Worried about the security of your home but don’t want to break the bank? Fear not, my frugal friends! In this article, we’ve got 10 cheap home security hacks that will have you sleeping soundly at night without emptying your wallet.
From clever DIY solutions to simple tricks you may have never thought of, these ideas will help keep your home safe and secure. Read on for the ultimate guide to smart, budget-friendly home security hacks!
Protecting your home doesn’t have to be expensive. Use cheap security hacks like motion sensor lights, Alexa, and making your home look occupied. DIY solutions such as security cameras and video doorbells are also cost-effective. Be creative to improve your home’s security without breaking the bank.
Your home is where you should have peace of mind and feel your most comfortable. To be able to unwind, you need to feel completely safe and protected.
So, how can you protect your home on the cheap, while getting the most security? Keep in mind that most would-be intruders and burglars are not typically criminal masterminds. They can be deterred to some extent by creative and resourceful homeowners.
Read on to learn a few cheap home security hacks to lower your risk of falling victim to a break-in.
For more tips on how to live alone and save money, read our article on 17 Tips On The Cheapest Ways to Live Alone!
How Can I Secure My Home Cheaply?
If you want to secure your home and the valuable items inside it cheaply, there are several ways to go about it. In fact, you do not have to go through a company and buy their expensive home security systems to get a lot of the same perks.
Whether you use DIY home security hacks or a good imitation security system, the good news is that you can secure your home quickly and easily.
Standalone Security Items
Many standalone items that function in similar ways can be purchased at low cost and set up easily. This will allow you to secure your home DIY-style, and often without extra monthly expenses such as a monitoring fee.
Variations of the items below would come with a full security system, but you can buy the items you need separately to save money.
Programmable Alarms
Alarms like the ones from Simplisafe are a good choice because they are very easy to install and allow you to purchase as many different sensors as you need.
The programmable alarm system can be customized to fit your individual needs and preferences.
You can set the time when you want the alarm to sound, choose between chimes or sirens, adjust the sensitivity of motion sensors and control it remotely through your smartphone.
You also have access to a 24/7 professional monitoring service that will alert you if there is an intruder in your home.
It’s inexpensive compared to other alarm systems and best of all, if you move you can take the system with you.
Video Doorbells
Video doorbells, like the Ring, for example, are extremely popular.
Video doorbells are an excellent way to secure your home from burglars. They are typically Wi-Fi enabled and come with a camera, speaker, and microphone.
When someone rings the doorbell, you get an alert on your smartphone and can see and talk to the visitor using the app.
Video doorbells can also detect motion and send alerts to your phone, so you’ll know if someone is lurking around your front door even if they don’t ring the doorbell.
Some models can also integrate with other smart home devices, such as Alexa or Google Home, to provide even more security features.
Additionally, video doorbells can record footage, so you can review it later if needed. This can be helpful in identifying potential burglars or other suspicious activity.
Overall, video doorbells are an excellent way to enhance the security of your home and give you peace of mind.
Motion Detecting Spotlights
Motion detecting spotlights are a security measure that can help deter burglars and provide added safety to your home. These lights are designed to detect motion and automatically turn on when they sense movement in their range.
They can be installed in a variety of locations, including near entry points such as doors and windows, as well as in other areas around your property.
One benefit of motion detecting spotlights is that they provide an added layer of security by illuminating dark areas of your property, making it more difficult for burglars to approach undetected.
Additionally, the sudden burst of light can startle intruders and draw attention from neighbors or passersby, potentially scaring off the would-be thief.
Another advantage of motion detecting spotlights is that they can be set up to turn on only when motion is detected, helping to conserve energy and reduce electricity costs.
Some models also offer adjustable sensitivity levels, so you can customize the range and intensity of the light to suit your specific needs.
Overall, motion detecting spotlights are a relatively inexpensive and effective way to increase the security of your home and provide added peace of mind.
Just be sure to install these outdoor lights high enough that they will be out of reach for a potential intruder to damage them.
Alexa
One cheap and easy way to make your home look occupied when you’re not there is to use an Alexa or other smart speaker.
