Your home is one of your most valuable assets, but it can also be one of your most vulnerable. Every day, we hear stories about burglars who are opportunistic and will take advantage of your unsecured doors or windows and the best way to prevent these crimes from happening is to make sure that your home is well-protected.
Fortunately for you, there are many affordable solutions available for both renters and homeowners. Here are 15 surprising ways you can secure your home on a budget:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| – Protecting your home doesn’t have to be expensive. There are many affordable ways to improve your home security, such as using motion sensor lights and adding window locks. |
| – A home security system can provide peace of mind and protection from theft and other threats. Research your options and choose a system that fits your needs and budget. |
| – Making your home less appealing to burglars by keeping valuables hidden, installing outdoor lighting, and trimming back foliage can help deter break-ins. |
| – Knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do when it comes to home security. Be sure to research common mistakes to avoid and take steps to protect your home network from cyber threats. |
| – There are many resources available for homeowners looking to improve their home security, including articles on budget-friendly options and affordable security measures. |
Get A Dog
Invest in good locks, and install them on every door and window in your home.
Add indoor lighting for areas that are dark at night or don’t have windows at all, like the basement entrance or hallway around the garage door.
Place motion-sensor lights at key points around your property—and remember to turn them off when they’re not needed!
One of the easiest and most affordable ways to improve your home security is by implementing some simple tips and tricks. From locking your doors to installing motion sensor lights, our guide on 10 Home Security Tips You Need to Know Now has everything you need to get started.
Install Dummy Cameras
In the world of home security, a dummy camera is something that looks like a real security camera but doesn’t actually record anything.
The purpose of the dummy camera is to make your house look more secure by giving burglars the impression that you’re protected by surveillance.
This can help deter potential thieves and make it look like you have enough money to purchase expensive equipment.
Dummy cameras are easy to install and inexpensive; they’re also available in a variety of styles, so you can choose one that fits in with your home as well as your budget.
You can place them on walls or hang them from ceilings. They’ll work just as well whether they’re hidden away or placed prominently in plain sight!
Get An Alarm System
An alarm system is a great way to secure your home, and they’re affordable. You can either install one yourself or hire someone to do it for you (it’s usually cheaper if you do it yourself).
Either way, an alarm system will help deter criminals by alerting them that they are being monitored by law enforcement or private security agencies.
You can also choose whether or not your property will be monitored by professionals 24/7—a feature that may cost extra but could save you from having to pay for police help when there’s an incident at your home.
Alternately, many self-installed systems offer the option of remotely monitoring the property using apps on smartphones and computers so that homeowners can receive alerts when something happens on their property even when they aren’t there in person!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Can alert you and/or authorities immediately to a break-in or other security threat | Can be costly to purchase and maintain |
| Can deter burglars from attempting a break-in in the first place | False alarms can be inconvenient and costly |
| Can provide peace of mind for homeowners | May not prevent theft or damage from occurring |
| Can be integrated with other smart home devices and systems for increased effectiveness | May not be as effective in areas with high rates of crime |
| Smart alarm systems can provide detailed information about any incidents to help reduce the risk of false alarms | Some burglars may be familiar with certain alarm brands or systems and know how to bypass them |
Note: Some of the brands that offer alarm systems include ADT, SimpliSafe, and Vivint.
Improve Your Lock Security
The first thing you can do to secure your home is to make sure that your doors are locked. If you have an old-fashioned door lock, it’s important to install a deadbolt.
This will give you more control over who has access to the house, and also provide extra security in case someone gets in through another means (like breaking a window).
If you want even more protection from burglars, then installing an alarm system or using other technology such as video surveillance is recommended.
Another way of improving your lock security is by not leaving keys visible for others to see when you’re away from home.
It’s also advisable not leave mail in the mailbox if there isn’t anyone around who can pick up for you (especially checks).
This is because it gives potential thieves clues about what type of valuables may be inside the house at any given time (or none at all).
Protecting your home doesn’t have to break the bank. Our article on Protect Your Home with These 17 Affordable Security Measures provides cost-effective solutions for strengthening your home security, including DIY options and products available at a reasonable price point.
Create A Fake Social Media Account For Your Home
I know what you’re thinking: “Isn’t this kind of like hacking your own home?” Well, yes and no. I’m not suggesting that you create a fake social media account for your home although if you’re feeling extra paranoid, then go for it.
Instead, I recommend creating a fake social media account for yourself as the homeowner or head of household.
The idea behind this tactic is that it gives criminals an opportunity to become familiar with the person who owns the house they plan on robbing (i.e., you).
It also allows them to pick up on things they might not have noticed before—things like your daily routine or habits, which can help them predict when they won’t find anyone inside at certain times of day or night (which could come in handy if they want to break into your place while no one’s there).
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Can create the illusion that someone is always home, even when you’re away | May not be enough to deter a determined burglar |
| Can be an inexpensive way to improve your home security | Could potentially violate social media platform terms of service |
| Creates a record of activity around your home, which could be helpful to law enforcement if a burglary does occur | May not be possible to maintain the facade of “home activity” all the time |
| Easy to set up and can be done through a variety of platforms | Overuse of fake social media accounts could make them less effective |
| Can be integrated with other smart home devices and systems for increased effectiveness | Some social media platforms may flag the account as suspicious or unauthorized |
Note: Some of the brands that offer smart home devices and systems that integrate with social media platforms include Nest, Ring, and Vivint.
