10 Frugal Tips to Protect Your Home

Protect Your Home, , ,

Here are 10 Frugal Tips to Protect Your Home. Your home is your sanctuary. Although you may be living a frugal life to reap the benefits of retiring early, you still shouldn’t compromise your security or that of your family. A burglary can take away all your hard work and worse, it can leave you with damages that can cost you a fortune.

Burglaries are easy to prevent. The key is to make sure your home won’t look like an easy target. To achieve this, you can use the following tips to keep your home safe without breaking your budget or even your bank account.

This is a guest post from TopSecurityReview. It is a site that is full of well analyzed and useful information and one to look at if you are interested in Home Security or are in the market for home security systems and products. TopSecurityReview.com (non-affiliate) specializes in providing high quality home security system reviews.

The 10  Frugal Tips to Protect  Your Home

  1. Clean your lawn.

To avoid burglars on your lawn, make it a habit to always keep your plants properly trimmed. Overgrown bushes and shrubs can be used as good hiding spots. They can also decrease your home’s visibility which, in effect, can leave a burglary unnoticed.

  1. Use better lighting.

Instead of using conventional lights on your property, you can try installing motion activated lights. This type of light automatically turns on at the first sign of activity. If buying a new set of lights isn’t an option, making sure there’s light on your doors, particularly at night, can be as equally effective.

  1. Change your locks.

Traditional door locks may no longer be enough to keep your home safe. For better security, try installing deadbolt locks instead. They are relatively cheaper than buying smart locks but are as highly resistant against door lock picking and jamming. An intruder will have a hard time opening your doors without bringing his own heavy-duty tools. You should keep in mind, however, that any type of lock won’t be effective in protecting your home if they aren’t used consistently.

  1. Break your routine.

Before a burglar implements his plan, there’s a good chance he could have surveyed your property and your schedule thoroughly. To put him off, try breaking your routine once in a while. You can drop by your home during lunch this week or go home earlier than usual on the next.

  1. Get a dog.

Dogs are proven effective as burglar deterrents. Their bark can be more than enough to make intruders scamper away. However, if you think keeping a dog at home is too expensive, you can install motion-activated barking alarms instead. These devices can scare away burglars as effective as real dogs barking, minus the cost of food and trips to the vet.

  1. Set up surveillance cameras, even if they’re fake.

Fake surveillance cameras can help prevent any unwanted activities in your lawn. Most of them include blinking red lights to trick burglars that they are actually keeping a record of everything. Although they cost lower than real home cameras, they can’t give you any hard evidence in case such activities push through. They also don’t offer any means of monitoring your home.

  1. Be friends with your neighbors or start a neighborhood watch program.

Your neighbors are the first people who can respond to your emergencies. They are also the first ones who can tell if someone suspicious is prying into your home. By building close ties with your neighbors, you’re sure to have eyes constantly monitoring your property even if you’re away. A neighborhood watch program, on the other hand, increases not only your home’s security but the safety of everyone in the community. Constant surveillance in the area will deny any criminal opportunities to cause trouble.

  1. Limit online posts.

If you’re going out of town for a vacation or you just purchased a new appliance, it’ll be better if you won’t announce it on your social media accounts. Burglars can also use the internet to spy on you and your belongings. To avoid giving false invitations, do not share any details about planned trips, such as when you’ll be leaving and when you’re expected to return.

  1. Make it look like you’re home.

Burglars tend to avoid circumstances that can put them at risk of getting caught. If a home is clearly occupied, they’ll move on to much weaker targets. To mislead burglars, you can leave a pair of shoes on your doorstep. You should also make it a point to turn off the ringer on your phone. Unanswered phone calls are sure sign that nobody’s home.

  1. Consider getting a home monitoring system.

In Closing:

10 Frugal Tips to Protect Your HomeAs more and more people are making their purchases online, more and more bad guys are taking advantage by grabbing our purchases from our front porch. There are also the thefts of convenience when we leave our garage door open for any period of time. I have considered installing cameras to prevent theft or at least assist law enforcement and have a chance to recover my property if I am unfortunate and have this happen. It is something all of us should consider regardless of how safe we believe our neighborhoods to be. In any case the 10 Frugal Tips to Protect Your Home are good ideas for everyone to keep in mind and consider.

Do have any other frugal home protection tips to add to the 10 Frugal Tips to Protect Your Home?

Have you considered home security systems or products?

Do you use any home security systems or products?