Most smart speakers, like Alexa allow you to set up routines or schedules that can turn lights on and off or play music at certain times of the day. This can create the illusion that someone is at home, even if you’re actually away.
For example, you could set your smart speaker to turn your living room lights on at 7 pm and off at 10 pm. You could also schedule it to play music for an hour in the evening, just like you would if you were home.
This can help deter burglars who might be watching your home, as it suggests someone is inside and going about their normal routine.
If you have smart plugs or smart bulbs, you can also use them to control other devices in your home, such as a television or radio. You can set them to turn on and off at different times, so it looks like someone is watching TV or listening to music.
Using smart speakers and devices to create the illusion of someone being home is an effective and budget-friendly way to improve your home security.
It’s a good idea to mix up the timing and patterns of your routines, so they don’t become predictable, and a burglar can’t easily figure out if someone is actually home or not.
Imitation Security Items
You can also get a long way just by making potential intruders think you have defenses you might not actually have. Often, just seeing them surrounding your home is enough to deter anyone from approaching with ill intent.
Dummy Security Cameras
A dummy security camera is a non-functional camera that is designed to look like a real surveillance camera. The purpose of a dummy camera is to deter potential intruders by creating the illusion of surveillance and security, without actually having to invest in a real security system.
A passerby has no way of knowing if the home security cameras they see are really hooked up to a system or not. They are less likely to attempt a burglary if they think you might catch them on a video feed.
Dummy security cameras can be a cost-effective way to enhance the security of your home or business, as they are typically much less expensive than real cameras. They can also be easy to install, as they often come with mounting hardware and can be powered by batteries.
However, it is important to note that dummy cameras do not provide actual surveillance footage, and therefore cannot capture evidence of any crimes or intrusions.
Additionally, experienced burglars or criminals may be able to recognize the fake cameras and not be deterred by them.
Fake Home Security Signs
A fake home security system sign in the yard functions the same way. As I mentioned in another article, just be sure the signs do not look obviously fake, or it could confirm your home is vulnerable.
Fake home security signs are another way to deter potential burglars. These signs are typically designed to mimic the look and feel of real security signs, with warning messages about alarms and surveillance systems.
The idea is to create the illusion that your home is protected by a security system, even if you don’t actually have one.
While fake security signs may not be as effective as real ones, they can still be a useful tool in your overall home security strategy. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to install, and can be effective in deterring opportunistic burglars who are looking for an easy target.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that experienced burglars may be able to spot a fake security sign, especially if they are familiar with the brand of the security system that the sign is mimicking.
So, while fake security signs can be a useful addition to your home security, they should be used in conjunction with other security measures such as real security cameras, smart locks, and monitored alarm systems.
Beware Of Dog Signs
A “beware of dog” sign need not even be fake. You could have a dog, of course. Dog breeds like these are the best ones for single females who live alone and make a great deterrent for a criminal.
A “Beware of Dog” sign can be an effective way to deter potential burglars or intruders, even if you don’t actually have a dog. Here are a few reasons why:
- Creates the impression of a guard dog: A “Beware of Dog” sign can make a burglar think twice before attempting to break into your home, as they may believe that you have a large, aggressive dog that will attack them.
- Indicates that someone is home: A sign like this can also suggest that someone is home and taking care of the dog, which can make a potential intruder think that they are being watched and monitored.
- Simple and inexpensive: A “Beware of Dog” sign is a simple and inexpensive way to add an extra layer of security to your home. It’s also easy to install – simply place it in a visible location, such as near your front door or gate.
While a “Beware of Dog” sign can be effective, it’s important to note that it’s not a substitute for an actual guard dog or other security measures, such as an alarm system or motion-activated lights.
Barking Dog Alarms
If you are not a dog person, or you do not have an especially intimidating breed, though, a sign is sometimes all it takes to make a burglar reconsider.
Another thing to try is a barking dog alarm. Barking dog alarms are alarms that simulate the sound of a barking dog.
One such option is the Streetwise Virtual K9 Barking Dog Alarm. This alarm catches motion from about 10 feet away (even through walls – although not metal walls). You can set it to bark, alarm sound or doorbell chime.
