When you should rekey your exterior deadbolts and locks.

Rekeying your locks often requires a visit from a local locksmith, which could prove to be more costly than replacing the locks altogether. It pays to understand when you should rekey your locks or opt for an upgrade. Here are four times you may consider rekeying your exterior deadbolts and locks to maintain optimal convenience and security for your home.

1. You're ready to simplify home access

Most homes have two or more entry doors, and each of those doors features a deadbolt and handleset or knob/lever. Add on any keyed garage doors, and you've got a whole pile of keys to keep track of. Rekeying each of your locks to fit a single master key, whether you do it yourself or call a locksmith for help, can greatly simplify your life and end any fumbling around trying to find the right key.

When you're ready to simplify even more, consider going keyless altogether and choose a Schlage smart lock.

2. You're upgrading one or more handlesets

Did you take advantage of beautiful spring weather to give your front door a makeover? Are you interested in updating your exterior hardware to suit your personal style better? Or do you just need to make a functional upgrade? If all of your locks are set for the same key and you want to keep it that way, you'll need to rekey any new handlesets you purchase.

3. Your key has been lost or stolen

Have you ever misplaced a key to your home? Whether you're the sole key keeper or have several household members constantly coming and going, a lost or stolen key could mean that the wrong person may gain easy access to your home. Unless you want to use this as an opportunity to upgrade your hardware, now is the time to rekey your locks.

4. You moved to a new home

You may be surprised to hear that many homeowners do not change the locks as soon as they take possession of a new home. There's no telling who still has a key from before you moved in, so replacing or rekeying all locks should be first on your to-do list.

If you’re rekeying because you’ve moved, you can find more real estate resources to make your transition as simple as possible at Schlage.com.

As important as keys and deadbolts are, there’s much more to keeping your home safe and secure. Find more tips for protecting what matters at the Schlage blog.