While acquiring a new home is exciting, getting there may be lengthy and time-consuming. Furthermore, there is a lot to accomplish when the sale is completed. For prospective homeowners, taking the time to look at properties, fill out reams of paperwork, and change mailing addresses efficiently is exhausting.
Of course, there is also the terrible duty of transferring all your possessions! It probably sounds all too familiar if you’ve ever purchased a property. Amid everything else, it’s easy to let home security concerns like choosing the latest security system with the best lock for the main door slide through the cracks.
It is, nevertheless, one of the most critical tasks to do while shifting. New homeowners’ things are occasionally moved in before they begin living there. It means that valuables are frequently left inside the property for lengthy periods of time before the residence is occupied full-time.
Furthermore, chances are high that new homeowners will likely be overwhelmed during the moving process and adept security measures will be lacking. Here are some of the first things we recommend when buying a new house to reduce risk.
Here are 9 safety tips when you move into a new home!
- Secure the Doors
Inspect your outside doors to ensure that the door frames are sturdy, the hinges are secure. Change the door locks if you’re moving into a house that was previously occupied by someone else. Make sure even internal locks for doors are secured and strong. That way, no strangers will have access to your home, and you can be certain that your locks are the best on the market. Here are some fast fixes to help you strengthen these critical entryways:
- Install a deadbolt lock.
- Increase security by installing a video doorbell.
- Install a Security System
Your new house should have a security system, whether a simple DIY system or one with professional monitoring and home automation capabilities. Several home security systems are available now for every budget and level of protection. To select a system with which you are comfortable, consider the demands of your area and your home. Once you’ve identified the potential hazards, assess your house to determine what is required to defend it. You may get neighbourhood crime data and assistance with a home security evaluation from your local police agency.
- Secure Your Wi-Fi Network
Your home wireless network provides access to personal and financial information. Furthermore, using home automation might leave your home vulnerable to a break-in. Hackers may get direct access to your house if your Wi-Fi network is linked to smart home devices or your security system. However, you do not have to expose yourself. Instead, use our advice to keep hackers out of your home network.
- Illuminate the Landscape
Vandals, thieves, and other criminals dislike being exposed. So use plenty of outside illumination to keep them away. Install lighting in your front and rear yards, along paths, and around garages and other outdoor structures. Not only will you make intruders nervous, but you’ll also reduce your chances of tripping up the front stairs.
- Remove All Hiding Locations
Trees and bushes may provide curb appeal to your home, but they can provide a convenient hiding spot for burglars. Remove any trees or plants near your property that might be utilised as cover. Don’t forget about the remainder of your home’s exterior. If you live in an apartment you should invest in a security door first and foremost. These are designed to allow you to peek outside without actually opening your door. And yes they are better than your average peephole. Use best practices to keep things locked up securely, such as always putting away stools and ladders, locking gates, sheds, and other outdoor structures along with internal structures like storerooms and even wardrobes with good wardrobe door locks.
- Close and Secure the Windows
Windows are a typical entry point for crooks; the previous owners may have left them closed but unlocked. Furthermore, oftentimes pre-installed locks on doors and windows aren’t always effective—and are occasionally downright weak. If you don’t like the way your window latches appear, consider upgrading to aftermarket window locks or key-operated levers. However, you do not have to stop there. We also offer some fantastic suggestions for making your windows burglar-proof. For example, you can reinforce glass with window security film, install window or glass break sensors, add window bars or plant prickly bushes under first-floor windows.
- Install Security Cameras
You’ve probably read news about security camera videos thwarting robbers and porch pirates. It is one home security option that serves as a deterrent and a way of obtaining justice. Security cameras can be purchased as part of a comprehensive home security system or as stand-alone devices. We recommend choosing a security camera with a smartphone app to watch the footage in real time and save it in case you need to go to the police. Then, protect your cameras from hackers by taking proactive actions.
- Make Use of Home Automation
Security is one convincing reason to do so if you’ve been considering converting your conventional house into a smart home. Home automation allows you to operate lights, door locks, security cameras, smoke alarms, and other safety equipment remotely (or on a schedule). In addition, you can receive real-time notifications regarding unusual activity, allowing you to react swiftly and deter prospective criminals.
- Avoid Oversharing on Social Media
You might not even know how you’re making your home more accessible to burglars by posting on social media. Posting images of your home with the address plaque visible, publishing your address via online event invites or public comments, or disclosing the specifics of your forthcoming lengthy vacation are all methods to raise your risk of a home invasion. 78% of thieves use Facebook and Twitter. The long and short of it is keeping your address and contact information off social media. Check the images you publish twice, never put your address in public areas, and keep the specifics of your travel private until you return home.
Prevention is the most effective strategy to increase your home’s security. Fortunately, there are a few basic, minor actions you and your family can do to make your house safer and deter criminals from breaking in.
First, examine your new house for areas of vulnerability and then take steps to improve your home’s safety with the best internal, external, wardrobe, and bathroom door locks. Once you’ve completed these steps, you may rest assured that you’ve done all possible to make your house a secure haven.