Moving into a new place is exciting! Moving usually means a bigger or better condo or home, making new friends, and exploring a different neighborhood. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of moving, but there’s one component of moving that’s often overlooked: security.

With all the commotion over the move itself, it’s easy to see why this is put on the back burner. But it’s essential to make sure that you secure your new home as quickly as possible.  Keep in mind that the moment you get move into a new place, your family and your belongings are susceptible to unwanted intruders. There are some standard precautions that you should take into account when moving into a new home but here are 5 tips to help.

1. Rekey Old Locks

You have no idea who has a key to your new home. The previous owners may have given out copies of keys to babysitters, handymen, family, you name it. Due to this fact, rekeying your home should be one of the first items on your security checklist. Rekeying is simple and can be done by a professional locksmith without changing the hardware on the doors.

2. Install Quality Locks and Deadbolts

If your new home isn’t already outfitted with deadbolt locks, get them installed right away. Typically, only exterior doors require this heavy duty lock, but be sure to double check any entry point and install one on any you see fit. There are several different types of deadbolts that provide different levels of security. Do a bit of shopping around and choose the one which makes most sense for your home and lifestyle.

3. Purchase a Home Safe

There’s a bit of a misconception that safes are only for rich people with jewels to keep safe. This couldn’t be further from the truth. We all have valuable items worthy of a home safe. Items like social security cards, birth certificates, extra cash or precious family heirlooms are all candidates for your safe. Safes are rated based on several variables and come in a myriad of sizes. This is another item that you need to do your due diligence on to purchase the right safe for your home. 

4. Spot check entries

There are areas other than your front and back doors which can be broken into. Your windows should be secured with working locks. If you find that they’re original windows, which look charming on homes but are not at all secure, see if you can replace them with security glass. Also, check skylights. These are often forgotten, but skylights can sometimes be little more than a plastic window over a mesh trap. A brave enough individual could easily enter your home via a skylight, so be sure those are secure as well.

5. Crawl spaces

If you have a crawl space under you home, check it before you move in for any signs of life, animal or otherwise. Crawl spaces are a prime space for someone to hide waiting for you to leave your home unattended. Make sure that any access points are properly secured and consider securing a crawl space with a lock if possible. 

Moving is exciting, but don’t let all the commotion of moving deter you from what’s important: securing your home for you and your family. Need help securing your new home? Contact us to make sure that your new home is safe and sound.

Believe it or not, there are more than one type of deadbolt that could be used to make your home more secure.

As possibly the most common security feature on any home, you should know your options when it comes to the wide variety of locks in the deadbolt family. In this post we’ll break down the types of deadbolts and their uses to see if you have the best option installed in your home.

Single Cylinder Deadbolt

This is most likely the style of deadbolt you and everyone else you know has on their door. It has a twist knob on the inside allowing you to unlock it with ease and a key cylinder on the outside. The great thing about these locks is how easily they’re installed and their price point.

The not so great part? While deadbolts are some of the most secure locks, they can easily be penetrated by lock picking or bumped, making your home less secure.

Double Cylinder Deadbolt

The double cylinder lock is much like the single except instead of having a twist knob to unlock from the inside it has a key cylinder, hence double cylinder name. This type of deadbolt provides a bit more security, especially if you have glass windows in or near the door. It would prevent someone from breaking a window and reaching in to unlock the door. But, if you had to leave your home in a hurry, like if your home caught fire for instance, it would take longer to unlock the door.

Keyless & Digital Deadbolt

Bringing us into modern times is the keyless and digital deadbolt. Mounted from the inside, these types of locks require a key pad passcode to open. This type of lock is much more secure than standard locks requiring keys. Even if you lost a set, you wouldn’t have to worry about rekeying your home and, if you need to change the code for any reason, you can do so quickly and easily.

The primary difference between these two types of locks is that the digital deadbolt requires batteries or electricity to work. This may become problematic if your power goes out and you find yourself locked in or out of your home.

Rim Deadbolt

This specific deadbolt locks the moment the door closes. This is fantastic if you or your children have a bad habit of forgetting to lock the doors. But, if you happen to run out of the house too quickly and leave your keys behind, you’ll have successfully locked yourself out of the house.

Vertical Deadbolt

Placed at the top of the door and installed vertically, the vertical deadbolt makes it nearly impossible for an intruder to pry your doors open. They’re a bit large and installed in the interior side of the door, so depending on your aesthetic preference, you may or may not find this to be desirable.

Mortise Deadbolt

A mortise deadbolt provides a high level of security. Installed directly into the door itself, the mortise lock is not easily hacked and is incredibly durable.

The downside? Mortise deadbolts have the tendency to weaken the door itself due to the lock being installed directly into it. Unless you have heavy sturdy doors, this may not be the best option

How to Choose a Deadbolt

Choose the lock that’s best suited for your lifestyle. If you travel often for work or vacation, you may opt for a lock that that requires a few more steps to unlock from the inside, but if you’re in and out of your home with kids or pets, you will want one that’s more easily accessed. Whatever type of deadbolt you decide on, choose a qualified locksmith like Kenny’s Lock to help you install it.