Is it safer to change or rekey your locks after moving house?

Locksmith Rotterdam

Is it safer to change or rekey your locks after moving house?

Moving into a new home is exciting, but it also comes with one major security question: who else might still have a key? Former owners, tenants, cleaners, builders… you never really know. That’s why one of the first things new homeowners should do is secure their locks. But should you rekey them, or replace them entirely? Both options improve safety, but they work differently. And one might suit your situation better than the other.

1. What does rekeying actually mean?

Rekeying a lock means changing the internal pins so that old keys no longer work. The lock itself stays in place; only the key changes. It’s a cost-effective way to reset who has access to your home without replacing the entire mechanism.

For example, if your locks are still in good condition and offer solid protection, rekeying is often enough. You get brand-new keys, renewed peace of mind, and the job is usually done in under an hour. At Locksmith 365, we rekey all major lock brands.

2. When changing the locks is the safer move

Sometimes, rekeying just isn’t enough. If your locks are old, damaged, or use outdated cylinders, replacing them entirely is the smarter move. Modern locks are built to resist common break-in methods like bumping, snapping, and picking. Techniques older models can’t always withstand.

Also, if you’re unsure whether all your locks are keyed the same, or you’ve noticed visible wear, full replacement gives you a clean slate. It’s also the only option if you want to upgrade to smart locks or higher-security systems. Our emergency locksmiths in Amsterdam carry replacement locks in multiple security grades, so installation can often be done on the same visit.

3. Rekeying vs. replacing: what’s better after moving?

If you’ve just moved into a house with modern, working locks, rekeying is usually the quickest and most affordable solution. It costs less than a full replacement and still eliminates the risk of old keys circulating.

However, if you want long-term protection and your locks are older than 10 years, replacing them might be the better investment. You’ll get stronger security, smoother operation, and up-to-date protection that meets today’s safety standards.

In practice, many homeowners do both: they replace exterior door locks and rekey the interior ones. It’s a balanced way to combine safety with efficiency, and something our locksmiths can advise you on during a quick on-site inspection.