Moving to Boston? Complete New Home Security Checklist (2026)
January 25, 2026
Your new Boston home should feel like a sanctuary, not a security risk. Whether you're closing on a Back Bay brownstone or settling into a triple-decker in Jamaica Plain, taking control of your home security from day one isn't just smart-it's essential.
Here's the reality most new Boston homeowners don't think about: by the time you get the keys to your new place, dozens of people may have had access. Previous owners, their family members, real estate agents, contractors, cleaning crews, neighbors with "spare keys"—the list goes on. And in a city where home values average well over $700,000, leaving your security to chance just doesn't make sense.
At Astro Locks , we work with new Boston homeowners every single week. We've seen it all-from folks who discovered the hard way that their "new" locks had copies floating around, to smart buyers who locked down their security before they even moved in. This guide walks you through exactly what you need to do to secure your Boston home properly, whether you're a first-time buyer in Somerville or downsizing to a condo in the Seaport.
Here's the reality most new Boston homeowners don't think about: by the time you get the keys to your new place, dozens of people may have had access. Previous owners, their family members, real estate agents, contractors, cleaning crews, neighbors with "spare keys"—the list goes on. And in a city where home values average well over $700,000, leaving your security to chance just doesn't make sense.
At Astro Locks , we work with new Boston homeowners every single week. We've seen it all-from folks who discovered the hard way that their "new" locks had copies floating around, to smart buyers who locked down their security before they even moved in. This guide walks you through exactly what you need to do to secure your Boston home properly, whether you're a first-time buyer in Somerville or downsizing to a condo in the Seaport.
Why New Homeowners Need to Take Security Seriously
Think you're being paranoid about rekeying your new home? You're not. Here's what most people don't realize about home security when they buy:
The Previous Owner Isn't the Only One with Keys
Sure, the sellers handed over two keys at closing. But what about the copies they made for their kids? The neighbor who used to water their plants? The dog walker? The house cleaner who worked for them for five years? In a city like Boston where people stay connected to their old neighborhoods, those keys don't always get tracked down.
Contractors and Service People Keep Copies
That HVAC company that did work three years ago? They might still have a key in their van. Real estate agents sometimes keep copies "just in case." It's more common than you think, and it's completely legal for them to do—until you change those locks.
Boston Break-Ins Often Target New Homeowners
Burglars know that moving season (typically May through September in Boston) means people are distracted, security systems aren't set up yet, and expensive items are sitting in plain view through windows. The first few weeks in a new home are when you're most vulnerable.
Your Day-One Security Priorities
Priority #1:
Rekey or Replace All Exterior Locks
This isn't optional—it's essential. Before you move a single box inside, get those locks changed.
What You Need to Know About Rekeying:
Rekeying means changing the internal pins of your existing lock so old keys won't work anymore. It's faster and cheaper than replacing the entire lock, and for most standard locks, it takes a professional locksmith about 15-20 minutes per door.
At Astro Locks, we can rekey your entire home in one visit. We'll also key all your locks to work with the same key—so you're not fumbling with five different keys every time you come home with groceries.
Boston Pro Tip:
If you're closing on a Friday, schedule your locksmith for that same afternoon or Saturday morning. Don't wait until you've moved in—that's when you're most vulnerable.
When You Should Replace (Not Just Rekey):
Locks are visibly damaged, loose, or outdated
You have basic builder-grade locks (usually kwikset or low-security brands)
You want to upgrade to high-security or smart locks
The locks are old enough that parts might fail soon
For historic Boston homes in neighborhoods like Beacon Hill or the South End, we specialize in preserving the character of your property
while dramatically improving security. We can install modern deadbolts that don't compromise your home's period details.
Priority #2:
Check Every Single Entry Point
Your front door isn't your only vulnerability. Walk your entire property—inside and out—and make a list of every possible way someone could get in.
