The single most overlooked task on moving day is security. When you change locks new home Chicago move-ins deserve, you close the door on every spare key floating around from previous owners, tenants, contractors, dog walkers, and real estate agents. This checklist gives Chicago homeowners and renters a clear, step-by-step plan for securing a new place before, during, and after the move.
The Professional Locksmith has helped Chicago families and renters secure new homes since 2012 as a licensed, bonded, and insured company with Certified Registered Locksmiths on staff. We wrote this guide from the real questions movers ask us across neighborhoods from Wicker Park to the West Loop.
Key Takeaways
You cannot know how many copies of the old keys exist, so change or rekey every exterior lock on move-in.
Rekeying is usually faster and cheaper than full replacement when the existing hardware is in good shape.
Illinois renters can request a lock change; landlords commonly rekey between tenants.
Work in three phases: before moving day, move-in week, and after settling in.
One locksmith visit can rekey the whole home, often in under an hour.
Before Moving Day: Plan Your Security
The best time to handle locks is before you are surrounded by boxes. A little planning now saves stress later.
Decide: Rekey or Replace
The first decision is whether to rekey the existing locks or replace them entirely. Rekeying changes the internal pins so old keys no longer work, while keeping your current hardware. Replacement swaps out the entire lock, which makes sense if the hardware is old, damaged, or you want to upgrade to higher security. Our guide to rekeying explains the process, and a locksmith can advise on the spot.
Option
Best When
Relative Cost
Time
Rekey
Hardware is in good shape
Lower
Minutes per lock
Replace
Locks are old, damaged, or being upgraded
Higher
Longer per door
Schedule the Locksmith Early
Book your lock change or rekey to line up with move-in day, ideally before your first night in the home. Coordinating this with your movers keeps everything on one timeline. If you are also using a moving company, ask them to leave exterior doors accessible for the locksmith.
Renters: Know Your Illinois Rights
If you rent, your landlord is generally responsible for providing working, secure locks. Illinois landlord-tenant practice commonly includes rekeying between tenants, and the Illinois Attorney General provides tenant resources on landlord obligations. Ask your landlord in writing to confirm the locks were changed since the last tenant. If they were not, request a rekey before you move in.
Move-In Week: Secure Every Entry Point
Once you have access, work through every door and window. This is the core of your new home security checklist.
Change or Rekey All Exterior Locks
Rekey or replace the locks on the front door, back door, side or gangway door, and any door connecting an attached garage to the home. Do not skip the “unused” back door: intruders prefer the entrances neighbors cannot see. Our lock change service handles all exterior doors in a single visit.
Inspect Deadbolts and Strike Plates
While the locksmith is on-site, have them verify each deadbolt has a full 1-inch throw and that strike plates are anchored with 3-inch screws into the wall stud. This inexpensive upgrade sharply increases resistance to kick-ins and is easiest to do while locks are already being serviced. See our lock installation options for hardware upgrades.
Check Sliding Doors and Windows
Add a track bar or pin lock to any sliding patio door, since the factory latch alone can often be lifted off its rail. Test every window sash lock and add window pins to ground-floor and garden-unit windows. Remember the National Fire Protection Association guidance that at least one window in each bedroom must remain usable as an emergency exit.
Update Building and Buzzer Access
If you moved into a condo or apartment, find out who controls the building’s entry and intercom system. You may need the property manager to issue new fobs or reprogram the buzzer. A modern intercom installation protects the whole building’s shared entrance.
After Settling In: Build Long-Term Security
With the immediate risks handled, add the layers that keep your home secure for the long run.
Consider Keyless Entry
Keypad and smart locks let you retire the physical key entirely and issue temporary codes to guests, cleaners, or contractors, then delete them later. They also solve the classic “who still has a copy” worry for good. Explore weather-tested models on our keyless entry systems page, chosen to hold up through Chicago winters.
Set Up Cameras and a Spare-Key Plan
Add a video doorbell or professional cameras at the front and rear entrances for package and entry protection. For spares, give one key to a trusted neighbor rather than hiding it outside, where the first place a burglar checks is under the mat or a nearby rock.
Get to Know Your Neighborhood
The Chicago Police Department runs CAPS (Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy) beat meetings where new residents can learn local safety patterns and meet neighbors. It is a simple way to understand the security profile of your block.
A Quick Move-In Security Timeline
Two weeks out: decide rekey vs. replace, book the locksmith, confirm renter rights with your landlord.
Move-in day: rekey or change all exterior locks before your first night.
Move-in week: reinforce deadbolts, secure sliding doors and windows, update building access.
First month: add keyless entry or cameras, set a spare-key plan, attend a CAPS meeting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I change the locks when I move into a new Chicago home?
Yes. You cannot verify how many copies of the old keys exist with previous owners, tenants, agents, or contractors. Changing or rekeying every exterior lock on move-in day is the single most important security step and is inexpensive compared to the peace of mind it provides.
Is it cheaper to rekey or replace locks when moving?
Rekeying is usually cheaper and faster when your existing hardware is in good condition, because the locksmith reuses the lock and only changes the internal pins. Full replacement costs more but makes sense if locks are old, damaged, or you are upgrading to higher-security hardware.
Does my Illinois landlord have to change the locks between tenants?
Illinois landlords are generally responsible for providing working, secure locks, and rekeying between tenants is common practice. Ask your landlord in writing to confirm the locks were changed. If they were not, request a rekey before move-in. The Illinois Attorney General offers tenant guidance on landlord duties.
How long does it take to rekey a whole house?
A typical single-family home with three or four exterior doors can be rekeyed in under an hour. Scheduling it on or before move-in day means your new home is secure from your first night, with no old keys still able to open your doors.
Can I rekey the locks myself when I move?
Basic rekey kits exist for some lock brands, but they only work if the lock matches the kit, and mistakes can leave a door insecure. A professional rekey covers all your doors quickly, verifies the hardware, and often catches weak points like short strike-plate screws that a DIY kit ignores.
Conclusion: Start Your New Chicago Home Secure
Moving is the perfect moment to reset your security from scratch. When you change locks new home Chicago move-ins should always begin with rekeying or replacing every exterior lock, then reinforcing deadbolts, securing windows and sliding doors, and updating building access. Add keyless entry and cameras once you are settled, and you will have a home that is secure from day one.
The Professional Locksmith has helped Chicago movers feel safe since 2012 as a licensed, bonded, and insured company with Certified Registered Locksmiths. We can rekey or change every lock in a single visit, often the same day you call. Explore our residential locksmith services or call (312) 796-0901 to schedule your move-in lock change.