Some people say that the best things in life are free, and this might be true or it might just be a clever slogan.
But one thing is for certain: when protecting your house or your apartment, you don't have to spend an arm and a leg for a type of safety and peace of mind that will last for a really long time.
Not all security measures require excessive amounts of spending, and the small steps that you can take around the house or apartment will actually go a lot further than simply worrying about all of the latest expensive equipment.
After all, what's the use of a super-expensive home alarm system if you aren't going to remember to set it, or worse yet, aren't even sure how it works? In uncertain economic times where things are a bit more stretched, it makes sense to use common sense tips, rather than spend a whole bunch of money.
Here re six simple and affordable tips for better home security that can be applied to any living situation around the country.
1.
Learn from your mistakes.
If you previously had any sort of break-ins, figure out what went wrong, and then fix it.
Be sure that you are constantly checking up on how you handle the safety and security of your household, as those are the best clues for what needs to change and what is working out just fine.
2.
Pay attention to windows.
Too many home security tips are focused on doors, deadbolts, and other things that are pretty much obvious to most homeowners or people in apartments.
But windows often aren't talked about as much, and they are just as desirable an entrance as a typical door.
Be sure that you always shut and lock them, even if it's particularly hot outside.
After all, you don't want to leave an open and vulnerable part of your house for robbers to easily get inside.
3.
Take extra, affordable precautions.
Sticking a yardstick in your sliding glass door makes it impossible or difficult to force open.
Screwing simple screws into your windowframe makes lifting out the glass impossible.
And these slight modifications to your home don't cost very much, and take even less time.
Be sure to use these sorts of steps to improve your security, as they are the most affordable.
4.
Befriend your neighbors.
Aside from physical protection, the next best thing for home security are as many sets of eyes as possible paying attention to and protecting a property.
If you look out for your neighbors, they are going to look out for you.
Both parties just have to get to know each other first.
So make that initial step, and benefit long-term.
5.
Talk to the whole family.
Make sure everyone is on the same page about locking deadbolts and shutting windows.
A house is much better protected when every single resident is on board, taking care of it as best they can.
6.
Actually using your home alarm system.
Whether it came with your house or you invested in it, any sort of alarm isn't going to be able to assist in protecting your home unless you remember to set it and figure out how it works.
So go to the trouble of figuring that out, and everything will work out better in the long run.