10 Ways to Make Your New Home Safer and More Secure

You’ve recently moved into your new house, and although you’re thrilled about the opportunity to start over, there’s a persistent question in the back of your mind: how can I safeguard this place?You’re not the only one who has asked. Feeling vulnerable is the last thing you want as a new homeowner. In actuality, security is more than simply closing the door.To have peace of mind for years to come, it’s important to be proactive and take a few simple steps now.

Nearly one in three houses will be broken into at some point, according to statistics. The good news is that you can significantly reduce those probabilities by taking a few easy steps.Securing your house doesn’t have to cost a fortune, and you can achieve it by installing simple security systems and getting to know your neighbors. The finest aspect? It won’t cost a fortune, and you can begin immediately.

I’ll take you through ten simple actions in this tutorial to secure your new home and make it as welcome and safe as you’ve always imagined. Now let’s get started with your home’s security.

1. Start with a Solid Foundation Change the Locks

Changing the locks is one of the first things you should do when you move into your new house. It can seem easy, but it’s crucial for your security. Whether it’s the prior owner, a real estate agent, or even a member of the moving staff, you never know who might still have copies of the old keys. Feeling exposed is the last thing you want, especially in unfamiliar surroundings.

Here’s why it’s so important to change locks:

• 
  Unknown copies of keys
  
  : The previous owner might have handed out spare keys to family, friends, or contractors. These people may still have access to your home without your knowledge.
• 
  Peace of mind
  
  : Changing the locks ensures that only you have access to your home, making you feel more secure in your new environment. While changing locks is the first step in securing your home, understanding how burglars typically break into homes can help you take extra precautions. Learn more about common entry points by reading

  How Burglars Break Into Homes

  .

• 
  Re-keying vs. replacing
  
  : If the lock itself is still in good condition, you might not need to replace it entirely.
  
  Re-keying
  
  is a simpler, more cost-effective solution, where a locksmith changes the internal mechanism of the lock, rendering old keys useless. It s an easy way to get a fresh start without replacing every lock.
• 
  Consider high-security locks
  
  : For added peace of mind, consider
  
  upgrading to high-security locks
  
  . These are harder to pick and come with features like bump-proof cylinders and reinforced strike plates. They re especially useful if you want that extra layer of protection, especially in high-risk neighborhoods.

One of the simplest and most efficient ways to make sure that nobody enters your house without authorization is to do this. Consider it the first step toward taking charge of the security of your house. Long-term peace of mind is worth the minor expenditure.

2. Install a Smart Home Security System

With technology advancing annually, there’s no excuse not to use an intelligent home security system. In addition to real-time monitoring, it gives you complete control over your home’s security from anywhere. You may check on your house whenever you want with this kind of system, which instantly provides you piece of mind.

When making an investment in a smart home security system, the following factors should be taken into account:

• 
  Types of systems
  
  :
  • • 
      Motion sensors
      
      : Detect any movement around the house, particularly in sensitive areas like entryways or windows.
    • 
      Cameras
      
      : Indoor and outdoor cameras allow you to monitor activity in and around your home. Many modern systems offer HD video, night vision, and cloud storage for footage.
    • 
      Doorbell cams
      
      : These let you see who s at your door before opening it, even if you re not home.
    • 
      Alarms
      
      : A loud alarm goes off if there s unauthorized access, alerting you and anyone nearby.
• 
  Benefits of smart systems
  
  :
  • • 
      Remote access
      
      : You can monitor your home from anywhere through an app on your smartphone.
    • 
      Instant notifications
      
      : Get real-time updates on any suspicious activity. If someone s at your door or a sensor is triggered, you ll know immediately.
    • 
      Integration with other devices
      
      : Most smart home systems work well with other devices like lights, thermostats, and even voice assistants, creating a cohesive smart home environment.

