How to Secure Your Home: The Complete Guide to Safer Living

You no longer need to install an expensive security system or be a technological expert to feel secure at home. In fact, you can improve your home's security in myriad ways, whether through landscaping, porch etiquette, or basic, easy-to-install devices.

Burglaries, shed thefts, and unattended homes during vacations are all too common security concerns. So, to alleviate your worries and give yourself peace of mind while out of the house, we've put together the ultimate guide to securing your home like a pro.

Covering everything from the best video doorbells to whole-home systems, we spoke to seasoned home security professionals for the most up-to-date advice on keeping your home safe.

Common Home Security Concerns (And What Actually Works)

'I Want to See Who’s at My Door or Around My Property'

'A video doorbell camera is a simple solution to see who is at your door. They’re affordable and easy to install,' advises Jason Fischbeck, owner of Automated Environments.

The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus (with a monthly subscription) and the eufy E340 (without a subscription) are the two best video doorbells we've tested.

'I also highly recommend floodlights for each side of your home. These can be hard-wired or solar, with or without motion detectors, LED or standard light bulbs, and in different colors and illumination. Foliage can be cut back to avoid hiding spots,' recommends Philip Farina, founder and chief security and safety advisor for Risky Business.

Pair a video doorbell with these affordable motion sensor floodlights at Walmart, and you'll have strong visibility at your front door and around your property. Don't forget to explore our guide on the best places for security lights before installing them.

'I’m Worried About Break-ins While I Sleep or Travel'

'If you’re a frequent traveler, it’s a good idea to connect your lights to your smart home system. You can turn them on and off remotely, giving burglars the impression that somebody is home,' advises Jason. Using this technique to secure your home while you're away is deceptively simple.

You can use two smart plugs to deter intruders, connecting them to your existing lamps, and set up timers so that they turn on and off to make it seem like you're home. These $10 smart plugs from Walmart are perfect.

'Doors and locks should also be improved and updated,' adds Philip Farina, emphasizing the value in robust locks and door and window sensors.

This five-piece Ring alarm security kit will alert you when sensors are triggered, and you can find more robust locks and doors at Home Depot and Lowe's.

'My Garden, Shed or Outbuilding Feels Vulnerable'

'Sheds and outbuildings are commonly targeted and frequently overlooked. Use motion lighting, stronger locks, a gate or fence where appropriate, and if possible, a camera watching the area from the main house,' shares Ray Ansari, owner of CCTV Camera World.

To keep your shed safe from thefts, the Ring Outdoor Camera at Amazon can be positioned directly towards it, and it's weather-resistant and easy to install.

This motion sensor lighting at Walmart is another inexpensive option that will quickly make potential intruders more visible.

'I Worry About Packages Being Stolen From My Porch'

'Use a porch camera or video doorbell, but also consider a lockbox or delivery locker. Cameras help document what happened. A lockbox helps prevent theft in the first place, which is always the better outcome,' advises Ray.

The eufy E340 video doorbell has two cameras, with one pointed directly at the floor for focused package protection. Other video doorbells, such as the Arlo 2K or the Philips 7000 Series, have anti-intruder sirens that can deter opportunists, but they may not always sound in time.

For more secure protection, Architectural Mailboxes' Elephantrunk Parcel Drop Box at Amazon will give couriers a safe location to leave deliveries, which can't be accessed by any passersby.

'I Don’t Want Anything Complicated to Install or Monitor'

'Battery cameras and app-based systems are a reasonable starting point,' shares Ray Ansari.

Almost every video doorbell, from the budget-friendly Blink Video Doorbell to the more premium Philips 7000 Series Video Doorbell, will have a battery-powered option available.

This means you won't need to hardwire the device to your existing doorbell system, and all you need are minimal DIY skills to install the doorbell on your front porch, requiring just a screwdriver.

Similarly, outdoor cameras such as the Ring Outdoor Cam at Amazon are easy to install, and can even stick using adhesive to avoid having to drill into your property.

'But homeowners should understand the trade-off: Easier installation usually means more dependence on batteries, Wi-Fi, cloud storage, and delayed recording. If reliability and image detail matter more, a wired system is the better long-term choice,' Ray continues.

To avoid this potential reliability concern, look for security products with local storage and solar-powered charging. eufy is our personal favorite, as their products don't typically require monthly fees to be able to store footage locally.

Home Security Solutions That Fit Your Life

Monitored vs. Self-Monitored Alarms: What's the Difference?

'A monitored alarm contacts a response centre when triggered, helpful if you travel often, sleep through phone alerts, or want a backup,' explains Ray.

