sale process)
"Changing locks isn’t paranoia. It’s recognising that security depends on key control, and you currently have none. Learn why this matters in our article on lost keys and security risk.
Day One Security Actions
Before Moving In (Ideal)
If you have access before moving day:
- Change all external locks
- Test alarm system (if installed)
- Check window locks function
- Note any obvious vulnerabilities
On Moving Day
If you can’t change locks in advance:
- Prioritise the front door lock change before heavy unpacking
- Keep valuables in vehicles until locks are changed
- Plan for locksmith visit as first-day essential
Lock Assessment and Replacement
What to Check
For each external door:
- Lock type: Euro cylinder, mortice, multipoint?
- Condition: Smooth operation, no looseness?
- Age: Obvious wear or modern appearance?
- Security level: Any visible certifications?
- Protrusion: Cylinder sticking out excessively?
What to Replace
At minimum, replace:
- All Euro cylinders on external doors
- Any locks showing wear or poor function
- Locks that don’t meet insurance requirements
Consider replacing:
- Older mortice locks without BS3621 rating
- Any lock you’re uncertain about
- Locks on outbuildings with valuable contents
Beyond the Locks: Full Property Assessment
Windows
- Do all windows lock properly?
- Are keys available for lockable windows?
- Ground floor windows—any security weaknesses?
- Previous damage or repairs visible?
External Doors
- Letterbox (fishing risk for keys on hallway table?)
- Door strength and material
- Frame condition (solid or weak?)
- Hinge security
For a complete assessment, see our front door security guide.
Outbuildings
- Garage with internal house access
- Sheds containing tools (often used in break-ins)
- Any external access points you might overlook
Boundaries
- Fence and gate condition
- Side access locked?
- Hedges providing concealment for intruders
- Lighting in vulnerable areas
Alarm Systems
If an Alarm Exists
- Get codes from previous owner before completion
- Change codes immediately
- Verify the system functions
- Check monitoring status (is it connected to a service?)
- Get documentation and contact details for the provider
- Consider a professional service check
If No Alarm Exists
- Assess whether you want one
- Get quotes as part of your moving security budget
- Smart home substitutes (cameras, sensors) are an alternative
Insurance Compliance
Check Your New Policy
Moving typically requires a new insurance policy or significant update. Check:
- Lock requirements (often BS3621 or specific cylinder standards)
- Alarm requirements (some policies mandate them)
- Security lighting requirements
- Any additional conditions for the property type
Meeting Requirements
If your locks don’t meet policy requirements:
- You may not be covered for certain claims
- Upgrade before an incident, not after
- Document your security improvements
Practical Moving Security
During the Move Itself
- Don’t leave doors propped open unattended
- Keep phones and wallets on your person, not in boxes
- Valuable items travel with you, not on the removal van
- Don’t leave the property empty with boxes visible outside
First Night Considerations
- Ensure at least one secure entrance with new locks
- Have a torch accessible (lightbulbs may be removed)
- Know your neighbours for emergency contact
- Programme the alarm if available
The New Build Question
New-build properties often feel secure—they’re new, after all. But consider:
- Construction workers have had access for months
- Many hands have used those locks during snagging
- Keys may have been at sales offices, show home displays
- Master keys may exist across the development
Creating Good Habits
Immediate Habits
- Designate a key spot immediately (don’t start bad habits)
- Establish locking routines for all family members
- Note who has temporary access during contractor work
Longer Term
- Create a spare key held securely elsewhere
- Maintain awareness of who receives copies
- Annual security review when insurance renews
Rental Properties
Tenant Considerations
- Request lock changes from your landlord
- Document if they refuse (and consider your rights)
- Some landlords will agree if you pay for it
- Keep the old cylinders to reinstall on departure
Landlord Obligations
- Best practice is fresh locks between tenancies
- Have a policy for lock changes
- Maintain a record of key handouts
- Consider restricted key systems for ongoing control
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I change the locks when I move house?
Yes. You have no way of knowing how many keys exist for your new home or who holds them. Previous owners, tenants, contractors, cleaners, and neighbours may all have copies.
How much does it cost to change locks when moving?
Replacing all exterior locks typically costs £150-300 depending on the number of doors and lock quality. This is a small price for peace of mind and genuine security.
When should I change the locks on a new property?
Ideally on completion day before you leave the property. If not possible, do it as early as possible. Every day with unknown keys in circulation is a security risk.
Should I change garage and shed locks too?
Yes. Any lock that secures your property or provides access should be changed. Garage locks are often overlooked but provide access to your home and valuables.
Should I always change locks when buying a house?
Yes, without exception. You cannot verify key control, and the cost is minor compared to property security.
What if the seller claims there are no spare keys?
They may be telling the truth about their knowledge—but they can't account for copies made by family, contractors, or previous occupants before them.
Should I change locks on a rental property?
You should request it from your landlord. If they refuse, consider whether you can change cylinders at your expense, keeping the old ones for reinstatement.
Is changing locks necessary for new-build properties?
Yes. New-build sites have extensive access during construction. Key control doesn't exist until you establish it yourself.
Your Moving Security Budget
Factor these into your moving costs:
| Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Euro cylinder replacement (per door) | £60-120 |
| Mortice lock upgrade | £100-180 |
| Professional security assessment | £50-100 |
| Window lock replacements | £10-30 each |
| Alarm system check | £50-80 |
Compare this to your moving budget for curtains, paint, and furniture. Security is equally a part of making your new house a home.
Take Action
Moving house is a reset opportunity. Old security problems at your previous address stay behind; new problems at this address don’t yet exist if you act now.
Change the locks. Check the windows. Verify the alarm. Start your time in this property with the foundation of security sorted.