Moving House in Sydney? A Locksmith’s Checklist for Securing Your New Home

Moving house in Sydney is busy enough without worrying whether your new place is actually secure. As soon as the keys change hands, you take on responsibility for whatever happens at the property, so it pays to assume you are not the only person who still has access.

A practical locksmith checklist helps you lock things down in the first 24 – 48 hours and start life in your new home with confidence.

Step 1: Rekey your external doors

Most buyers keep the original locks when they move in, but that means previous owners, tenants, trades and even cleaners may still have keys. Rekeying lets a locksmith change the internal pins of the lock so old keys no longer work, while you keep the existing hardware.

It is often more cost effective than fully replacing every lock, especially on quality deadbolts and entrance sets.

Ask your locksmith to rekey all external doors, including the front door, back door, side entries and internal garage access. If your new place has a granny flat or separate studio, put those on the same key system as well. This way you end up with a single key or small key set that controls the whole property, making life easier while tightening security.

Step 2: Decide where full lock replacement is better

In some situations, replacing locks entirely is the better option. If the hardware is old, corroded or sticking, it can be less reliable in an emergency and more vulnerable to forced entry. Outdated locks may also fail insurance requirements, particularly on main entry doors that should have deadlatches or deadbolts rather than simple knob sets.

Your locksmith can walk through the property and identify which locks should be upgraded rather than rekeyed. Common examples include flimsy rear screen doors, internal garage doors with basic latch sets and any external doors with visible damage around the strike plate.

Choosing modern, high quality locks improves both day to day usability and overall security.

Step 3: Check windows, sliding doors and screens

Doors are only part of the picture. Many break-ins happen through unlocked or weakly secured windows and sliding doors, especially at the back of the house where neighbours cannot see as clearly. During your first security walk through, open and close every window, check latches, and look for damaged or missing locks.

Ask your locksmith about keyed locks for sliding windows and doors, patio bolts for stacking doors and lockable screen door options.

In single level homes and townhouses, ground floor windows should ideally be lockable and used every time you leave the property, even if it is only for a short trip. In double storey homes, focus on windows that can be easily reached from a fence, balcony or carport roof.

Step 4: Secure garages, sheds and side access

Garages and sheds often hold power tools, bikes and equipment that thieves can quickly sell, and they may also provide an easy way into the main house. Check whether your new garage door has a secure manual lock or electronic opener with rolling code technology. If you have inherited remotes, consider having them reprogrammed so old remotes no longer work.

Side gates and rear access paths should also be part of your checklist. Simple latch style gates can usually be upgraded with key lockable options that still allow easy access for you and your family. For freestanding sheds or workshops, a solid padlock and hasp system can deter opportunistic theft and help keep your tools insured.

Step 5: Review safes and high value storage

If your new home came with an existing safe, have a locksmith inspect it and change the combination or key. You can never be sure who previously knew the code. If there is no safe and you keep jewellery, important documents or small electronics at home, this might be the right time to install one.

A professional locksmith can supply and install safes that are appropriate for your risk level and the structure of your home. Options range from small home safes bolted to the floor or wall through to heavier units that offer higher fire and theft ratings.

Properly installed safes add another layer of protection beyond your standard locks and alarms.

Step 6: Plan for spare keys and emergencies

As you settle in, it is tempting to hand spare keys to trades, dog walkers or extended family, but that is exactly how key control slips over time. Ask your locksmith to create a clear spare key plan: who should have a copy, where keys are stored and how you will track them. For businesses operating from home, you may also want to separate personal and work access.

It is also worth arranging a relationship with a 24/7 emergency locksmith before something goes wrong. Lockouts and broken keys tend to happen at the worst possible time. Saving your locksmith’s details in your phone now means you will not be left searching online late at night when you are locked out of the new place.

Step 7: Combine physical security with smart options

Modern home security combines strong physical locks with smart technology. Depending on your preferences, you might add keyless entry locks, smart door viewers, security cameras or an alarm system. A locksmith who works across both traditional and electronic security can help you choose products that suit your home and budget while avoiding compatibility issues.

If you already have a brand of smart lock or alarm in mind, ask whether it can be keyed alike with your existing mechanical locks or integrated with your current devices.

A considered approach now can prevent messy upgrades later and keep your system easy to manage long term.

When to call A.Abbott Locksmiths

The safest time to tighten security is before you have fully moved in, while the house is still relatively empty. If that is not possible, aim to complete your key changes and lock upgrades within the first week. Booking a professional locksmith means you can cover rekeying, replacements, window and gate locks, safes and emergency planning in one visit.

A.Abbott Locksmiths provides residential locksmith services across Sydney, including rekeying, new lock installations, safe supply and installation, and 24/7 emergency assistance.

Call us now on 1300 655 787 or fill out our quick online form to book your service, we’re ready when you are.