One of the most essential steps people often skip when moving into a new home is rekeying the locks. You might be focused on unpacking boxes, arranging furniture, or exploring your new neighbourhood, and security can easily get pushed aside. Yet taking the time to rekey your locks as soon as you get the keys is one of the simplest ways to make sure your new home is truly yours.
When you move in, you never really know who might still have a copy of the old keys. Previous owners, tenants, contractors, cleaners—even a neighbour from years ago—anyone could still have access. Rekeying fixes that. It’s quick, affordable, and ensures that only you and your household can get inside. It’s a small step with a big impact, giving you peace of mind from day one.
What Is Rekeying, Exactly?
Rekeying means changing the inner workings of a lock so that it works with a new key, without needing to replace the entire lock body or door hardware. It’s not about ripping out every lock and buying brand new ones—just resetting the pins inside so the old keys stop working.
For example, let’s say the previous owner handed you three house keys. Do you know if they gave one to a tradie five years ago? Or if an old flatmate kept a copy? Even if everyone was completely honest, there’s no way to be 100% sure where those keys ended up. Rekeying wipes that slate clean.
Why It’s Essential When You Move
1. You Don’t Know Who Has a Copy of the Old Keys
Melbourne homes change hands often, and most properties have had multiple tenants or owners before you. Keys could be with anyone—previous owners, ex-partners, gardeners, babysitters, even contractors. Rekeying means you’re the only one with working keys from day one.
2. It’s More Affordable Than Replacing Locks
A lot of people assume upgrading security means buying all new locks. In reality, rekeying is usually cheaper because you’re just adjusting the existing mechanism. You save money on hardware but still get the peace of mind of a “reset.”
3. Perfect Chance to Match Keys
Moving is messy enough without juggling different keys for the front door, back door, garage, and side gate. A locksmith can rekey them so they all work with one master key. That’s a small convenience that makes daily life heaps easier.
4. Prevents Unwanted Surprises
Imagine you’ve just settled in, and suddenly someone with an old key walks through your front door, thinking they still have access. It happens more often than you’d think. Rekeying removes that possibility entirely.
5. Sets the Tone for Your New Home
Moving is a fresh start. Having the locks rekeyed is a way of drawing a line in the sand: this is your place now, secure and private. It’s a little step that helps you feel properly settled.
When Else Should You Consider Rekeying?
While moving into a new home is the biggest reason, it’s not the only one. Rekeying is also smart if:
- You’ve lost track of spare keys.
- A housemate moves out, and you’d rather be safe.
- You’ve gone through renovations, and tradies have had access.
- You want all your locks working off one key.
- You’ve bought a rental and want to secure it before letting tenants in.
Basically, any time you’re unsure who might have access, it’s time to rekey.
Rekeying vs. Replacing Locks
When securing your new home, you’ll need to decide between rekeying your locks or replacing them entirely.
Rekeying
Rekeying resets your existing locks, so old keys no longer work. It’s quick, affordable, and keeps your current hardware. Ideal if your locks are modern and in good condition, and you want to control who has access without spending on new locks. It’s also handy if you want one key to work for multiple doors.
Replacing
Replacing locks means installing new hardware. It’s best if your locks are old, damaged, or you want stronger or smarter options like keyless entry. It also gives you peace of mind with brand-new, reliable locks.
Mixed Approach
Many homeowners do a mix—rekey most locks but replace the worn or main-entry ones. This way, you get better security where it matters while keeping costs reasonable.
Why a Local Locksmith Makes the Difference
Melbourne has no shortage of locksmiths, but going local is usually your best bet. A local locksmith like Top Pick Locksmiths knows the area, can get to you quicker, and is more likely to give straight answers rather than upselling stuff you don’t need.
They’ll also be able to check the condition of your locks during the rekey and let you know if something needs more attention. It’s a bit of professional reassurance on top of the new keys.
A Small Step That Pays Off Big
Rekeying doesn’t take long, doesn’t cost a fortune, and gives you the certainty that your home is secure from the very start. It’s one of those “must-do” moving tasks that deserves a spot high on your checklist, right alongside connecting the power and redirecting your mail.
So when you get the keys to your new Melbourne home, don’t just celebrate—get them rekeyed. That way, when you finally collapse onto the couch after unpacking, you’ll know your space is truly yours.