'A self-monitored system is cheaper and can work well, but it depends entirely on you seeing the alert and reacting,' Ray continues.

For both solutions, cameras are useful to know whether a false alarm has been triggered. Being able to see the footage will help to distinguish between an animal triggering a sensor to a potential intruder on your property.

'Cameras make either option significantly better because they let you verify what's actually happening instead of guessing. I've personally had false alarms trigger between 1am and 3am at my own properties. Because I had cameras covering the inside and outside, I could check instantly and confirm nothing was happening, avoiding unnecessary police call-outs and potential false alarm fines,' Ray explains.

This Blink three-camera system at Amazon is an inexpensive option, with day and night vision and a two-year battery life.

Monitored alarm systems often come with installation included, so if you're unsure about how to install home security systems by yourself, this can be useful.

Smart Locks: Who Are They For?

Smart locks grant you remote access to your door, typically through a smartphone app by connecting to your Wi-Fi. They also offer alternative methods of access, such as keypad, fingerprint, and palm vein unlocking.

'Smart locks are best for families, rental properties, caregivers, dog walkers, and anyone who needs to manage access without handing out physical keys,' Ray explains.

It's simple: If you pair a smart lock with a video doorbell, you can have eyes on your front door while you're out, and speak with any visitors. Then, if it's someone you recognize – say, a family member or your dog sitter – you can grant them access.

It's best to choose a smart lock and video doorbell from the same brand, so you can manage both from one app, such as the eufy E340 video doorbell and the eufy FamiLock E34.

Outdoor vs. Indoor Cameras: What You Actually Need

'Outdoor cameras are for deterrence, early warning, alarm verification, and evidence. They belong near driveways, front doors, side gates, rear entrances, garages, and detached buildings, anywhere you want to know what's happening before someone reaches the house,' Ray explains.

'Indoor cameras are more personal, but very useful for verifying alarm events, watching pets, or confirming a motion sensor was triggered by a real person and not a false alarm,' he continues.

There are many affordable indoor cameras at Amazon starting from as little as $20, and the Blink Mini 2K+ is a well-reviewed, small, and easy-to-use option that will give you a closer eye on your home while you're out.

Indoor cameras are best used as confirmation before alerting the authorities. If your alarm has sounded, or your door or window sensors have been triggered, indoor cameras allow you to check whether it was a false alarm or not.

Contrastingly, outdoor cameras offer active deterrence and home security by signalling to potential opportunists that your home is well-guarded, and that there will be evidence of any break-ins after-the-fact.

Do You Need a Subscription?

Depending on the product, subscriptions tend to unlock cloud-based storage and extended video history. Many home security brands such as Ring, Blink and Arlo put these features behind a paywall, so when you purchase one of their video doorbells or cameras, you'll need to pay a monthly fee to be able to store event clips.

Other subscription-based services include monitored alarm systems (as I explained in more detail above), where an external provider will oversee your home's security and alert the authorities if needed.

Subscription packages can be some of the best home security solutions for beginners, as much of the admin is taken care of on your behalf.

However, the recurring cost – ranging from $5 to $25+ a month – can easily be avoided by choosing a wired installation, or opting for local storage.

The eufy S330 video doorbell, for example, comes with a hub that stores event history locally, meaning no cloud-based subscription is required. The initial cost is a little higher, but you're avoiding the monthly fees required to view event history.

But really, a wired setup is best, as Ray Ansari explains, 'For anyone serious about protecting their home, I usually recommend a quality wired camera system with local recording. It costs more upfront but gives better reliability, higher resolution, and no ongoing cloud subscription required.'

Should You Get a Dog?

It might not always be practical for anyone who works long hours out of town or has allergies, but where dogs make up part of a household, intruders are far less likely to break in. Not only will a loudly barking pooch alert the occupants or neighbors to a problem, but most intruders also won't want to risk coming face-to-face with a potentially vicious and protective animal.

'Get a dog!' agrees self-defense, personal safety, and violence prevention expert Julie Waite of Streetwise Defence. 'A well-trained dog is a great alarm and defense system. When ex-intruders were surveyed, a barking dog was one of the top things that would deter them from entering a property.'

Windows and Doors: Do They Need Upgrading?

Assess your windows and doors, as these are weak points when it comes to a property. Look out for signs your wooden windows need replacing and put any areas of damage right. You should also check that they all have working, modern locks.

'Get a peephole, chain, and caged mailbox on the door or an external mailbox,' advises Julie Waite. 'A simple but effective tip that is often overlooked is to install horizontal blinds to all windows and keep them down (but not closed). This makes it hard for intruders scoping out your home to see into your property and, if they do break in, the blinds make a lot of noise and make it difficult to get in quietly – especially if you have some plants and ornaments on your windowsills that could get knocked off.'

