Get a Valuation
    Register/Login/Report a Maintenance Issue
    LogoLogo

    Our Branches

    Barming – 01622 720000
    Bearsted – 01622 730020
    Headcorn – 01622 890089
    Larkfield – 01732 875706

    Maidstone – 01622 691255
    Snodland – 01634 240966
    West Malling – 01732 844111
    Period Homes Malling – 01732 844111

    Period Homes Weald – 01622 850888
    Lettings & Management – 01732 875777
    New Homes – 01732 221411

    Book a Valuation

    If you would like a no obligation, professional valuation on your property, please complete our valuation form and one of our appraisal team will be in touch to book an appointment.

    Book my Valuation

    Home/News/Securing your new home

    Securing your new home

    almost 4 years ago
    Lifestyle
    Securing your new home

    Moving into a new home is one of life’s most exciting milestones and while it may not feel as exciting as choosing new sofas or deciding who to invite to a housewarming party, paying some attention to the property’s security will help you feel more settled – and may even result in cheaper insurance premiums.

    When you’re compiling your ‘to do’ list as you move in, you may find these 6 essential security changes useful:-

    1. Change front door locks: the handing over of keys always marks the end of one property ownership and the start of a new one but there’s no way of knowing whether past owners have retained a spare set, or whether neighbours may have keys too. Changing the front door locks should be up there with reading the meters as a default moving-in ritual. Always opt for a five-lever mortice lock with a BS heart-shaped Kitemark that meets the BS 3621 criteria – the gold standard in door security and a requirement from home insurance companies in order to secure a cheaper premium.
    2. Change or replace a key safe: key safes have grown in popularity  – used by forgetful teens, cleaners and carers, among others – but with many unlocked with a simple 4-digit code that’s easy to share and remember, it’s wise to change the code or replace the whole box.
    3. Install a safe: a fireproof safe is a great addition to a new home – especially for high value items of jewellery, spare keys and valuable documents – but any safe must be fixed securely to a wall or the floor for it to be effective.
    4. Secure windows & other entry points: anything that’s broken, jammed or missing should be repaired. This could include fixing a window that is stubbornly ajar, reinstalling a fence panel that’s blown down or replacing a patio door that doesn’t lock.
    5. Change the alarm code: ask your solicitor or agent to verify if the property you are moving into has a burglar alarm. If so, request that the operational instructions are left at the property, although many manuals are available to download online if you know the make and model. Make replacing the alarm code with something new a priority.
    6. Don’t overshare on social media: moving day is exciting and it’s news you may want to share online but do so with restraint. By all means document your first few days in a new property but it’s a good idea to share photos and details within private groups, and not publicly.

    Other security measures for moving day & beyond

    • Update your home and contents insurance so cover starts at your new address as soon as you move in
    • Hang curtains or blinds as quickly as possible
    • Don’t leave valuable items in unlocked vans or cars on moving day
    • Find out whether the property is in a Neighbourhood Watch area
    • Don’t leave empty boxes for new TVs and gadgets in plain sight on recycling day

    We’re experts at managing moving days, so if you have any question about the order of events, timings, collecting keys and keeping your possessions safe, just ask!

    Share this article

    More Articles

    Home improvements that don’t require planning permission

    Home improvements that don’t require planning permission

    Published 2 days ago

    Earlier this year, it became apparent that home buyers aren’t that fussed about finding the ‘perfect’ property. A Rightmove survey of 34,000 home movers found 73% of those leaving rented accommodation viewed fixer uppers as a more affordable route to property ownership. Additionally, 73% of existing homeowners wanted to buy a property that needed work in order to create their dream home.

    Read More
    Pattern drenching: when more is more

    Pattern drenching: when more is more

    Published 23 days ago

    Avid readers may remember our blog on colour drenching – the interior design trend that sees every surface in one room – walls, ceiling, woodwork and radiators – painted in the same colour.

    Read More
    Every seller should try biophilic decluttering

    Every seller should try biophilic decluttering

    Published about 2 months ago

    Described by House Beautiful as ‘the secret to a calm and clutter-free home’, biophilic decluttering is a trend we can really get behind. It merges two interior aspects that are hugely important when selling a home – presenting a property that’s clear and streamlined, and dressing a home so it is visually appealing.

    Read More

    Sign up for our newsletter

    Subscribe to receive the latest property market information to your inbox, full of market knowledge and tips for your home.

    You may unsubscribe at any time. See our Privacy Policy.

    Back to Home

    Our branches 

    Barming
    Bearsted
    Headcorn
    Larkfield

      

    Maidstone
    Snodland
    West Malling
    Lettings & Management

    Period Homes Malling
    Period Homes Weald
    New Homes

    OnTheMarket
    RightMove
    SafeAgent
    ThePropertyOmbudsman
    Logo
    Logo
    Logo
    Logo
    © 2025 Simon Miller. Registered Address: 11 Colman Parade, Colman House, King Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1DJ
    Privacy Policy|Terms & Conditions|Cookie Policy|Complaints Procedure|Landlord Fees|CMP Certificate
    Powered by