Moving Into a New Home: Record Every Entry
When moving into a new home, list the exterior doors, garage-entry doors and other access points before arranging lock work. Record which keys operate each door, identify damaged hardware and remove former users from electronic access systems. Ask whether sound locks can be rekeyed together.
Moving into a new home is the right time to take control of every exterior key. Previous owners, tenants, contractors, and service providers may still have copies.Rekeying changes the internal pins so existing keys stop working. When the hardware is in good condition, it is often more affordable than replacing every lock — our full breakdown on when rekeying makes sense goes through the five moments it matters most.Walk through the property and count all exterior doors, garage-entry doors, gates, and detached buildings. Note any lock that sticks, feels loose, or does not latch correctly.Ask whether compatible locks can be keyed alike. One key for several doors can make daily access simpler while still retiring all previous keys.Replace hardware that is damaged, unreliable, or poorly matched to the door. Consider reinforced strike plates and longer screws where the frame needs improvement.