The drawbacks are that some reviewers complain that the barking is on a 15-second loop, so the same bark repeats if someone stands around long enough to check it out. This can make it seem less than realistic.
It runs on AC power via an adapter or using AA batteries.
Alexa Guard
Alexa Guard is a feature of Amazon’s Alexa virtual assistant that can help enhance home security. When enabled, Alexa Guard uses the microphones of an Amazon Echo device to listen for sounds such as glass breaking or smoke detectors going off.
If such sounds are detected, Alexa Guard can send a notification to your phone, and it can also integrate with compatible home security systems to automatically trigger an alarm.
In addition to listening for sounds, Alexa Guard can also integrate with compatible smart home devices such as lights and smart locks.
When you enable Alexa Guard, you can set up “Away” mode, which will turn on and off lights in a way that mimics someone being home. You can also use the feature to arm and disarm compatible security systems using voice commands or through the Alexa app.
It’s important to note that Alexa Guard is not a substitute for a traditional monitored home security system, but rather a useful supplement that can help provide an extra layer of security and peace of mind.
Front Door Security Hacks
Everyone’s big fear is coming home and finding out that someone has opened a door or window and gotten into their house.
There are several options to increase the security on your front door. You do not need to implement all of these, but choosing a handful of the following security measures will greatly increase your home’s security.
Replace Deadbolt Strike Plate And Screws
Replacing the deadbolt strike plate and screws is an effective way to increase the security of your door. The strike plate is the metal plate that attaches to the door frame and receives the latch or bolt from the lock. It’s typically held in place with two or three screws that are usually short and thin.
To increase the security of your door, you can replace the strike plate with a longer, thicker, and more durable one that is secured to the frame with longer screws.
The longer screws should be at least three inches in length and should penetrate deeply into the door frame, reaching the wall studs.
This will make it much more difficult for an intruder to kick in the door or force it open, as the longer screws will provide a much stronger and more secure connection between the strike plate and the door frame.
When replacing the strike plate, make sure it’s the correct size and shape for your deadbolt, and that it’s installed properly and securely. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, it’s best to hire a professional locksmith to do it for you.
Door Barricades
A door barricade can be an effective way to increase the security of your home. There are a few different types of barricades that you can use, including:
- Floor-mounted barricades: These are devices that you attach to the floor and then slide into place behind your door when you want to secure it. They are often made of metal and can be very effective at preventing someone from kicking in your door.
- Door jammers: These are portable devices that you can place under your door knob or handle to prevent the door from opening. They typically work by using a wedge or other type of mechanism to create resistance against the door.
- Security bars: These are bars that you attach to your door frame and then slide into place behind your door. They are often made of metal and can be very difficult to break through.
When choosing a door barricade, it’s important to make sure that it’s easy to use and that it can be quickly deployed in case of an emergency. You also want to make sure that it’s strong enough to resist a forced entry attempt.
Additionally, you may want to consider getting a barricade that can be easily removed from the inside in case of a fire or other emergency.
Add A Peephole To Your Door
Adding a peephole to your door is a great way to increase your home security by allowing you to see who is at your door before opening it.
Here are the steps to install a peephole:
- Choose a location: The best place to install a peephole is at eye level, typically 4-5 feet above the ground. Choose a spot that gives you a clear view of your entryway.
- Measure and mark: Measure the distance from the edge of the door to the center of the peephole, typically 1.5-2 inches. Use a pencil to mark the center point of where the peephole will go.
- Drill the hole: Use a drill bit that matches the size of your peephole, typically ⅜ inch, and drill straight through the door at the center point you marked.
- Insert the peephole: Insert the peephole from the outside of the door, making sure the lens is facing out. Secure it in place with the provided screws or fasteners.
- Test the peephole: Look through the peephole from both inside and outside the door to make sure you have a clear view.
By installing a peephole, you can safely identify visitors before opening your door, making it a simple and effective home security measure.
How Do I Secure Windows Without Bars?
Windows are just as important as doors when it comes to home security. People who open windows to get air through the home without having some type of activated window sensors attached are just giving burglars an open invitation to break in.
Window screens are always a favorite for agile intruders. Opening an unlocked window and then cutting through the screen grants easy access.