Use Lights And Motion Sensors
You can make your home more secure by using lights and motion sensors. Motion sensors can be used to turn lights on and off automatically, which will deter someone who is curious about how you live. A burglar would not want to attract attention by turning on a light if they didn’t need it.
Motion sensors are also useful for detecting movement in the dark, so they’re great for providing security at night or times when it’s hard to see outside of your house (like during winter).
Multiple motion-sensing devices can be linked together and programmed so that several different areas of your property will have lights turn on simultaneously if anything moves within their zones.
If you’re serious about protecting your home, investing in a home security system is a smart choice. Our guide to The Top 15 Home Security Systems for Maximum Protection explores the best options on the market, ranging from traditional alarm systems to more advanced smart home technologies.
Create A Cost Effective Driveway Alert System
There is an easy way to secure your driveway without breaking the bank.
Install motion sensors on all sides of your home, including in the garage and any other areas that someone could approach undetected.
Mount a camera in front of your driveway so that you can see who is approaching from a distance (you may want more than one camera).
You can purchase these items online or at local hardware stores for less than $100 each; this will allow you to create a cost effective driveway alert system for about $300 total if you buy everything new.
Get A Camera Doorbell
Doorbells are a great way to secure your home on a budget. The doorbell will alert you when someone is at the door, even if it’s before you arrive home so that you can prepare yourself for their arrival and make sure all is well as soon as they ring.
If there are kids in the house, consider getting a camera doorbell that allows you to remotely see who’s at the front door via smartphone or tablet app. This lets them answer the door without ever having to leave their room!
In today’s connected world, securing your home network is a crucial step in protecting your physical space from cyber threats. Check out our guide on How to Secure Your Home Network Like a Pro for tips on everything from choosing a secure router to creating strong passwords.
Install A Home Security Sign
A home security sign is a great deterrent to burglars.
It can be a great investment if you are planning on renting or selling your home, as prospective tenants and buyers will view it as an indicator that your neighborhood has at least one watchful neighbor who cares about the safety of their property.
It’s inexpensive and easy to install, whether you do it yourself or enlist the help of a locksmith.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Can deter burglars from even attempting a break-in | A sign on its own does not actually provide any physical protection |
| Often cheaper than purchasing a full home security system | Potential false sense of security – if you don’t have an actual security system, a sign may not be enough to deter a determined burglar |
| Easy to install and can be purchased from many home security companies | Some burglars may see a sign and assume you have valuable items worth stealing |
| Can provide peace of mind for homeowners who want to feel more secure | Overuse of security signs in a neighborhood could decrease their effectiveness |
Note: Some of the brands that offer home security signs include ADT and SimpliSafe.
Use Reliable Locksmiths To Get The Job Done Right
Look for a reliable locksmith. The first thing you want to do is find a locksmith who is reliable and has been in business for a while. If they’ve been around long enough, they will probably have some kind of accreditation or other credentials that prove their expertise and reliability.
Ask for references from previous customers. Get the phone numbers of people who have used this locksmith before and ask them if they’re satisfied with their work and if there were any issues with them showing up on time or completing the job as promised.
Don’t use anyone whose background checks out poorly. This should go without saying: never hire someone whose background check shows any signs of trouble!
Knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do when it comes to home security. Our article on The Most Common Home Security Mistakes to Avoid highlights the missteps homeowners often make, from being too predictable with their routines to leaving valuables in plain sight.
Conclusion
With so many home security options available, you shouldn’t have to worry about protecting your home.
If you follow these tips and recommendations, then you’ll be able to sleep soundly at night knowing that intruders won’t get past your front door or into your garage without tripping an alarm.
Further Reading
Here are some additional articles on home security and budget-friendly ways to protect your home:
10 Simple Ways to Secure Your New Home: From changing your locks to installing a security system, this article provides straightforward tips for keeping your new home safe.
13 Cheap Home Security Ideas to Protect Your Home: Check out this blog post for cost-effective ways to improve your home security, such as adding window film or installing a fake security camera.
Home security on a budget: This article explores how homeowners can protect their home without breaking the bank, including options such as smart home technologies and DIY security systems.
FAQs
What are some simple and affordable ways to secure your home?
Some simple and affordable ways to secure your home include installing deadbolts on doors, adding window locks, and installing motion-sensor lights outside.
What is the best type of home security system?
The best type of home security system depends on your specific needs. Traditional alarm systems are a popular choice, but many homeowners are opting for smart home technologies that allow for remote monitoring and control.
How can I make my home less appealing to burglars?
To make your home less appealing to burglars, consider adding security cameras, trimming back foliage and shrubs near your home, and installing outdoor lighting. It’s also a good idea to keep valuables out of sight and make your home look lived-in.
Can I install a home security system myself?
Yes, many home security systems are designed to be easy to install yourself. Be sure to read reviews and do your research to find a system that is user-friendly and provides the level of protection you need.
Is it worth investing in a home security system?
Investing in a home security system can provide peace of mind and help protect your home from theft and other threats. However, it’s important to choose a system that fits your budget and lifestyle, and to keep in mind that no system can completely eliminate the risk of a break-in.
Hi there! I’m Hellen James and I’m a writer and editor with a passion for home technology. I’ve been working in this field for over 10 years, so I know what it’s like to be a part of the growing field of smart home technology. I’ve written about everything from how to choose the right smart thermostat to what the best smart doorbell is for your needs.