Don't Forget These Often-Overlooked Entry Points:
Basement doors:
Especially common in older Boston triple-deckers and row houses
Bulkhead entries:
Those exterior basement access doors are often secured with nothing but a rusty padlock
Garage doors:
Both vehicle doors and interior access doors
Back porches:
Boston's famous three-season porches often have flimsy locks
Shed and detached garage: If there's expensive equipment inside, secure it properly
Windows on the first floor:
Check that all locks actually work (many don't)
🔐 Security Reality Check: We've responded to dozens of break-ins where burglars came in through basement bulkheads or back porch doors while the homeowners had invested hundreds in a fancy front door lock. Don't leave the back door wide open while you're securing the front.
Priority #3:
Upgrade Your Deadbolts
If your new Boston home came with basic door locks but no deadbolts (or cheap deadbolts that wiggle when you touch them), this needs to be fixed immediately.
What Makes a Good Deadbolt:
Grade 1 ANSI rating (the highest security standard)
At least a 1-inch throw (the part that extends into the door frame)
Hardened steel construction
Pick-resistant and bump-resistant features
We recommend brands like Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, and Schlage's high-security lines for Boston homes. These locks can withstand the kind of forced-entry attempts that cheaper hardware can't.
Smart Home Security for Modern Boston Living
Should You Go Keyless?
More Boston homeowners are choosing smart locks and keyless entry systems
as their first upgrade. And honestly? For the way most people live now, it makes a lot of sense.
Benefits of Smart Locks for New Homeowners:
No more key drama: Giving temporary codes to contractors, cleaning people, or house guests is way easier than making copies and tracking them down later
Remote access:
Lock and unlock from anywhere—perfect if you're still commuting back to your old place to get that last load
Activity logs:
See exactly when doors were opened and by whom
Integration:
Works with Ring, Nest, and other Boston-popular smart home systems
Auto-lock features:
Never worry about whether you locked up when you left
Smart Lock Considerations for Boston Weather:
Boston's weather is rough on electronics. When we install smart locks, we choose models that are proven to handle New England winters and humid summers. We'll also set them up to work with backup keys, so you're never locked out if the battery dies during a blizzard.
Moving Tip:
If you're installing smart locks, do it before you move in. It's easier to set up and test everything when the house is empty, and you won't have to worry about boxes blocking doors or WiFi not being set up yet.
Your Complete Moving Security Checklist
☑ Week Before Closing: Schedule a locksmith for day of closing or next day
☑ Day of Closing: Get all keys from sellers and real estate agent
☑ Day 1-2: Rekey or replace all exterior locks (front, back, basement, garage)
☑ First Week:
Install or upgrade deadbolts on all entry doors
☑ First Week:
Check and reinforce basement and bulkhead entries
☑ First Week:
Test all window locks—repair or replace broken ones
☑ First Two Weeks:
Install smart locks or keyless entry if desired
☑ First Month:
Set up outdoor lighting with motion sensors
☑ First Month:
Install security cameras or video doorbell
☑ First Month:
Get a home security system if you don't have one
☑ First Month:
Trim bushes and trees near windows and doors
☑ Ongoing:
Get to know your neighbors—they're your best security system
Neighborhood-Specific Security Considerations
Historic Boston Neighborhoods (Back Bay, Beacon Hill, South End)
You're dealing with beautiful old homes that need modern security without compromising period details. We specialize in installing high-security locks that maintain your home's historic character. Also, these neighborhoods see higher rates of break-ins targeting high-value homes, so don't skimp on deadbolts and consider a monitored security system.
Triple-Deckers (Jamaica Plain, Dorchester, Roxbury, Somerville)
If you're in a multi-unit building or side-by-side situation, pay extra attention to shared entryways and back porches. Make sure your unit has its own deadbolt, and don't rely on the main building door as your only security. Back porches in triple-deckers are a known vulnerability—upgrade those locks immediately.
Condos and High-Rises (Seaport, Downtown, Cambridge)
You still need to rekey your individual unit even if the building has security. Building management often keeps master keys, and you have no idea how many maintenance people, previous tenants, or contractors have copies. Also, don't assume the lobby security means your unit is automatically safe.
Suburban Boston (Newton, Brookline, Watertown, Arlington)
These areas feel safer, but that's exactly when people get complacent. Garages and basement entries are often neglected. Make sure your garage door openers are changed (yes, you can rekey those too), and don't leave doors between the garage and house unlocked.