Consider these security apparatuses below to protect your windows from all kinds of intrusion.
Reinforced Window Locks
Reinforcing your window locks is an effective way to secure your windows without the need for bars.
Here are some steps you can take to reinforce your window locks:
- Install keyed locks: Install keyed locks on your windows to make it difficult for intruders to open them. Keyed locks are more secure than the standard latches that come with most windows.
- Add window pins: Window pins are small metal pins that are inserted into the window frame to prevent the window from sliding open. They are easy to install and can be removed quickly in case of emergency.
- Use window security film: Security film is a clear, adhesive film that is applied to the glass of your windows. It strengthens the glass and makes it harder to break, making it more difficult for intruders to gain entry.
- Install window sensors: Window sensors can be added to your windows to alert you if they are opened. They can be connected to your security system or a standalone alarm.
- Use security bars: Security bars are a last resort option, but they are effective at preventing forced entry. They can be installed on the inside of your windows and can be easily removed in case of emergency.
Sash Jammers
Sash jammers are an additional security measure that can be added to windows to increase their resistance to forced entry. They work by providing an additional point of contact between the window frame and the sash, making it more difficult for the window to be forced open.
Sash jammers are typically made from metal and are attached to the window frame with screws. When the window is closed, the jammer is engaged by sliding a metal arm across to prevent the window from being opened.
Some sash jammers are also lockable, adding an additional layer of security.
Sash jammers are relatively inexpensive and easy to install, making them a popular choice for homeowners looking to increase the security of their windows. They can be used on a variety of window types, including casement, sash, and tilt and turn windows.
Security Film
Security film is a very cool option if you do not mind spending a bit of extra money. These thin films apply to your windows and make them extremely durable.
Security film is a type of window film that is designed to strengthen and secure glass windows. It is made of a tough, transparent material that is applied to the inside of a window. The film is typically made from a polyester material that is coated with an adhesive layer.
Security film is designed to hold shattered glass in place in the event of a break-in or other incident that causes the window to break. This can help prevent intruders from gaining access to your home or business, as well as protect people inside from injury from flying glass.
Security film comes in a variety of thicknesses and grades, with thicker and higher-grade films providing greater protection. Some security films also offer other benefits, such as energy savings by reducing solar heat gain and reducing UV radiation.
Overall, security film is a cost-effective way to improve the security of your windows without having to install bars or grilles. It can also provide other benefits, such as energy savings and increased privacy.
However, it is important to choose a reputable installer and high-quality film to ensure proper installation and maximum protection.
How Do You Secure a Glass Door from Burglars?
Securing a sliding glass door can be tricky. They offer pleasant views and easy access, but they also act as large windows, essentially, for the outside world. Follow these steps to secure your glass doors from burglars.
Window Covers
Covering glass doors with blinds or curtains makes them less obvious. Someone might look past them without thinking twice.
Install Security Bar or Rod
A security bar or rod is a long stick that fits into the door’s track. On sliding glass doors, the track must be clear for the door to open. Even if the door’s lock is compromised, the stick or rod will keep the door from opening.
If you don’t want to go the extra mile and invest in an actual security bar, your next best defense is to put a broom handle, a 2 x 2 piece of wood, or something similar into the track.
This effective security hack won’t allow the sliding glass door to be lifted up off the track, and above the lock (which would allows a burglar to enter your home without much effort.
Always Appear To Be At Home
Your home needs to appear occupied even when it is not. If potential burglars are watching your house and know you are not home, they are far more likely to attempt to enter and burglarize.
Timed Switches
Small, affordable wall outlets and timers are available that you can program to turn your lights and appliances on and off. If you set them to turn lights and televisions on and off at different times, they will give the appearance that someone is at home even when you are away.
Avoid Posting Social Media While Away
Posting to social media while you are away is a dead give away to anyone watching your feed. While most burglars and intruders act on impulse, you never know when someone viewing your posts online could use them as an opportunity to strike.
Use A House Sitter
It is also a good idea to have someone house sit if you’ll be gone a long time. Have them check your mail and move your trash can so that these things do not pile up and give away the fact that the house is empty.
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