Keeping your home secure used to require a little bit of capital. Security systems used to be expensive and out of reach for many.
Thankfully, there are now many tools that are far more affordable, and a few clever hacks and habits that can be adopted to help keep your home safe.
So, whether you rent or own your home, let’s take a look at some budget-friendly ways to boost its security. With these practical tips and the right hardware, you’ll have peace of mind.
1. Reinforcing Entry Points
Entry points are the first thing you need to consider when securing your home.
They provide your first defense, but you needn’t splash out on replacing them with expensive deadbolt systems. You can make them a little more secure without a full replacement.
Door Jambs & Strike Plates
You can make forcing entry into your home a little harder for intruders with the following simple hardware upgrades:
- Stronger strike plates;
- Longer screws for hinges;
- A heavy-duty door jamb reinforcement kit.
They are inexpensive and easy to install in next to no time.
Peepholes & Smart Door Cams
It might seem antiquated, but a peephole is great for additional security when you’re home and have an unexpected visitor.
The modern equivalent is a door viewer camera, which can be connected to your phone. There are some models on the market that come in under the $50 mark.
2. Windows & Sliding Door Reinforcement
You can also reinforce your windows and sliders without it costing the earth.
Locks & Film
Consider getting some window locks to improve your security, especially if they are older frames.
Another great idea that doesn’t cost too much is to strengthen the window panes with a shatter-resistant film, making them harder to break.
Bars & Alarms
To prevent sliding doors from opening, you can fit a security bar. If funds are low, you can even use a dowel rod in the track.
A budget-friendly option is a battery-powered alarm that triggers on movement. A wind chime dangled above it can also serve the same purpose.
3. Deterring Intruders With Smart Lighting
You can make your home less appealing to burglars with lighting.
Outdoor Motion-Sensors
Outdoor lighting makes for a great deterrent, burglars don’t want to be seen breaking in.
Strategically placing motion-sensing lights to surprise trespassers is a cheap, energy-efficient way to discourage thieves.
Scheduled Lighting
Many of us leave lights or TVs on inside our homes to create the illusion that someone is there, but it is an old trick that burglars are wise to.
However, using smart scheduling or controlling your lighting from afar can be more convincing.
4. Creating Occupancy Illusion
As well as controlling lighting to fake occupancy, here are a few extra hacks to help establish the illusion.
TV Simulators & Imitation Security Cameras
Sometimes you might be away for long hours or planning a vacation. Buying a fake security camera and getting a TV light simulator can help sell the idea that someone’s home — or at least watching.
Neighborly Assistance
Community plays a role in home security, especially if you are going away. You don’t want the mail to pile up and alert anyone to your absence. Ask a trusted neighbor to collect it or to park in your driveway.
5. Smart Tech Investment
If you have a limited budget, you probably aren’t thinking smart home tech, but it is far more budget-friendly than a traditional home security system.
Budget Smart Cameras
For under fifty bucks, you can source a compact security camera that provides live streaming, motion alerts, and night vision.
You might need to invest in a few to place around entry points, but they are great value for money. Some have cloud storage and work with virtual assistants.
Budget Smart Doorbells
It used to be that only those in a more luxurious home had something as high-tech as a video doorbell.
Today, the majority of people surveyed (71%) have one installed. Budget models start around $100 — making them an accessible option for most households.
6. Modern Digital Security Needs
In modern times, the security of your home isn’t just physical. There are online security considerations, especially if you are going to use smart devices to protect your home.
Wi-Fi Passwords & Guest Networks
Secure your router by changing its default name and password, and regularly changing your WiFi password.
If you’re using smart home devices, set them up to operate on a separate guest network.
Traffic Encryption & Location Shielding
If you are going to be checking in to watch your home from an app, then make sure your remote access is secure.
You can hide your IP to shield your location, and encrypt your internet traffic with a VPN. Many VPN services have budget-friendly subscriptions.
Final Thoughts
Securing your home doesn’t have to break the bank. Fortunately, today’s market offers affordable hardware options.
Aside from these smart purchases, there are a few little hacks to help make your home less appealing as a potential target.
With today’s tips and a little creativity, you can build a DIY security setup that suits your budget and lifestyle. Just remember to use combined security solutions and layer multiple low-cost strategies that cover both physical and digital security needs.