Moving into a new home is a hectic time, with so much to organise at once. It’s unsurprising if security isn’t at the top of your priorities when you’ve got boxes to unpack, rooms to decorate, furniture to install and a new address to share around. If you forget about securing your home, though, you might end up regretting it.
When you move house, you don’t know anything about the previous tenants of the property you’re moving into. While you would hope they weren’t notorious gang members or criminals, it’s still wise to take steps to ensure your new home is secure from unwanted visitors. Take a look at the following steps to securing your home after you move in:
1. Get friendly with your neighbours
Getting on talking terms with your new neighbours at the very least is a good idea if you want to stay protected within your community. If you have a good relationship with the people who live close by to you, they’ll be more than happy to watch over your house while you’re away, and you can do the same for them.
2. Install a security system
Shockingly, according to the National Council for Home Safety and Security, only 17% of houses in the US have a working security system. You’re missing out if your new home is without one – a security system can alert you to a potential intrusion at the moment it happens, and the sound of a blaring alarm is normally all it takes for an intruder to take off in the opposite direction.
3. Change your locks
If your new home’s locks are the ones used by the previous tenants, make changing them the very first thing you do. You don’t know who still has access to keys for your property, whether knowingly or unknowingly. Stay safe and contact a locksmith to inquire about discount key machines and discuss changing all previous locks.
4. Install security lighting
A criminal who’s caught in the act isn’t going to stick around for long, and that’s why it’s recommended to install outdoor security lighting around your new property. Motion sensor lights are a great idea, as they conserve energy and only switch on when movement is detected.
5. Lock your windows
We hear so much about making sure to always keep your doors locked, but people often forget the importance of locking their windows, too. A simple window latch isn’t enough to protect your new home against a break-in, and if you find that yours aren’t the best, it might be time to upgrade to something a little more secure.
6. Get a dog
Obviously, getting a pet isn’t convenient for everyone, especially one as demanding as a dog. If you have been looking for a furry addition to your home, though, you can’t go wrong with a dog for security purposes. Not only are they loving companions, dogs can detect sound that humans can’t, and will often alert you to approaching visitors by barking. Their barking alone will most likely deter an intruder.