• • 
    Motion sensors
    
    : Detect any movement around the house, particularly in sensitive areas like entryways or windows.
  • 
    Cameras
    
    : Indoor and outdoor cameras allow you to monitor activity in and around your home. Many modern systems offer HD video, night vision, and cloud storage for footage.
  • 
    Doorbell cams
    
    : These let you see who s at your door before opening it, even if you re not home.
  • 
    Alarms
    
    : A loud alarm goes off if there s unauthorized access, alerting you and anyone nearby.

• 
  Motion sensors
  
  : Detect any movement around the house, particularly in sensitive areas like entryways or windows.
• 
  Cameras
  
  : Indoor and outdoor cameras allow you to monitor activity in and around your home. Many modern systems offer HD video, night vision, and cloud storage for footage.
• 
  Doorbell cams
  
  : These let you see who s at your door before opening it, even if you re not home.
• 
  Alarms
  
  : A loud alarm goes off if there s unauthorized access, alerting you and anyone nearby.

• • 
    Remote access
    
    : You can monitor your home from anywhere through an app on your smartphone.
  • 
    Instant notifications
    
    : Get real-time updates on any suspicious activity. If someone s at your door or a sensor is triggered, you ll know immediately.
  • 
    Integration with other devices
    
    : Most smart home systems work well with other devices like lights, thermostats, and even voice assistants, creating a cohesive smart home environment.

• 
  Remote access
  
  : You can monitor your home from anywhere through an app on your smartphone.
• 
  Instant notifications
  
  : Get real-time updates on any suspicious activity. If someone s at your door or a sensor is triggered, you ll know immediately.
• 
  Integration with other devices
  
  : Most smart home systems work well with other devices like lights, thermostats, and even voice assistants, creating a cohesive smart home environment.

Check out SafeWise’s comparison guide for a thorough analysis of the top home security systems on the market in 2025.

You may now take charge of your home’s security in a way that was not feasible only a few years ago thanks to a smart security system. It’s a contemporary answer to a long-standing issue: protecting your family and possessions.

3. Brighten Up the Exterior with Outdoor Lighting

Homes that are hidden in the dark are frequently targeted by criminals since it makes it easier for them to go unnoticed. Making ensuring your house is well-lit is one of the simplest and most efficient strategies to keep criminals away. Consider it a first line of protection that can drastically lower your risk of break-ins without requiring a large investment.

Here are some benefits of outdoor lighting:

• 
  Motion-activated lights
  
  : These lights only turn on when movement is detected, which not only saves energy but also alerts you to potential intruders. They re perfect for driveways, porches, or side gates.
• 
  Timers for lights
  
  : Setting your lights to turn on at dusk and off at dawn can make it look like someone is home, even if you re not. It s an easy way to make your house seem lived-in and less inviting to burglars.
• 
  Strategic placement
  
  : Focus on the most vulnerable areas your
  
  front door
  
  ,
  
  driveway
  
  ,
  
  garage
  
  , and
  
  side gates
  
  . Lighting these areas well means burglars can t hide in the shadows.

Although robbers can be deterred by outdoor lights, your security plan can be further informed by knowing the psychology of how burglars target properties. See 10 Shocking Facts About Burglars and How They Target Your Home for startling information about burglars.

Making your home more visible makes it more difficult for burglars to approach undetected. A well-lit home is less likely to be targeted by burglars, which is precisely the kind of deterrent you want.

4. Secure Windows and Doors with Deadbolts and Window Locks

Windows and doors are among the most popular entrance locations for criminals. Therefore, when it comes to improving the security of your home, protecting these places should be your first concern. Installing locks on ground-floor windows and deadbolts on doorwaysis a straightforward but efficient method of discouraging trespassers.

Here’s why it’s so important to secure windows and doors:

• 
  Deadbolts on doors
  
  : Deadbolts are far more secure than standard spring-latch locks. They provide a much stronger barrier, making it harder for burglars to force open your doors.
• 
  Window locks
  
  : Ground-floor windows are prime targets for break-ins. Installing locks on every window, especially those that are easily accessible, can prevent a thief from slipping inside unnoticed.
• 
  Sliding door security bars
  
  : Sliding doors are often weaker, but installing a security bar can prevent the door from being easily lifted off its track. It s a simple but effective addition to protect against break-ins.

