{"id":7018,"date":"2025-05-01T16:26:51","date_gmt":"2025-05-01T15:26:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lockrite.org\/blog\/?p=7018"},"modified":"2025-05-01T16:26:53","modified_gmt":"2025-05-01T15:26:53","slug":"change-locks-spring-home-move","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lockrite.org\/blog\/change-locks-spring-home-move\/","title":{"rendered":"Moving House This Spring? Why Changing Your Locks Should Be a Priority"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Are you moving home this spring? If so, you’re not alone. This season is arguably the UK\u2019s most popular time to move house. According to Rightmove<\/a>, “the spring months are typically the busiest period of the year for the housing market”. Demand naturally peaks as families prepare for summer transitions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yet amid all the packing and paperwork, one key task is often overlooked: changing the locks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It doesn\u2019t matter if you\u2019re moving into a preowned home or a newly built property. Replacing your locks should be a top priority. Why? This guide explains why it matters and how to secure your new home from day one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
\"A<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Changing Your Locks Matters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The keys are new to you. However, when you purchase a home, knowing how many duplicates are already in circulation is impossible. It\u2019s not just previous owners you have to worry about. Spare keys may have been handed out to neighbours, cleaners, pet sitters, and even tradespeople. The issue: not all of them get returned. Even if you trust the seller, they might not be aware of every key floating around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

New-build homes are not victims of this situation, right? Wrong. The risk is no less significant. Developers often grant access to a range of contractors, including electricians, plumbers, and decorators. Unless you\u2019re handed a fresh set of locks upon completion of the build, there\u2019s no way to confirm who might still have access to your property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The risk isn\u2019t only about unwanted visitors. Many insurers require evidence of forced entry to validate a burglary claim, so unauthorised access with a key could mean your home insurance claim is denied<\/a> if it’s proven that you didn\u2019t take reasonable precautions in changing the locks. Additionally, many insurers expect homeowners to have locks that meet British Standards<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All these points are why we recommend changing your locks as soon as you move in \u2013 ideally on day one. This isn\u2019t just the front and back doors, either. It also includes keys for sheds, gates, garages, and even post boxes. By upgrading to anti-snap and British Standard compliant locks, you improve both security and your peace of mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After all, a new home should be a fresh start, not a potential security risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additional Security Tips When Moving<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You now know the importance of changing your locks. However, there are additional steps to take to prevent bigger issues from cropping up later. Yes, moving house is a hectic time, but the following tips help protect your new home from day one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n