Home security is a priority for millions of homeowners, and as you grow your family, it’s only going to become more important. The trouble is, many homeowners falsely believe that home security is expensive and/or hard to install, so they never go through the steps of installing or upgrading their security.

Today, you’ll find there are many home security companies in your area that offer affordable protection packages. And if you’re looking for a DIY approach, you can invest in one or several smart home security devices meant to keep your home safe from intruders and natural disasters—many of which are inexpensive.

Upgrading Your Home Security

These are just some of the ways you can improve your home security without paying a ton of money:

1.       Purchase a comprehensive protection plan. Your best bet is probably a comprehensive security plan, which you can purchase as a service from one of several providers in your area. Most companies will offer a monthly rate for home security coverage, with different package levels that offer varying levels of protection. With the plan, you’ll probably get some kind of alarm system for your home, as well as cameras that can monitor your home during certain times or under certain circumstances. In any case, you’ll have a team on standby who will respond to a triggered alarm or signs of distress, so you can rest assured you’ll have backup when you need it most. And though this is a monthly cost, it’s relatively inexpensive when you consider how much security it provides you.

2.       Doorbell cameras. Thanks to breakthroughs in the internet of things (IoT), doorbell cameras are becoming increasingly common. These discreet cameras aren’t obvious, but they’ll record anyone and everyone who comes to your doorstep. If someone’s home alone, they can use it to preview who’s there after hearing a knock on the door. If you’re the victim of a burglary, you can use the doorbell camera to identify the perpetrator. Best of all, they’re cheap gadgets that are easy to install and set up.
3.       Security bars and new locks. You may be surprised to learn just how vulnerable your current locks are. Your doors and windows are the weakest points of your home, and sometimes, all it takes is a simple, inexpensive upgrade to make them more secure. Investing in a new deadbolt lock, and having that lock professional installed can significantly increase its protective capacity, and installing security bars on your sliding glass doors can make it much harder for someone to break in.

4.       Window sensors. While you’re at it, consider investing in window sensors—just in case a thief or nefarious person tries to break them. These sensors can produce an alarm, scaring off potential intruders, and/or send an emergency signal to your local police department for an immediate response.

5.       Solar spotlights. Spotlights are powerful deterrents, and they can be used in several different ways. You could use them to keep your walkways and home exterior lit at night, preventing would-be burglars from easily getting to your house unnoticed. You could also install them with motion detectors, which automatically turn the spotlight on when they detect movement. These can sometimes be disrupted by wildlife, but otherwise can alert you to outside movement and keep your house from being easily approachable.

6.       Home safes. It’s a good idea to keep your most valuable possessions—including your personally identifying paperwork, your jewelry or family heirlooms, and any weapons you have for self-defense—in a safe. This will mitigate your losses if you’re ever the victim of a break-in, and prevent an intruder from using some of your own possessions against you. These are one of the more expensive items on this list, but you can find a decent safe for a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.

7.       CCTV cameras. Finally, consider installing CCTV cameras in your home, especially around main points of entry, so you can keep an eye on things when you’re away, or gather evidence in case of a break-in. These days, they’re inexpensive and easy to install, and you can start monitoring almost immediately.

Customizing Your Approach

No two homeowners are going to have the same goals, and no two homes are going to have the same layout. It’s on you to create a home security plan that allows you to provide the best level of protection for your family for the lowest cost and lowest level of intrusiveness. For most homeowners, that means using a combination of different technology, gadgets, locks, and services to protect against the most pressing threats—and maintaining them regularly so you can be sure they’re in full working order.