Article

Moving Into a New House: Lock Checklist

Updated October 11, 2026

Day one: control the keys

You have no idea how many copies of your keys exist. Previous owners, tenants, cleaners, contractors, neighbors. Rekeying beats replacing when hardware is sound — price it with the rekey checker before calling anyone.

The move-in lock list

• Rekey every exterior cylinder — deadbolts first, then keyed knobs and levers.
• Count cylinders, not doors — a door with deadbolt plus knob is two cylinders. Use the quantity planner.
• Decide keyed-alike now — one key for the whole house is cheapest to set up on day one. See keyed-alike explained.
• Cut spares immediately — how many is answered in the spares guide.
• Photograph every lock face and keyway — you will need it for the model lookup later.
• Test every lock for grit or looseness — worn hardware gets replaced, not rekeyed.

Budget it before closing week chaos

Run the cost estimator with your cylinder count, then verify any locksmith quote with the quote checker.