The most susceptible places of access into your house are the doors and windows. You may significantly increase your home’s security by strengthening these, which will make it much more difficult for burglars to enter.

5. Get to Know Your Neighbors and Form a Neighborhood Watch

It’s not necessary for you to accomplish it alone. Developing a close relationship with the neighborhood can have a significant impact on home security. An good strategy to make the community a safer place for everyone is to implement a watch program.

Here’s why it’s so important to interact with your neighbors:

• 
  Mutual surveillance
  
  : Having neighbors who are aware of suspicious activity creates an extra layer of protection. A
  
  watchful community
  
  can help spot and report anything out of the ordinary.
• 
  Quicker alerts
  
  : If someone notices something unusual, they can alert you right away, potentially preventing a break-in before it happens.
• 
  Forming a neighborhood watch
  
  : Starting a watch program can help unite your neighborhood. It s as simple as setting up regular meetings and ensuring everyone keeps an eye out.

A neighborhood that is busy and connected serves as a strong deterrence to criminal activity. In close-knit, watchful communities, burglars are less likely to target homes, making your property safer every second.

6. Invest in a Safe for Valuables

Your most valuable belongings are not protected by home security systems, even though they do safeguard your property. Investing in a high-quality safe is crucial to guaranteeing the security of your personal belongings, records, and family heirlooms.

What you should know about safes is as follows:

• 
  Types of safes
  
  :
  • • 
      Fireproof safes
      
      protect important documents from fires.
    • 
      Waterproof safes
      
      shield valuables from flooding or water damage.
    • 
      Burglary-resistant safes
      
      are designed to withstand break-ins and keep intruders from accessing your valuables.
• 
  Best places to hide a safe
  
  :
  • • Consider placing your safe in a
      
      hidden location
      
      like a closet or behind furniture. Avoid conspicuous spots where burglars might easily find it.
• 
  Why it s crucial
  
  :
  • • 
      Protecting irreplaceable items
      
      like jewelry, important documents, and electronics is essential. A good safe offers a reliable backup to your overall security system, ensuring your valuables are safe no matter the circumstances.

• • 
    Fireproof safes
    
    protect important documents from fires.
  • 
    Waterproof safes
    
    shield valuables from flooding or water damage.
  • 
    Burglary-resistant safes
    
    are designed to withstand break-ins and keep intruders from accessing your valuables.

• 
  Fireproof safes
  
  protect important documents from fires.
• 
  Waterproof safes
  
  shield valuables from flooding or water damage.
• 
  Burglary-resistant safes
  
  are designed to withstand break-ins and keep intruders from accessing your valuables.

• • Consider placing your safe in a
    
    hidden location
    
    like a closet or behind furniture. Avoid conspicuous spots where burglars might easily find it.

• Consider placing your safe in a
  
  hidden location
  
  like a closet or behind furniture. Avoid conspicuous spots where burglars might easily find it.

• • 
    Protecting irreplaceable items
    
    like jewelry, important documents, and electronics is essential. A good safe offers a reliable backup to your overall security system, ensuring your valuables are safe no matter the circumstances.

• 
  Protecting irreplaceable items
  
  like jewelry, important documents, and electronics is essential. A good safe offers a reliable backup to your overall security system, ensuring your valuables are safe no matter the circumstances.

See Home Depot’s Home Security Tips for a thorough guide on purchasing the best safes.

Your last line of defense for irreplaceable goods is a safe. Even in the worst situation, a safe keeps your most valuable possessions safe, while a home security system guards against intruders.

7. Consider Home Insurance for Added Protection

Home insurance serves as a safety net for unforeseen circumstances in addition to safeguarding your home. If something goes wrong, home insurance can help you recover from burglary to damage from natural catastrophes.