Common New Homeowner Security Mistakes
Mistake #1: Waiting to Change the Locks
"We'll get to it next month" turns into three months, and by then you've got thousands of dollars worth of furniture and electronics inside. Change those locks before you move anything valuable in.
Mistake #2: Only Changing the Front Door Lock
Burglars don't ring the front doorbell and wait to be let in. They find the easiest entry point, which is usually a side or back door that nobody bothered to secure.
Mistake #3: DIY-ing Complex Lock Installations
Look, changing a basic lock isn't rocket science. But if you're dealing with old doors, historic hardware, or want high-security locks installed correctly, call a professional. We've fixed more botched DIY lock jobs than you'd believe, and they always end up costing more than if the homeowner had just called us in the first place.
Mistake #4: Ignoring the Garage
If your garage connects to your house, it's a major vulnerability. Older garage door openers can be compromised easily, and that interior door is often secured with nothing but a basic doorknob lock.
Mistake #5: Forgetting About the Previous Owner's Smart Home Integration
If the home you bought came with smart locks, cameras, or a security system, reset everything. You don't want the previous owners still getting notifications every time your front door opens.
Budget-Friendly Security Priorities
Not everyone has thousands to drop on security systems right after closing. Here's how to prioritize if you're on a tighter budget:
Spend Money Here First:
Rekeying all exterior locks: $150-300 for average Boston home
Installing high-security deadbolts on front and back doors: $200-400
Reinforcing basement and bulkhead entries: $100-200
Can Wait a Few Months:
Smart locks and home automation
Full security system with monitoring
Outdoor cameras (though video doorbells are cheap and worth it early on)
Window sensors and glass break detectors
💰 Money-Saving Tip:
Many home insurance companies in Massachusetts give discounts (typically 5-20%) for homes with monitored security systems and high-security locks. That discount can pay for your upgrades within a couple of years.
Working with Astro Locks: What to Expect
We know that moving to a new home is chaotic enough without adding another contractor to coordinate. That's why we've streamlined the process for new Boston homeowners:
Our New Homeowner Service Includes:
Same-day or next-day appointments (we get that timing matters)
Complete home security walk-through—we'll identify vulnerabilities you might miss
Upfront, honest pricing—no surprises, no bait-and-switch
We'll key all your locks to work with one key (way more convenient)
High-security hardware options that fit your home's style
Smart lock installation and programming
Written recommendations for additional security improvements if needed
We serve all of Greater Boston including Cambridge, Brookline, Somerville, Newton, Watertown, and surrounding communities. We understand Boston's unique housing stock—from historic brownstones to modern condos to classic triple-deckers—and we know how to secure them properly.
Just Bought a Boston Home?
Don't wait to secure your investment. Call Astro Locks today for same-day rekeying and security upgrades.
📞 (617) 448-6554
We'll get you scheduled fast—because your home security shouldn't wait until you're unpacked.
Final Thoughts: Your Home Security Is Worth Getting Right
Moving into a new Boston home should be exciting, not stressful. But the reality is that cutting corners on security in those first few weeks puts everything you've worked for at risk.
The good news? Getting your home properly secured doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. A few smart decisions in your first week as a homeowner will give you peace of mind for years to come.
Start with the basics: rekey those locks before you move in, upgrade your deadbolts, and don't forget about basement and back entries. From there, you can add smart home features and security systems as your budget allows.
And if you're not sure where to start or what your home actually needs, that's what we're here for. Give us a call, and we'll walk you through exactly what makes sense for your specific property and budget.
Welcome to Boston. Now let's make sure your new place stays yours.
About Astro Locks:
For over two decades, Astro Locks has been Greater Boston's trusted locksmith service, providing expert residential and commercial security solutions. Our licensed, insured technicians specialize in securing Boston's unique homes—from historic properties to modern condos. We're local, family-owned, and committed to honest service at fair prices.
Service Areas:
Boston, Cambridge, Brookline, Somerville, Newton, Watertown, Allston, Brighton, Jamaica Plain, Dorchester, and surrounding Greater Boston communities.
📞 Call Today: (617) 448-6554
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