What is security worth? Are the offerings of big security companies too expensive for you? Would you like to find a more affordable way to live a secure life? Happily, there are a number of affordable security options that are readily available. Read on for simple and effective ways to secure your house.

Change all of your locks when you move in. There is no way to ascertain how many keys the previous owner handed out. To make sure you have the only access to the home, hire a locksmith. You should also do this if your keys ever get lost.

Buy a safe. This is vital if you don’t want diamonds, gold or other personal items exposed to a home intruder. Keep your safe in your basement or attic to make it hard to find.

Do not tell anyone that you are going on vacation out of your friend circle. Potential intruders could get a good idea of when you will be gone by monitoring what you share on social networks.

Make sure your attached garage is secure. A common concern expressed among homeowners is that someone might enter their garage and use that as an entrance to their home. There is a solution, however. You can use a C-clamp to secure the door and prevent it from being opened by strangers.

Make sure that you hide your spare key in a good spot. The doormat is too obvious of a place to hide it, as robbers will look there first. For a better solution, try tucking your spare key into your dog’s collar, provided you have an outside dog.

Check with your local law enforcement agency about home protection plans. There are many that offer programs that include items, such as home inspection, how to use engraving tools to mark code numbers to identify valuables if yours are stolen, and protective measures advice. If your police department does not offer these programs, find a private security company.

Don’t think you’re not at risk just because you don’t live in a big city. People who live in the country may even be more vulnerable because they do not have nearby neighbors. Some think rural areas see less burglary.

Be sure you have secured your attached garage. It is possible for an intruder to get in the garage and then gain access to the house; however, you can do something about it. A C clamp helps for garage doors on a track. The clamp actually keeps the door closed if tightened close to the track roller.

Walls are great for hiding things. If you own small valuables that require protection, try hiding them in the walls. Target any unused phone jacks or electrical outlets for an easy hiding spot. If you haven’t got any plates that are unused, simply install a false switch plate.

It all depends on what you are able to afford when it comes to home security. If you aren’t able to spend too much, there are cheaper alternatives that are equally effective at keeping you safe. This piece is full of ideas you can use towards better home security. This could be your best bet and the most affordable solution.

Use your garage for your car and not for storage. Keeping your car in your house will deter intruders from vandalizing or stealing it. Hiding your car from plain view will also keep potential intruders from tracking when you are home and when you aren’t.