Moving Into a New Home
The security steps worth taking in your first week in a new Shepparton home start with the one thing most people never think about: who still has a key?
New Home Security
You Have No Idea Who Has a Key
When you move into a new home, the previous owners hand you a set of keys. What they cannot hand you is every other copy ever cut. Agents, tradespeople, cleaners, family members, and past tenants may have had one, and there is no way to know how many are still out there.
That is not a reason to panic, but it is the first thing worth sorting. Securing a new home is mostly about resetting control, so only those you have given access can get in. This guide runs through how to do that in your first week.
Your First Week Priorities
Reset the Keys
Rekey or replace the locks on every external door so old copies no longer work. It is the single most important step and usually quicker and cheaper than people expect.
Check the Perimeter
Do not stop at the front door. Test the back door, garage, side gates, sheds and any window locks, since these are often the weakest and most overlooked points.
Needs Upgrading
Older homes often have tired or basic locks. Make a list of anything worn, missing a deadlock or not meeting your insurer’s requirements so you can plan upgrades over time.
You Do Not Always Need New Locks
Many people assume securing a new home means replacing every lock, but that is usually not the case. If the existing locks are in excellent condition, a locksmith can rekey them, changing the internal pins so the old keys no longer work and cutting you a fresh set. You get the same peace of mind for less.
Replacing locks makes sense when the hardware is worn, damaged or too basic for the door, or when you want to upgrade security or have every door open with one key. Not sure which applies to your new place? That is an easy thing to work out together, and we will only suggest replacing what genuinely needs it.
How to Secure a New Home
Work through these three steps in your first week and you will have reset control of the property.
Change the Keys
Before anything else, rekey or replace the locks on all external doors. This cancels every old copy, no matter how many are floating around or who holds them.
Secure Every Entry Point
Walk the property and check the back and side doors, garage, gates, sheds and windows. ensure each one locks properly and note anything that does not.
Plan Your Upgrades
Sort the rest into what to address now and what can wait. Add deadlocks where they are missing, replace worn hardware and tackle the bigger jobs as your budget allows.
New Home Security Questions
The questions we hear most from people who have just moved into a home around Shepparton.
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