A noisy entrance into your home might well cause intruders to abandon their plan for fear of being caught.

Design & Discretion: Security That Doesn’t Ruin Your Curb Appeal

Robust home security doesn't have to make your home look like a fortress; many options can seamlessly blend in with your home's aesthetic and style.

'For a more subtle look, choose low-profile turret or dome cameras, ideal for fitting under the eaves,' Ray recommends, such as the subtle Blink Outdoor 4 at Amazon, or the sleek Google Nest Cam Outdoor at Walmart.

Stylish security cameras are out there, and choosing the right design depends on your home's exterior. Modern homes would benefit from a glossy, polished device such as the eufy E340 video doorbell, while more colorful homes would blend well with the brighter Arlo 2K.

But remember: Securing your home without sacrificing style can include much more than introducing new devices.

'Reinforced doors, locked gates, and trimmed landscaping' can improve your home security without a system, Ray Ansari explains, particularly as overgrown shrubbery can give intruders a place to hide.

The plants and materials you choose to finish off your driveway and your back and front yard landscaping ideas play an important role in securing your home.

'When strategically placed, trees and shrubs can act as a natural security barrier to your home and provide privacy,' explains Jeff Ketelaars, co-founder at Security Guards Only. 'You can even opt to get defensive plants that naturally have spikes and thorny exteriors to deter anyone from coming on the property.'

Barberry, hawthorn, holly, and scotch briar are aesthetically pleasing choices, with spikes or thorns that act as active deterrents.

Julie Waite continues, 'To the exterior of your property review your boundaries and gates – have you got high fencing, can you use anti-climb spikes? Check if these are legal in your area and put up a sign advising that they are there,' advises Julie Waite.

You can also use gravel on pathways around your property, as the small gravel pieces compacting against each other underfoot will undoubtedly alert you to anyone crossing your garden or approaching your home.

Budgeting & Getting Started

As there are so many security solutions available, investing in your home security can cost as much as you're prepared to spend. Whether you want to keep it below $150, or spend more than $1,000 on a comprehensive, whole-property system, there are ways to secure your home for every budget.

At the most affordable, a budget-friendly video doorbell is the best place to start. The Blink Video Doorbell at Amazon costs just $59.99, or the Arlo 2K Video Doorbell costs $49.99 – but both devices require a monthly subscription to capture event history.

Or, the eufy E340 or the Philips 7000 Series Video Doorbell cost more than $140, but you won't need to pay monthly fees.

Here's a more detailed breakdown of what you can get at different price bands:

Entry Level: Up to $300

'A video doorbell, motion lights, and a few sensors covers the basics for renters or first-time homeowners,' Ray Ansari explains.

Mid Range: $300 to $800

If you spend more, you can build a comprehensive security system around your home, combining outdoor cameras, alarms and sensors to have accurate, timely alerts when needed.

Advanced: $800 to $1,500+

If you pay more upfront, you can get a professionally-installed, hardwired security system that will eliminate the need for any monthly fees, battery charging, or missed alerts. ADT, Vivint, and SimpliSafe are a few of the highest-rated nationwide options, but it's worth checking for local installers, too, as they may offer better rates and more personalized security solutions.

Ray Ansari explains that this package could include, 'Multiple high-resolution cameras, a local recorder, full cable runs, and professional installation. More upfront, but better reliability, image quality, and no subscription dependency long-term.'

Maintenance & Peace of Mind

Whether you have invested in home security, or you're still in the decision process, it's useful to brush up on a few simple routines to keep your precious home secure.

You can use two smart plugs to deter intruders by making it seem like you're home. Connect them to your existing lamps, and you can set up a routine so that the lights turn on in different rooms in the evening, creating the illusion that someone is moving throughout the house.

Knowing how to secure your home for the holidays includes keeping your yard tidy, making sure no valuables are on display, and making sure your alarm system is poised to prioritise early detection.

If you don't own your home, there are many renter-safe home security options such as adhesive video doorbells and camera mounts, indoor security cameras, and making sure no packages are left on your porch for too long, as they can essentially advertise what's inside your home.

And don't forget the importance of protecting your home from cyber hackers, too. By strengthening passwords, turning off certain features, and updating your devices, you can protect your smart home ecosystem. If your devices are interconnected, it only takes one appliance to be hacked for the rest to be at risk.

For more smart home upgrades, learn how the best robot vacuums from our rigorous testing sessions can save you time at home.

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