78 thoughts on “10 Frugal Tips to Protect Your Home”

    1. Thanks for the comment Steve. I have been thinking about it too. We plan to enjoy more early retirement time away from home traveling so leaving our home unoccupied more of the year makes me believe a security system may be in our future. I have never had or lived with a Home Security System so it will start by comparing options with TopSecurityReview and doing some research to understand what I need to know.
      Tommy

  2. We don’t have anything, but we’re both home during the day and most nights. That helps.

    I think my favorite anecdote about home security is when one of the companies left a big ole flyer about their services on the outside of our door. Which pretty much advertised that we weren’t home.

    1. Thanks for the comment. I have been home and because I have a no solicitation sign they leave the door hanger anyway. What I hate is when I put a vacation hold on my newspaper when we go on vacation and then there are newspapers still delivered and left sitting there. I usually have neighbors keep an eye open to clear them when we are gone for days at a time for security reasons. We had very little in our young family days and yet our house was burglarized and they took stuff they thought they could pawn. Our one an only 17 inch color TV and my tools/tool box. We didn’t even have dead bolts back then. It’s a horrible feeling of violation.
      Tommy

  3. We recently installed Frontpoint, and it made us sleep better at night! It’s a good investment, I must say.

    1. Thanks for the comment Homer. I hadn’t heard of Frontpoint before this post so I looked them up. It looks like a tight system. They happen to be rated on top at TopSecurityReview.com too.
      Tom

  4. Thanks so much for sharing these tips on protecting your home! I had no idea that simply keeping your lawn neat could help protect you from potential thefts! That’s a really good idea– I’ll have to try looking into that more. It might also be a good idea to look into changing my locks. I don’t think I have even inspected them since I first bought my house a few years ago!

    1. Thanks for the comment Linda. The up-kept lawn and lock tips are courtesy of the experts at TopSecurityReview.com. I too could change out my locks for the latest and greatest versions now available.
      Tommy

  5. Every one of these tips are great. Your home is vulnerable when no one is home so it’s important to take every precaution that you can. Thanks so much for sharing!

    1. Thanks for the comment Drew. I only posted what the experts at TopSecurityReview.com provided to me as I have not considered some of their great tips. We should always try to do what we can to secure our home, our sanctuary.
      Tommy

  6. A couple of things I wanted to mention. When buying deadbolts do not buy the ones that have a turn latch inside. Buy the ones that need a key and just leave it in the lock. on the inside of the doors you use often. If there is one you don’t use just leave the keep on a loop on the door knob. That way when you are away you remove it if someone breaks the window to get in they can’t open the door or if they come in the window they will have to go out the same way. I also have 12v accent lighting around the house. Not only are they decorative but there are no dark corners for anyone to hide. I also have wireless remote motion sensors. If someone goes in my back gate the front porch light comes on. They even have ones that will turn on an outlet in the house so you can have a stereo or a light plugged into it.

    1. Thanks for the awesome comment with tips. The keyed dead bolt idea is a good one. Makes it just that much harder for a burglar. Adding landscape lighting for both aesthetics and security is a smart frugal application and remote sensors cost very little to deploy.
      Tommy

  7. I have always been careful to leave at least one light on in my house while I am on vacation, in an attempt to deter them from breaking in. However, I have been overlooking the very real possibility that burglars could be accessing information about my travel through social media! Thank you for bringing this up. I will be much more likely to resist the impulse to post on social media next time my family and I are away.

  8. I can’t imagine not having deadbolt locks on my exterior doors. I actually have heard that it’s even best to have the deadbolt plate installed with screws that are at least 3 inches long for even more security. Security systems are another must-have for my personal home security as well!

    1. Thanks for the comment Angela. Very good point. The long screws are necessary to reach the door’s stud framing making it harder to kick it in. Short screws just attached through the door frame could easily be torn out with a kick.
      Tommy

  9. Our neighbors were out of town for Christmas they didn’t make arrangements with anyone to shovel their walks. Some friend of theirs had left a present next to the front door and UPS had left 2 packages that sat there for several days. All glaring signs that they were not home. They apparently have complete faith in their expensive security system. I would not because that relies on a rapid police response and we are less than 2 minutes from a freeway onramp.

    1. Thanks for the comment Rolff. Wow, that is trusting. My neighborhood is in a low crime area but I would not do that. I wonder if their security system blares out a whole neighborhood loud siren, LOL. Because you are right, it could take too long for police to be on the scene after the security company scrutinizes the alarm and the police response/travel time. Then what would they do? People out of town with no way to contact. A kicked in door or broken window exposing their home to the elements until they return? Perhaps they assume a good neighbor like you would just take care of things for them.
      Tommy

      1. It is not a low crime area. There was a time when I was that neighbor who would take care of everything but I have been taken advantage of too often. I was tempted to move their packages but was afraid if I did and something happened to them I would be blamed.
        Another neighbor travels a lot. His driveway and sidewalk to his door don’t have any footprints in the snow from a storm 5 days ago.

