Welcome back to the Velvet Runway and this feature about 6 Essential Tips to Secure Your New Home Before Moving In.
Owning a home is often regarded as the epitome of economic success and prosperity, as it requires a significant financial commitment and demonstrates discipline. A home symbolizes stability, providing security and a sense of permanence.
Moving to a new home can be exciting but also stressful, with countless tasks to manage—especially transporting belongings to your new address. Amidst the chaos, homeowners may overlook a critical aspect: securing their new property.
Your home is supposed to be your haven, your safe place. It should be the place where you are completely at ease and feel secure. So, before you move into a home, it’s critical to take proactive steps to ensure its security. Here’s how to get started.
6 Essential Tips to Secure Your New Home Before Moving In
Key Takeaways
- Home security starts with thoughtful decisions before purchasing or moving into a property.
- Explore practical ways to enhance your home’s security while maintaining its exterior appeal.
- Security and comfort are not mutually exclusive; they can work seamlessly together.
Securing your new home begins before you move in or even purchase it. Factors such as local crime rates and the presence of neighborhood watch programs should play a critical role in your decision-making process. Choosing a home in a low-crime area can provide peace of mind and contribute to a sense of safety and well-being.
Partnering with a knowledgeable real estate agent can offer invaluable insights into neighborhoods with excellent security. They can also recommend properties that already incorporate desirable safety features. For those purchasing high-end properties, working with an experienced luxury home buyers agent ensures you find a residence that meets your aesthetic standards while prioritizing safety.
Below, we discuss how you can combine security with sophistication as you settle into your new abode:
Table of Contents
- Upgrade Locks and Doors.
- Secure Windows Without Sacrificing Style.
- Install a Smart Home Security System.
- Install outdoor Lighting.
- Approach Landscaping With Security in Mind.
- Know Your Neighbors.
- Final Thoughts
1. Upgrade Locks and Doors
One of the first things you should do before moving into a new home is to inspect all exterior doors and ensure they are in excellent condition. Issues such as weak frames, loose hinges, gaps, or misalignments are easily exploited by burglars or intruders. So, if the doors are not in good condition, plan to upgrade them immediately.
Common materials for exterior doors include steel, fiberglass, and wood. Your choice of material may depend on factors like cost, aesthetic preferences, and maintenance requirements. But regardless of the material you choose, prioritize durable and high-quality options to enhance your home’s security.
Additionally, it’s crucial to change the locks, even if the real estate agent or previous owners seem trustworthy. You don’t know how many duplicate keys exist, and replacing the locks ensures you have sole control over access to your home.
Finally, always lock your doors when leaving the house. Many burglaries occur simply because homeowners forget to secure their doors, allowing opportunistic thieves to enter and loot.
2. Secure Windows Without Sacrificing Style
Windows are one of the most vulnerable entry points in any home and are often targeted by intruders. Take time to inspect the windows of your new property to ensure the latches and frames are sturdy and in good condition. If they show signs of weakness, reinforce or replace them immediately.
To enhance security without compromising style, consider installing security bars. If you want more discreet options, consider applying security film or upgrading to reinforced glass. These measures strengthen your windows while maintaining their aesthetic appeal.
For added protection, install window sensors or glass break alarms. These devices trigger an audible siren if someone attempts to forcefully open or break the windows, detering burglars from break-ins.
3. Install a Smart Home Security System
One of the best ways to achieve comprehensive home security is to install a smart home security system. Depending on your budget and needs, you can choose between a DIY or professionally monitored system.
DIY systems have advanced significantly in recent years and many options offer features like door and window sensors, motion detectors, and surveillance cameras. You can monitor and control different aspects of the system from your smartphone, giving you real-time updates and control over your home’s security.
Professionally monitored systems are an excellent choice for those with a larger budget or looking for added peace of mind. The main advantage of these systems is that they are installed by security experts and monitored around the clock by trained professionals at control centers. Research reputable companies that offer customizable solutions to find the right service for your needs,
4. Install Outdoor Lighting
Darkness is extremely enticing to criminals and an excellent way to deter them is to install lights around your front and backyards. Doing this serves two purposes – you keep criminals at bay while having adequate illumination when moving outside at night. Don’t forget to install lights near the garages, sheds, and other outdoor structures.
Motion-activated lights are great as outdoor lights as they illuminate when movement is detected, essentially putting criminals in the spotlight. When this happens, they are more likely to scramble away. Smart light bulbs can be programmed to automatically turn on at night and off when it’s bright in the morning.
Leaving lights on inside the house at night, especially in living areas is a good idea. This may deter criminals as they won’t be sure if someone is awake or not, and most of them prefer to act without being seen.
5. Approach Landscaping With Security in Mind
Landscaping is a great way to improve your home’s curb appeal and value. However, you must have security at the back of your mind when planning your outdoor space. For instance, avoid planting trees too close to your home, as they can provide easy access to upper floors for burglars.
Regularly trim shrubs and hedges to eliminate potential hiding spots for intruders. Additionally, design your garden to ensure your view from windows remains unobstructed and your house is visible from the street. A clear line of sight acts as a deterrent to would-be criminals.
Fences and gates serve as effective physical barriers. To maximize their security benefits, ensure they are well-maintained and in good condition.
6. Know Your Neighbors
Building relationships with your neighbors can significantly enhance the security of your area. Introduce yourself after moving in and make an effort to get acquainted with those around you. A simple, friendly greeting from time to time can foster a sense of community and trust.
Neighbors who are familiar with each other are more likely to notice unusual activities, such as unfamiliar vehicles or suspicious behavior. This vigilance allows for quick responses to potential security threats and deters criminals who prefer less watchful areas.
Final Thoughts on 6 Essential Tips to Secure Your New Home Before Moving In
Securing your home before moving in is a proactive step that provides peace of mind and long-term protection for your family and belongings. It helps deter potential threats, ensures the privacy of your space, and establishes a sense of safety from day one.
By taking the time to address vulnerabilities—such as installing locks, upgrading security systems, and checking for potential hazards—you set the foundation for a safe and comfortable living environment. A secure home is not just about protection; it’s about creating a haven where you can truly feel at ease. Prioritizing home security is an investment in your future peace of mind.
I hope you found this feature about 6 Essential Tips to Secure Your New Home Before Moving In helpful, and have a look here for more home inspiration.
I will be back soon with more style, lifestyle and travel inspiration and don’t forget to subscribe to make sure you never miss a post,
Look good, feel good, live your best life 🙂
With love,
