Once You’re Inside
Change the Locks
As soon as you are inside your new home, change all the locks so that you can feel secure and safe. The barrel should be the only part of the lock that needs to be replaced, and a new barrel can be purchased at any hardware store. If the lock is a common Lockwood, use a Phillip’s-head screwdriver to remove the three screws from the back section. Two long screws secure the backing plate and the barrel/cylinder to the door. Remove these and the barrel will be released.
Switching the barrel is pretty straightforward. Most of the problems associated with this process concern the proper fitting of the tongue inside the lock. Sometimes the tongue is too long and will need trimming to suit the thickness of the door. You can tell if the tongue is too long by sliding the new barrel into position with the tongue fitted into the slot provided. To shorten the tongue and so properly fit the lock to the door you will need a hacksaw and something to hold it (pliers or a vice) while you cut it to the proper length.
Get Busy!
There will probably be many things needing repair or cleaning. Make a list and go to the hardware store. Get friends to come around, to offer a helping hand and for security. The first few days and weeks of occupying a building are critical and it’s important that no-one is left alone, or the building left empty, during that time.
Use this time to establish your new home. Cleaning up rubbish and putting curtains in the windows will send a good message to the neighbours that you are not going to trash the place.
If the owner/s or the police turn up, it is important you tell them the premises were open and that you just walked in. Never admit to forcibly entering the place (see Chapter 8, Important Legal Stuff).