Tips to Improve Home Security After Moving to a New Home

Having to move to a new home is always a challenge. Not only will you need to deal with all the relocation necessities, but you will need to make sure that your new home is as secure as it possibly can be. Luckily, there are many ways in which you can improve home security after moving to a new home. The best thing you can do, of course, is to install the best affordable home security system in your new residence. But that is just the start. In this article, we will provide you with six other tips on how you can improve the security of your new home.

7 Tips on how you can improve home security after moving to a new home

Home security is always an ongoing project. There is always more to be done, and your home can never be perfectly secure. That being said, achieving perfect security is not only impossible, but it can be extremely costly. And money might be tight after hiring one of the best moving companies to help you relocate in the first place. That is why we’ve made sure that all our tips involve an affordable way to increase your home security. Some of them will not cost you a single dollar!

Here’s what you can do:

• Change the locks
• Introduce additional exterior lighting
• Protect your new doors and windows
• Get a dog if you can
• Install a home security system
• Socialize with neighbors
• Double-check heating systems

You might also want to take note of the landscaping around your new home. What you want to do is remove any potential hiding spots. The best thing to do to figure out these spots is to think like a burglar. To do so, you will want to try to get into the mindset of wanting to rob your own home. Go around the perimeter and see if you can spot any vulnerabilities. That is the best way to secure your backyard from intruders, as you will know exactly what needs to be improved. If you want to be extra safe, ask some of your friends to do the same thing. You might be surprised at what some people are able to exploit. But for now, let’s go over some of the other tips we have in store for you.

First things first – Change all the locks

Regardless of whether you are the first owner of your new home or not, changing the locks needs to be the first thing you do. You never know who might have access to the keys to your home, after all. What you want to do is walk around the home and take note of any locks. You will want to replace both the interior locks and exterior locks, as well as any window locks you might have. If you are moving into an old home, this will also allow you to spot if you need to be replacing your windows and doors. You might also want to change some of the locks to electronic locks if you want maximum security. This will increase the cost of the entire project, however.

Install more outdoor lights

The fact of the matter is that few burglars want to break into a well-lit home. That is why it is extremely important to install as many outdoor lights as necessary to cover the entire property. You may also want to consider installing motion sensor lights to conserve electricity and improve your neighborhood safety at the same time. Furthermore, try to connect the additional lights to a timer that you can set when you need it. This way, you will have the option to leave your home for an extended period of time while maintaining the “illusion” that someone is living in the house and turning the lights on and off.

Exterior lighting is all about deterrence. Deterrence is the best way to prevent most burglaries, as potential intruders will simply go to a darker home to do their shady business. However, deterrence alone is not enough to maximize the security of your home. You will need to do a bit more work.

Secure the doors and windows

As mentioned, deterrence is all fine and well, but it does not actually prevent a determined burglar. What does help prevent one is securing all the access points in your home. You will want to have all your doors fitted with deadlock bolts and install metal bars on your windows and any sliding doors. Furthermore, you will want to add a lock to each window that does not have one, or at the very least, install a cover. While you are doing work on the doors and windows, you may notice a few signs that you need new doors and windows. If that happens to be the case, it is always smarter to invest in new fixtures than it is to secure old ones. Of course, if money is an issue, it is better to secure what you already have than to wait until new fixtures are available.

You can also reinforce your doors with pieces of sheet metal or even plywood, and utilize interior door hinges for maximum security. If you have any pet doors, make sure that they are secure as well. Try to avoid any doors with glass panels near the doorknob if you can, as those pose a security risk.

Get a guard dog

The term “guard dog” usually refers to just about any dog. Dogs will protect your home whether they are designated guard dogs or members of your family. It does not really matter how large a dog is, as its bark is what will be the most effective method of keeping burglars at bay. Of course, larger dogs, such as Rottweilers, can also help defend your home in case of intrusion, so that is something to consider as well. All in all, having a dog in your home will considerably improve your home security. Even if your new home is a small apartment, you can consider a small dog such as a Yorkshire terrier. This little dog barks fiercely, does not shed, and can fit in pretty much any apartment without any issues.

Install a home security system

A home security system combines deterrence, burglar identification, and emergency response. Basically, it is everything you might want to protect your home. And it does not need to cost too much, either. If you choose the right outdoor security camera system, you can get full coverage for a pittance. These days, you have access to cheap security cameras that work pretty much the same as their expensive counterparts. Sure, the image quality might be lower, and there might be fewer options, but they will get the job done.

There are many ways in which you can build your home security system, and you can also opt for already-made systems. The decision is entirely up to you and will depend on your financial situation. The more elaborate the security system is, the more it will cost.

Get to know your neighbors

The best way to improve home security after moving to a new home without spending a dime is to get to know your neighbors. You may want to start walking around the neighborhood as soon as possible and say hello to all the people you see in the street. Talk to them about home security and see their thoughts on the matter. 99% of the time, your neighbors will be amenable to home security ideas.

By having friendly relations with the people in your immediate vicinity, you can also have them take care of your plants or pets while you’re away on vacation. Basically, if you want to burglar proof your home on a budget, your neighbors are your most valuable “assets”. You might even want to talk with them about forming a neighborhood watch of sorts. Everyone wants their neighborhood to be safe, and there’s a good chance your neighbors will at least consider the proposition.

Re-check your heating systems

One of the first things you will want to do to improve home security after moving to a new home is to re-check any heating systems you have. You need to verify whether the fuel that heating systems use is safe and will not cause any health problems. Furthermore, you absolutely need to check whether the fuel produces any dangerous fumes or if there’s a leak anywhere within the system. One of the mistakes that first-time home buyers make is that they presume that everything in their new home works as it should. While this may very well be the case, it is important to make sure that it is.

Of course, there are many other ways to improve home security after moving to a new home aside from these seven tips. You can find out all about them by exploring the Consumer Opinion Guide. We are your go-to resource when it comes to home security! Aside from tips, tricks, and advice, you can also find the best home security companies, home warranty companies, and much more.