Moving house is one of life’s biggest moments — a fresh start in a new place, the chance to make a home truly your own. Between organising removals, unpacking boxes and updating your address everywhere, it’s easy to overlook some of the small but vital tasks that keep you safe and secure. One of the most important yet often neglected steps is changing your locks. Many homeowners across the UK assume it’s unnecessary or put it off in favour of more pressing tasks, but it’s one of the smartest things you can do when settling into a new property.

You never really know how many keys are out there for your new home. Previous owners, tenants, neighbours, cleaners or even tradespeople could still have access. The peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re the only one with the keys is well worth the effort. Whether you’re moving into your first flat, a family house or even a rental property, changing the locks is a sensible decision that could save you from serious headaches later on.

How Many Spare Keys Are Out There?

One of the biggest reasons to change your locks when you move is the simple fact that you can never be certain who has a key. It’s common for homeowners to give spare keys to trusted friends or relatives, but these spares often get forgotten about when it’s time to move on. There might be keys left with neighbours for emergencies or hidden somewhere outside the property.

In older properties, there could be several generations of spare keys circulating. Even if you trust the previous owners, you can’t be sure those they entrusted will be as careful. Changing the locks eliminates this uncertainty in one simple step, ensuring that only your household has access to your new front door.

Home Insurance Implications

Another reason to change the locks relates to your home insurance. Many UK home insurance policies include clauses that require you to take reasonable steps to secure your property. If your house were burgled and it turned out that the intruder used an old key to gain access, you might find your claim rejected on the grounds that you didn’t take adequate precautions.

This is a risk not worth taking. Swapping your locks when you move can be an inexpensive way to protect not just your home but your insurance policy too. If you’re unsure, it’s worth checking the small print in your policy or asking your insurer for clarification.

Added Protection from Previous Tenants

If you’re moving into a rental property, it’s sensible to ask the landlord if the locks have been changed since the last tenants left. Many landlords are good at this, but it’s not always guaranteed. The last occupants might have made extra copies of keys or given them to friends or partners. Unless you know for certain that the locks were changed, you could be leaving your new home vulnerable.

For landlords, changing the locks between tenants isn’t just about protecting the new residents — it’s also about protecting the property itself. A fresh set of locks demonstrates that you take security seriously, which can help attract responsible tenants.

When Should You Do It?

Ideally, locks should be changed as soon as you get the keys to your new home. It’s easy to think you’ll get around to it once you’re settled, but the first few weeks after moving can be hectic and small jobs easily slip down the list. Taking care of it straight away means you’re secure from day one.

Many people arrange for a local locksmith to come out on the day they move in. This can be as simple as changing the front and back door locks and making sure all external doors are fitted with good-quality, insurance-approved locks. Some homeowners also choose to upgrade to British Standard locks at the same time.

The Types of Locks You Might Replace

Most UK homes have a mix of locks, depending on the age of the property and the type of doors. For front doors, you’ll usually find either a mortice lock or a cylinder lock — or sometimes both, in combination with a night latch. UPVC and composite doors typically use multi-point locking systems with euro cylinder locks.

Garage doors, side gates and patio doors shouldn’t be forgotten either. Older patio doors often have less secure locks, so it’s wise to check whether these need upgrading. A good locksmith can advise you on what needs changing and whether it meets current security standards.

Upgrading While You’re at It

Moving house is also the perfect opportunity to assess whether your locks are up to date. Many older properties still have locks that don’t meet modern security standards. For example, older euro cylinder locks can be vulnerable to lock snapping — a common method used by burglars to break in. Switching to an anti-snap cylinder or a high-security lock can make your home much harder to target.

Likewise, replacing flimsy chains or adding new bolts to back doors can help strengthen your overall security. While you’re at it, you might consider upgrading to a smart lock system if you like the idea of keyless entry or remote monitoring. For some homeowners, the move to a new house is the perfect time to embrace new technology.

How a Locksmith Can Help

While changing a lock might seem like a straightforward DIY job, there are good reasons to hire a professional locksmith. A qualified locksmith will ensure that your new locks are fitted correctly and that they meet British Standards where required. They’ll also dispose of the old locks and provide you with a new set of keys.

Many locksmiths offer advice on which locks are most suitable for your doors and can spot any other weaknesses you might have overlooked. For example, they might recommend adding security handles to protect a vulnerable cylinder or upgrading window locks to make your whole property more secure.

What About Smart Locks?

Smart locks have become more common in the UK, especially for homeowners looking to modernise their security. If you’ve moved into a home that already has a smart lock, make sure you reset it fully and change any passcodes or app settings. Just as with physical keys, you can’t be sure who might have the old access codes.

If you don’t have one already, installing a smart lock could be a practical upgrade. They allow you to manage access for family, friends or tradespeople without the need to hand out physical keys. Many models let you monitor who comes and goes via an app and send you alerts if the door is left unlocked. Like any security device, it’s worth doing your research to choose a reputable brand with good reviews and robust security features.

The Cost of Changing Locks

The cost of changing locks varies depending on how many you need to replace and the type you choose. Simple lock changes for a front door cylinder might cost less than you think, while upgrading to high-security or smart locks will naturally be more expensive.

When budgeting for a move, it’s sensible to factor in the cost of a locksmith alongside other essentials. Many people see it as a small price to pay for peace of mind, especially compared to the potential cost and stress of dealing with a break-in.

Other Times to Consider Changing Locks

Changing locks isn’t just for when you move house. There are other times when it makes sense too. If you’ve lost a set of keys, especially one with your address attached, replacing the locks is the safest option. The same applies if you’ve had a break-in or attempted burglary — thieves might have stolen keys, or the locks could have been damaged in the process.

Many homeowners also choose to change locks during major renovations, particularly if they’ve given keys to contractors. While most tradespeople are trustworthy, there’s always the chance that keys could get misplaced.

Keeping Your Spare Keys Secure

Once you’ve changed your locks, it’s worth thinking about how you’ll handle spare keys going forward. Giving a spare to a trusted family member or friend is sensible, but it’s wise to keep a record of exactly who has them. If you use a cleaner or dog walker, consider a secure key box rather than handing out extra copies.

Hiding a spare key under the doormat or plant pot might seem convenient, but it’s one of the first places an opportunistic burglar will check. Key safes can be a good alternative if you need to give temporary access to tradespeople or guests.

Small Change, Big Peace of Mind

Moving house is full of big decisions — mortgages, packing, decorating and organising the move itself can take centre stage. But security should never be an afterthought. Changing your locks is a simple, practical step that protects your family and your new investment from day one.

In the rush to get settled, it’s easy to assume that you’re safe just because you’ve got the keys in your hand. The truth is that until you change the locks, you can’t be sure you’re the only one who does. For many UK homeowners, this small job provides invaluable peace of mind as you turn your new house into a secure, happy home.