Creating a secure place to live may seem like a big job for the average homeowner. Improving home security is not necessarily expensive or time-consuming. Keep reading for some cost-effective methods for securing your home.

You can hide your spare key on your dog. However, this method is only effective if your dog is large, scary, and stays outdoors. Put a key on the dog’s collar so you have access to it when necessary!

Providing a key to the person cleaning your home can be acceptable, but you must be sure they are honest and worthy of your confidence. Make sure you know they are legitimate before giving out the key. Make sure you check references. If applicable, call the BBB to inquire about their reputation.

Purchase a safe to lock all of the extremely valuable items in your home in one place. This is essential, because you would never want valuable jewelry and other items to be seen by intruders. Keep your safe in your basement or attic to make it hard to find.

When in the process of purchasing a home-security system, be sure to comparison shop. Prices vary greatly in regards to the same protection for each company. Get at least 3 quotes from security system companies and compare features and services as well as monthly costs.

Does your canine stay in the yard while you go out? This is where you can put your spare key. Fasten the key to your dog’s collar to hide it from view. This is an especially good idea if your dog doesn’t like strangers, and gives you easy access to get in your home.

Check with the police department in your town for home security tips and advice. They often offer home inspections, seminars and even the ability to purchase items. Call and see what is available.

Motion Activated

Buy a safe to contain everything of great value. This is important, since you don’t want your valuables exposed to a potential intruder. Be sure to put your safe in an out of the way place like the basement, attic or under the floorboards.

Put up motion activated lighting. These kinds of lights will pop right on when they detect motion near your home. These lights will make you aware of, and can also scare off, potential burglars. Make sure you keep fresh light bulbs in your motion activated lights so that they will work correctly.

If you reside in the country, you may be less worried about break-ins than urban dwellers are. Nonetheless, people in the country may be at greater risk due to being far away from neighbors. Some think rural areas see less burglary.

If you’ve got lots of people you don’t know on your social networks, don’t let them know that you’re going to be on vacation. It’s exciting going to new places and enjoying your time, but you could alert thieves to an empty home that they can easily break into.

With the above advice, you can better secure your home. You can now make the changes you need. Soon your home will make you feel safe no matter what hour it is. This can create a much safer environment for you and your family.