No matter what the security system is like in your neighborhood, your home should be a safe sanctuary. This is where you’ll spend most of your free time, where you want to relax after a long day at work, and where your family will grow up. When you walk through the door, you want to feel at ease.

However, burglaries in the neighborhood or in your own place could make your home feel less secure than it should. We all know the usual home security drill, but here are a few ways to secure your home differently.

1.Keep it Private

Burglar alarm
Unfortunately, many of us have developed the habit of posting everything about our lives on social media. When packing up for a vacation, we post photos of our home, luggage, and even the tickets showing the time of our flight. This oversharing gives potential thieves and burglars a goldmine of information, letting them know exactly when we wouldn’t be home.

While it’s ideal not to post updates about our personal life at all, you can compromise by uploading all the images, videos, and stories when you get back. This way, you get to relive your vacation and still stay safe. The same goes for your daily routine; don’t post photos of your kids’ schools or make it obvious where you live when you’re posting online. Even if the photos are set to private, you never know who might stumble upon such images.

Another way to make sure your empty home is secure is to get a neighbor or friend (whom you trust) to check on it every once in a while. They should at least receive the mail or newspapers, which may help any passer-by know that no one is inside. Besides, the alarm systems should definitely be in place, with interior lights working on a timer.

2.Do Away With Hiding Places

Do Away With Hiding Places
Those trees, shrubs, and bushes might give a beautiful aesthetic to your home, but they’re actually a security risk. Many of us don’t even think about this factor, but it could make it easy for someone to hide in a bush near your front door. Perhaps, that tree near your window gives a burglar easier access than he can get on the ground.

This is why you need to trim back any shrubs or trees that could be a helping hand for home invaders. Another consideration is the lighting on your property. Does that tall hedge throw a dark shadow at night, possibly concealing an unwanted visitor? Get a strong light for every single entrance and consider investing in motion detection spotlights as well. The latter option won’t drive up your energy bill or annoy neighbors.

3.Secure the Windows

Secure the Windows
If you’re investing in some new windows anyway, we highly recommend getting panes of shatterproof glass. This way, no one will be able to break any windows in order to get inside. This could be an expensive option, though, so look around for a security film. This won’t break the bank, yet still prevent the glass from completely shattering. Even the smallest step to deter burglars will probably make them think twice.

If a security film isn’t available, consider a permanent grill or even bars. Some homeowners might not like this idea, but a little shopping around will get you some beautiful options. In fact, such grills might even raise the value of your home.

4.Lock Up

Lock Up
Locking up your house should be a nightly ritual, even if you think your neighborhood is safe. There’s no telling when someone might try to get in with a malevolent purpose, so it’s only logical that you lock up at all time. Check each door and test out their locks, especially the usually flimsy ones on sliding glass doors. Lock the windows at night, when you’re going out, and when you’re not using them for anything.

You also need to keep an eye on who has copies of your home keys. If someone moves out permanently, you should change the locks unless they’re a trusted family member or friend. After you’ve bought the house, changing the locks should be the first priority. You never know how many copies of the old keys might be out there, so make the extra effort as soon as possible.

Wrapping Up

Home security begins from the moment you come into view of your house. To find out which changes you need to make, walk around a bit and search for any weak spots. Look out for the ones we’ve mentioned above, and you’ll soon be feeling much safer in your home.