You're juggling utility transfers, coordinating movers, and drowning in cardboard boxes.
Security falls to the bottom of your list. It always does.
But here's what most new homeowners don't realize: the previous owner's neighbor might still have a key to your front door. So might their babysitter. Or the contractor who worked on the kitchen last year.
You have no idea who can walk into your home.
The Hidden Key Problem
When you get keys at closing, you're not getting the only keys that exist.
Previous owners distribute copies freely. Neighbors for vacation checks. Family members for emergencies. Service providers for maintenance. Each copy creates an access point you don't control.
The data backs this up. In 34 percent of burglaries, intruders don't break anything. They turn the doorknob and walk in.
Because someone had a key.
Rekeying your locks eliminates every previous key in circulation. You start fresh. You control access from day one.
What Rekeying Actually Means
Most people confuse rekeying with replacing locks entirely.
Rekeying just changes the internal pin configuration. Your existing lock hardware stays. The locksmith reconfigures the pins so your old keys stop working and only your new keys function.
It's faster. It's cheaper. And it gives you complete control.
The process takes 30 to 60 minutes for an average home. A certified locksmith arrives, confirms how many new keys you need, identifies every exterior lock, then reconfigures each one on site.
Same-day service makes this feasible even during moving chaos.
When To Do This
The day after you move in.
Not next week. Not when you finish unpacking. The day after.
This timeline reflects how fundamental lock control is to home security. Every day you wait is another day someone else might have access.
Some locks can't be rekeyed. If your locks are severely worn, damaged, or outdated, replacement makes more sense than reconfiguration. A professional assessment during the service call determines which approach works for your situation.
The Real Cost
Transparency matters when you're already spending money on moving expenses.
A typical service call runs around $75. Then you pay per keyhole, usually $20 each. A double-cylinder deadbolt with keyholes on both sides counts as two locks, so $40 total. A working key is needed in order to change the lock, if there is not a working key present, then the locksmith may charge an additional $5.00 to shim or pick the lock in order to pull out the cylinder and rekey. New keys cost about $3.50 each.
Compare this to full lock replacement. Rekeying costs $15 to $50 per lock while replacement averages $400 for new hardware and labor.
For a typical home with four exterior doors, you're looking at roughly $200 to $250 for complete rekeying versus $1,200 or more for replacement.
The math makes rekeying accessible regardless of budget.
Avoiding Locksmith Scams
Here's where many homeowners get burned.
Scam locksmiths flood search results with low initial quotes, then switch pricing once they arrive. You're quoted $50, they show up and suddenly it's $300 for "additional services" you didn't request.
Verify credentials before anyone touches your locks.
Check the Better Business Bureau. Confirm they're licensed, bonded, and insured. Ask for complete pricing upfront, including any potential additional charges. Legitimate locksmiths provide transparent pricing before starting work.
If someone can't give you a clear total, find someone else.
Building Your Security Foundation
Rekeying controls who has keys. But keys aren't the only vulnerability.
During the service call, ask for a security evaluation. Professional locksmiths identify weak points you might miss. Door frame reinforcement often matters more than lock quality, since 70 percent of break-ins target doors, frequently through frame failure.
Products like Bolt Buddy strengthen frames so doors can't be kicked in. The strongest lock means nothing if the frame gives way.
Consider restricted key systems like the High Security Mul-t-lock System. These keys carry unique serial numbers and can't be duplicated at hardware stores. You track exactly which keys exist and who has them.
For rural properties, security needs intensify. Intruders have more time and privacy to work. Reinforced frames, high-quality locks, and alarm systems become essential rather than optional. Distance between homes means nobody hears a door being kicked in.
The Biggest Mistake
You rekey your locks. You reinforce your frames. You install quality hardware.
Then you give keys to everyone.
Physical security fails when you lose control of key distribution. The best locks in the world don't matter if copies circulate freely. Be selective about who receives keys. Track who has them. Use serial numbers on restricted keys to maintain accountability.
Security isn't just about hardware. It's about access management.
What This Actually Gives You
Peace of mind starts with knowing exactly who can enter your home.
Rekeying eliminates the unknown. You're not wondering if the previous owner's sister still has a copy. You're not worrying about contractors from five years ago. You control every access point.
This clarity lets you build additional security layers with confidence. Alarm systems, cameras, and smart locks all work better when you've established basic access control first.
Start here. Rekey immediately. Build everything else on that foundation.
Because the strongest security system in the world doesn't help if someone already has your keys.