It is exciting receiving the keys to a new home, as you’ll be eager to make many new memories with your loved ones inside the property. Yet, you might struggle to sleep well at night knowing a past owner could access your home or worry it is a target for burglary or other criminal activity.
Rather than struggling to fall asleep each night, you must take steps to protect your property to feel happy and safe each day. Here are five smart ways to secure your new home.
Change the Locks on Your Windows and Doors
Most new homeowners wonder if a past owner has a key to their home, as they might have owned more than one copy. Enjoy peace of mind by organizing for a local locksmith to change the locks on all your windows and doors to ensure only you and other residents have access to the property. It will be a relief to know a past owner or their loved ones could never walk into your home again.
Illuminate Your Landscape with Motion Sensor Lights
Shine a spotlight on an intruder with motion sensor lights. The exterior will be illuminated as soon as a trespasser steps foot on your property, which could catch them in the act or encourage them to flee the scene. After all, burglars, vandals, and other criminals will prefer to hide in the shadows and may feel exposed as soon as a light is turned on. Deter a trespasser by installing motion sensor lights on all potential entrance points on the property, such as your windows, front door, and back door.
Install a Home Alarm System
Many intruders will avoid a property with an alarm system. It will notify a homeowner and neighbors that they are on the property, and an alarm system could automatically trigger for the police to pay a visit. It will decrease the likelihood of a burglar sticking around, and advertising the alarm system outside your home might deter them from targeting it.
Protect Your Wi-Fi Network
Unfortunately, a criminal could steal from you without stepping foot on your property. Your new home’s wireless network will provide an entrance to your financial information and personal data, which is why you must protect it.
Keep your sensitive data safe by securing your network. For instance, you should:
- Add a strong, unique wireless network password
- Enable network encryption
- Routinely update the router’s software
- Change the Wi-Fi network’s default name
- Use a VPN and a firewall
- Hide your home network
Buy a Video Doorbell
A video doorbell will prevent you and your loved ones from answering the door to someone you don’t trust. It will provide visual confirmation of who is ringing your bell or knocking on your front door. Also, some smart doorbells feature two-way communication, allowing you to communicate with a person when at work, shopping, or socializing, but you will appear to be at home. Have peace of mind wherever you are, and keep your home safe.