        1. Rolff, then they were foolish and a little too trusting that their security system will protect them from loss. Sounds like the neighbor just makes assumptions and takes advantage of others. Good examples of what not to do when you leave on vacation.
          Tommy

  10. I have to have a house that I feel safe in. Good door locks – deadbolts, are a must. As you mentioned you need to make sure that it looks like someone is around. Great tips, thanks for sharing.

    1. Thanks for the comment Laurie. Regardless of how safe we think our neighborhood, city, suburb, or town is we do need to take home security into account. It is when we think nothing will ever happen is when the unthinkable does happen. Simple things do make a huge difference.
      Tommy

  11. These are certainly great tips. Clean up overgrown landscaping and keep bushes trim. While you’re at it, keep your walkways picked up as well. This isn’t so much for burglars but for you! You don’t want to create a tripping hazard for you or your guests by cluttering up walkways.

  12. Hi…

    This post is really helpful in terms of home protection….

    Surveillance cameras, CCTV video camera set ups is a must ….to monitor your home even while staying away from home… I liked all the tips because they are genuine and worthy enough to be sued for self, family and home protection.

    Thanks for sharing this post with us!!

    1. Thanks for the comment. I agree with you in that a pro thief will spot it as a fake. Fake cameras would only possibly cause a young vandal or anyone who wouldn’t be sure if it’s real to be cautious and just move on to the lesser defended looking property. Fake cameras can only hope to do that. There is no other home defense quality to them.
      Tommy

  14. Wow, it is so interesting post. Very useful information. I really like this post.
    I will bookmark and share to everyone. Thanks for posting a great article. Your idea is outstanding.
    I’m very glad that I stumbled throughout this in my search for something regarding this.
    I have read and shared to all my friends. Thanks again

  15. I love the tips here! Indeed, one needs not spend much to protect his home. Who will ever notice that what’s installed at home is a cheap fake security camera that looks so real?!

    1. Thanks for the comment Jackie B. Although fake cameras are a frugal way to deter an amateur thief or druggy opportunist I would have to think a pro would be able to tell that the fake cameras are just that. But then a pro is getting in no matter what there is if they are motivated to do so. I think a combination of things that make any property less attractive to a criminal is better than doing nothing.
      Tommy

    1. Thanks for the comment Brian. I totally agree with you that having a dog is a great home security thief deterrent with other benefits. Our last dog was a large Black-Lab mix with a deep loud bark. We never worried about someone willing to risk meeting what was behind the door or window. He did provide a security measure and also gave us all the many blessings having a loving pet and fury family member brings. We do miss him.
      Tommy

  17. Wow, great post! This is definitely some great info and advice. Security cameras around your house are great to have in case anything does happen, so you will have everything recorded. Thanks for sharing!

  18. That’s pretty impressive! Thanks for sharing this blog with the readers. The information you have provided is useful for me.

  19. I appreciate your third tip about changing your locks on your home. My wife and I would love to feel safer in our neighborhood. We’re also looking into possibly installing security doors. This seems like a great way to keep unwanted people out.

    1. Thanks for the comment Sam. We use a good storm door that has a lock. I haven’t looked at security doors but I have to assume they don’t look like the old steel doors of past and might be something people should consider.
      Tommy

  20. Great points and thank you for sharing them. Here in my place, is definitely essential for our home to be well-secured. Even if you’re confident that your place is safe, it’s better to be sure than not. Better have those security essentials inside your home. Anyways, amazing read. Cheers!

  21. Good Suggestions. Thank you for sharing these great tips to secure our homes. I think we are now living in the age of technology, so if we use technology to secure our homes it will be better than anything. Z-Wave technology provides the home automation systems to ensure the security, if we use Z-Wave devices to enhance the security it will be better.

    1. Thanks for the comment Portella. I think it only works to discourage nonprofessional thieves. The random opportunist may move on to easier pickings. My assumption is a seasoned burglar can tell the fake from real security cameras if they really want to target our home.
      Tommy

      1. The dummy cameras come with a 6 inch cable to replicate a coax connection. I used heat shrink electrical connector to a 2 ft long Coax cable. I tucked it along the edge of the roof to the spot where I would have run an actual cable. In hopes it would add to the realism if anyone examined it for more than a second.

  23. I just bought my first home and I want to keep it safe. It is good to know that I should think about changing the locks on my doors and windows. In the future, I would love to put an automatic gate around my property. That way, I know it is even safer.

