If you own a home with important items, you will likely want to keep those valuables safe. However, it can be costly to secure all your belongings. Home security systems can run as high as thousands of dollars, making them a large expense for the average person.
The good news is that it doesn’t have to be costly to secure your home if you know the right tips. And you may even find yourself with some savings along the way. Many insurance providers offer a smart home insurance discount to those keeping their home and belongings protected.
If you know what to do, there are many ways you can affordably keep your home and all your belongings inside safe from potential burglary.
Start With Free Security Measures to Keep Your Home Safe
While there are plenty of options for expensive home security systems, the best place to start if you want to keep your home safe likely won’t cost you a dime.
Locking your doors and windows each night and each time you leave the house is a no-cost way to set up a line of defense against potential thieves. Burglars often look for an easy target, so open doors or windows they can easily access can feel like an invitation.
A door many may often forget is their garage door. While you might think keeping your garage door closed ensures burglars cannot gain access, this isn’t always the case. If a thief is able to wiggle your garage door open, they may be able to walk right into your home through your unlocked door.
To avoid a thief making a quick entrance into your home, ensure all doors and windows are locked. Locks can deter burglars and help keep your home and all your belongings safer.
Light Up Your Exterior to Deter Potential Thieves
Burglars thrive in the dark, as it allows them to go unseen. A low-lit home offers the perfect opportunity for a thief to enter undetected.
Add lights to your exterior to keep thieves from choosing your home as a potential robbery spot. Ensure they are bright and put them at as many entry points as possible. This way, even if a burglar is considering your home, they will be put off by the amount of light illuminating their crimes.
Motion sensor lighting is an excellent option if you are not a fan of lights shining around your home all night. They will be triggered by any movement, working to deter thieves from your home, but they also won’t be shining in your windows all night long.
Add Smart Locks to Avoid Spare Keys Laying Around
Upgrading your standard locks to a more intelligent option can help eliminate the need for a spare key. Many people keep their spare keys in places that are easily accessible, allowing a thief to find them if they go looking.
Instead, upgrade your locks to a smart system. Rather than needing a key to enter your home, you simply enter the pre-set PIN. If someone needs access to your house while you are away, you can give them your PIN instead of telling them where your spare key sits.
While smart locks still have a location for a standard key, just as a backup in case they should stop working, they offer an added layer of security to your home by eliminating the need for spare keys.
Add Smart Technology to Your Home
While a complete security system can be expensive, there are other ways to secure your home for less money. Smart technology can be included in many areas of your home, such as doors and windows, to alert you to any potential activity.
These devices can often be set up without the help of a professional, allowing you to save money on installation. Smart camera doorbell systems and window and door sensors can be easily installed to offer extra protection to your home and belongings.
You can link many of these devices directly to your phone, so even if you are away, you will receive an alert of any activity. If the notification of activity is suspicious, you can contact your local police department to check on your home. Adding a surveillance camera to your home has an added advantage too.
Find a Secure Way to Store Valuables
In the worst-case scenario, if someone were able to break into your home, it’s essential to keep your valuables hidden and secure. While it’s tempting to protect every item in your home, try to consider these items the ones that hold the most value or cannot be replaced.
A safe is a good option for valuables as it is highly secure and difficult to crack. However, depending on the size you want, they can be expensive.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, try securing your most valuable items in a room with a heavy lock. Rather than a regular interior door lock — which thieves can often pick quickly and easily — opt for a more heavy-duty lock that requires a physical key. While it’s not a guarantee against thieves, it can complicate their job and buy you time to get assistance.
If you are still unsure about the safety of your valuables in your home, another alternative is a safety deposit box. Rather than keep your most prized possessions inside your home, they will be safely locked away at a bank, out of a burglar’s reach. The cost of safety deposit boxes ranges from bank to bank and the size you desire, so shop around to find a price that works with your budget.
Securing Your Home Without Breaking the Bank
It’s a common desire for many people to want to keep their homes and belongings safe. If you worked hard for all you have, it’s unlikely you’re willing just to give it away to someone who tries to come and take it from you.
Rather than allowing thieves easy access to your home, keep them away with these inexpensive tips. Lock all doors and windows, light up your exterior, lock your valuables away, and include smart technology such as locks and doorbells.
Using these security measures, you can ensure your home and all that sits inside it are safe and protected from potential thieves.
Alexandra Arcand writes and researches for the insurance comparison site, Clearsurance.com. She is a home security expert who enjoys sharing her safety tips with others.