What you need know about house insurance is as follows:

• 
  Types of coverage
  
  :
  • • 
      Damage coverage
      
      : For accidental damage, fire, or natural disasters like floods and earthquakes.
    • 
      Theft protection
      
      : If your home is broken into, insurance can help cover the cost of stolen items.
    • 
      Natural disasters
      
      : Whether it s a flood, hurricane, or wildfire, insurance provides financial protection.
• 
  Choosing the right policy
  
  :
  • • Consider the
      
      value of your property
      
      and the
      
      risk factors
      
      in your area. For example, if you re in a flood-prone zone, flood insurance is a must.
    • Understand your
      
      deductibles
      
      and coverage limits to make sure you re fully covered.
• 
  Benefits
  
  :
  • • Insurance gives you peace of mind knowing that, in the event of a disaster, you ll have
      
      financial support
      
      to repair and recover. While home insurance helps protect you financially in case of theft, it s equally important to know what to do immediately after a burglary. Check out

      7 Essential Steps Every Homeowner Should Follow Post-Burglary

      to ensure you re well-prepared for the unexpected.

• • 
    Damage coverage
    
    : For accidental damage, fire, or natural disasters like floods and earthquakes.
  • 
    Theft protection
    
    : If your home is broken into, insurance can help cover the cost of stolen items.
  • 
    Natural disasters
    
    : Whether it s a flood, hurricane, or wildfire, insurance provides financial protection.

• 
  Damage coverage
  
  : For accidental damage, fire, or natural disasters like floods and earthquakes.
• 
  Theft protection
  
  : If your home is broken into, insurance can help cover the cost of stolen items.
• 
  Natural disasters
  
  : Whether it s a flood, hurricane, or wildfire, insurance provides financial protection.

• • Consider the
    
    value of your property
    
    and the
    
    risk factors
    
    in your area. For example, if you re in a flood-prone zone, flood insurance is a must.
  • Understand your
    
    deductibles
    
    and coverage limits to make sure you re fully covered.

• Consider the
  
  value of your property
  
  and the
  
  risk factors
  
  in your area. For example, if you re in a flood-prone zone, flood insurance is a must.
• Understand your
  
  deductibles
  
  and coverage limits to make sure you re fully covered.

• • Insurance gives you peace of mind knowing that, in the event of a disaster, you ll have
    
    financial support
    
    to repair and recover. While home insurance helps protect you financially in case of theft, it s equally important to know what to do immediately after a burglary. Check out

    7 Essential Steps Every Homeowner Should Follow Post-Burglary

    to ensure you re well-prepared for the unexpected.

• Insurance gives you peace of mind knowing that, in the event of a disaster, you ll have
  
  financial support
  
  to repair and recover. While home insurance helps protect you financially in case of theft, it s equally important to know what to do immediately after a burglary. Check out

  7 Essential Steps Every Homeowner Should Follow Post-Burglary

  to ensure you re well-prepared for the unexpected.

See these 10 crucial steps to secure your property by Iffcotokiohere for additional information on how to secure your home with insurance.

An extra degree of protection for your house is provided by home insurance. It is there to support you in the event of an unforeseen circumstance, such as a natural disaster or a break-in.

8. Be Mindful of Deliveries and Packages

Package theft is on the rise, particularly as more people shop online. Homeowners are growing increasingly concerned about it, especially during peak shopping seasons. However, there are easy things you can do to be sure your packages don’t end up in the wrong hands.

Here are some tips for safeguarding your deliveries:

• 
  Secure drop-off locations or lockboxes
  
  : Consider using a
  
  lockbox
  
  or having packages delivered to a secure location like a neighbor s house or a
  
  parcel locker
  
  .
• 
  Smart cameras
  
  : Invest in
  
  smart cameras
  
  that alert you when a delivery arrives. This gives you the chance to quickly retrieve the package before someone else can take it.
• 
  Package theft trends
  
  : Studies show that
  
  1 in 5 people
  
  has experienced package theft. However, taking action can greatly reduce the likelihood of this happening to you.

Package theft is becoming a bigger problem, but there are easy ways to safeguard your possessions and avoid having to replace stolen goods.