    1. Thanks for the comment Penelope. I can see there being convenience to having an automatic gate if one was to fence off their entire property. Though it’s far from being a frugal home protection idea for most people, I suppose whether the cost to do something like that is frugal or not is relative to one’s financial status.
      Tommy

  24. I agree that one should have cameras installed in order to prevent getting things stolen while one’s garage door is open. In my opinion, homeowners can also decrease this type of robbery by getting their doors repaired as soon as possible. That way, they can serve as a barrier against thieves while making it easier to open and close it to store or retrieve a car.

  25. Great Article , Thanks for shearing this post . I am very interesting this topic . I would like to share my opinion on this topic .Trendy expertise has made obtainable higher safety methods to guard your private home, and people methods begin with good locks. A residential locksmith will assist you to determine what kinds of locks you want for all of the home windows and doorways in your house.

    1. Thanks for the tip Randy. Using a locksmith or retailer with a resident locksmith can be a good bet. I actually used a locksmith to recommend my best lock options and then key all of them with the same key. DIY locks and doorknobs usually only come in pairs at retailers. In my case I needed 3.
      Tommy

  26. Thank you so much for this very wonderful
    piece. Sorting out for the best home security
    system can be excruciating, but
    here you have made it simple and
    made it look so easy. I look forward to read
    more of your educating post in the near future.

  27. Thanks for the helpful suggestion to replace all door locks with deadbolts to keep intruders away from trying to lock pick or jam the door open. When you said that, it convinced me to hire one for my sister this weekend before she leaves on a week’s vacation to Italy next week. With their help, they can keep all her items secure and prevent her from spending more on getting them replaced after a robbery too.

  31. Checking your home’s electrical system regularly is another way of protecting your home from dangers and accidents. In addition, it is also a plus if you check your sockets and extension cords if they are in a good working condition. Thanks for sharing this, very helpful!

  32. It really stuck me when you said that bad guys will just grab online purchases from our front porch. Getting packages from amazon has sometimes been amazing because it’s so easy. However it don’t want to lose anything because someone just decided to take it.

  33. I liked your advice about potentially adding cameras around your porch and garage. That does seem like it would help me out if any packages get stolen from my property. Also, it might be smart for me to think about getting a professional to help with installing those as well.

  34. Just to add, you can also check your house for any signs of reconstruction. By doing this, you will be able to make the necessary repairs and replace it with high-quality materials. 🙂 Thanks for sharing this, very helpful!

  37. This is some really good information about protecting your home. I liked what you said about how it would be smart to get a good security system for your home. It also seems like a good idea to get research any contractors you hire to work on your home as well.

    1. Thanks for the comment Penelope. You make a good point. Anyone we hire to work on our home will have full access in most cases. Only use reputable professionals and verify. I make it a rule to NEVER engage with door knocker contractors that roam the neighborhoods, especially after a big hail or other storm event. It can be used as a simple guise for criminals to just case your home for other reasons.
      Tommy

  38. I appreciate your third tip about making sure to change your locks on your home. My wife and I just moved into a new home a few weeks ago. We’d love to have a professional come out and change out all of our locks.

    1. Thanks for the comment Sam. Many lock sets are an easy DIY but not all. Check to see if yours are easily removable from inside the house with a screw driver. Then it’s just a matter of going to nearest hardware store to buy a replacement set with new keys. Of course, some aren’t or the job may be more than you want to DIY so calling a professional locksmith is t way the to go. Check Yelp and other sites to get one with good reviews.
      Tommy

  39. I like how you advise being acquainted with neighbors. By building ties with them, if ever an accident happens in our home we can easily get help from them and vice versa. If ever, we need an Accident Reconstruction Specialist to help us out since our door locks were jammed when someone broke in.

  41. Calling annual electrical maintenance doesn’t hurt as well, my family used to have this kind of process to check every electrical outlet and wire, etc concerning electricity, it’s better to be cautious rather than lost everything in an accident.

  42. I appreciate the primer on protecting our home frugally. It is astonishing that when you suggested cutting the grass in the lawn because no one will find interest in rushing into a house with flat grass because of CCTV technology. We would like to ask the local residential security guard company to help us out with this.

  43. Hi there.i was searching on the Best Security Camera Systems For Home and i found your site. very nice site..very nice site design and layout.information is very useful. The author has done very good research in writing.it helped me a lot.thanks for writing.keep up good work.

  44. I want to go on vacation this March. However, I just bought my first home, and I want it to be safe while I am gone. It is nice to know that I should get a security system or surveillance cameras. That does seem like it would allow me to check up on my house while I am away.

  46. This is very useful article. Hope it can realize people that home security is really important today.Thank you for this nice sharing. and also This is also helpful on our business. Its perfect for shop owners that cannot do full time watch on their shop.

  47. Hi, I am looking for a perfect article about home security. Because I want to secure my home. Your top 10 Frugal Tips are very useful for me. I am thinking about it. Great suggestions.

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