9. Keep Your Yard Tidy and Free of Hiding Spots

Unbelievably, the security of your house can be significantly impacted by your landscaping. In addition to looking fantastic, a well-kept yard makes it more difficult for intruders to conceal. Maintaining a secure house can be greatly improved by simple yard management.

Here’s how yard care can increase the security of your house:

• 
  Trimmed shrubs and trees
  
  : Keep bushes and trees
  
  trimmed
  
  near windows, so burglars can t hide behind them. This makes it easier for neighbors and cameras to spot suspicious activity.
• 
  Clear sightlines
  
  : Ensure that the area around your home is clear of clutter and tall plants that could serve as hiding spots.
• 
  Well-kept yard
  
  : A clean yard sends a message that you re a
  
  vigilant homeowner
  
  who pays attention to details.

Burglars frequently search for hiding spots. A well-kept yard is a strong deterrent since it lessens the likelihood that they will be able to enter your house unnoticed.

10. Regularly Check Your Home Security System and Update

Regular maintenance is necessary for even the greatest home security systems. Systems can decline or become outdated over time, so it’s critical to maintain control to make sure everything is continually operating at peak performance.

Here’s how to keep your security system in good working order:

• 
  Periodically test your system
  
  : Make sure your
  
  alarms
  
  ,
  
  cameras
  
  , and
  
  sensors
  
  are working correctly.
• 
  Update your software
  
  : Many smart security systems come with software updates to improve security features and functionality. Be sure to keep them updated.
• 
  Schedule professional checks
  
  : If you have a professionally installed system, schedule periodic checks to ensure everything s in optimal condition.

Security systems canfail over timedue to outdated technology or neglect. Regular maintenance ensures that your home stays protected from potential threats.

Conclusion

Securing your new home doesn t have to be complicated, but it does require action. From changing the locks to installing a smart security system, each of these steps works together to build astrong defenseagainst potential threats. By taking these simple measures now, you re ensuring that your home remains a safe haven for years to come.

A final reminder:Starting your home security journey nowmeans you won t have to worry about preventable issues down the road. Proactive security not only protects your property but also gives you peace of mind, knowing that you ve done everything you can to keep your loved ones safe.

Implementing these security measures early will save you trouble in the future. The earlier you act, the better protected you ll be.

We d love to hear your thoughts!Have you taken any of these steps to secure your home?Share your experiences in the comments below. Let us know what worked for you or if you have any additional tips!

If you found this article helpful,likeand share it with friends and family. For more tips on home improvement and security,visitBuild Like Newfor more expert advice!

Disclaimer:The advice and recommendations in this article are intended for informational purposes only. While these steps can help improve home security, it s always best to consult with a professional for specific needs or circumstances. The author and website are not responsible for any loss, damage, or injury resulting from following the information provided.

Contents Table

• 10 Ways to Make Your New Home Safer and More Secure

  • 1. Start with a Solid Foundation Change the Locks

  • 2. Install a Smart Home Security System

  • 3. Brighten Up the Exterior with Outdoor Lighting

  • 4. Secure Windows and Doors with Deadbolts and Window Locks

  • 5. Get to Know Your Neighbors and Form a Neighborhood Watch

  • 6. Invest in a Safe for Valuables

  • 7. Consider Home Insurance for Added Protection

  • 8. Be Mindful of Deliveries and Packages

  • 9. Keep Your Yard Tidy and Free of Hiding Spots

  • 10. Regularly Check Your Home Security System and Update

  • Conclusion

• 1. Start with a Solid Foundation Change the Locks

• 2. Install a Smart Home Security System

• 3. Brighten Up the Exterior with Outdoor Lighting

• 4. Secure Windows and Doors with Deadbolts and Window Locks

• 5. Get to Know Your Neighbors and Form a Neighborhood Watch

• 6. Invest in a Safe for Valuables

• 7. Consider Home Insurance for Added Protection

• 8. Be Mindful of Deliveries and Packages

• 9. Keep Your Yard Tidy and Free of Hiding Spots

• 10. Regularly Check Your Home Security System and Update

• Conclusion