How to Protect Your Home from the Inside
Home is where you feel safest – it’s your haven, your retreat, your happy place. But that peace of mind can only last if you know your home is properly protected. With opportunistic crime still being a concern in many areas, it’s important to stay proactive about your safety and not leave anything to chance.
The good news? It doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated to protect your home. In fact, a few simple and affordable tweaks can make a big difference in protecting your property and your loved ones.
Whether you live in a bustling city or a quiet suburb, these tried-and-tested tips will help you build a safer, more secure home from the inside out.
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Keep all doors and windows closed and locked at all times
It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how often people forget to double-check their locks – especially during the day or when they’re home. Keeping doors and windows locked is one of the easiest ways to deter intruders. Criminals tend to look for easy access points, and an unlocked door is practically an invitation.
Inspect all your doors regularly. Make sure the frames are strong, the hinges are in good shape, and the locks are still sturdy. If you notice any signs of wear or weakness, fix or replace them immediately.
Pro tip: Don’t forget your garage door or the door leading from the garage into your house. It’s one of the easiest and most overlooked entry points. Avoid depending solely on your automatic garage system – always lock it manually when possible .
Related: Keep Your Car Safe and Park It in a Garage! (And How This Could Save You Money!)
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Update your locks
When last did you actually take a good look at your locks? Are they still in good working condition? If your locks are old, damaged, or outdated, it might be time for an upgrade.
Choose tamper-proof locks that make it harder for intruders to force their way in. If you’ve recently moved into a new home, change all the locks immediately – you never know how many spare keys are floating around.
And if you’ve experienced a theft or lost your keys, don’t delay. Replacing your locks as soon as possible will give you peace of mind and add an extra layer to protect your home.
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Add privacy film to decorative glass and entrance windows
We all love natural light, but large glass doors or decorative windows can give strangers an unwanted peek into your home. If your entrance or front-facing rooms have lots of glass, consider adding privacy film or frosted glass.
This simple upgrade blurs visibility from the outside while still letting sunlight filter in. It’s an affordable and stylish way to protect your home without making it feel like a fortress.
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Make sure you have a home security system
A solid home security system isn’t just for the wealthy – there are plenty of cost-effective options on the market. Even a basic alarm setup can go a long to protect your home.
Here are a few must-have features to look for:
- Outdoor motion sensors (beams): Great for spotting movement in your yard before someone even reaches your door.
- Door and window sensors: Alert you to any break-ins or tampering attempts.
- Loud alarms and sirens: Scare off intruders and alert neighbours.
- Security cameras: Help you monitor your home from your phone or computer at any time.
Modern systems are often smart-enabled, meaning you can control and monitor them remotely so you can keep an eye on things, even when you’re away.
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Keep your valuables out of sight
Even with the best locks and alarms, your home could still catch a thief’s eye if valuables are visible from the outside. Avoid leaving expensive electronics, jewellery, or wallets in plain view of windows.
Store high-value items in a safe or locked cabinet. For outdoor spaces, make sure things like bicycles, tools, and garden equipment are securely stored when not in use.
Small steps like closing your curtains at night and keeping your driveway tidy can make your home less appealing to opportunistic thieves.
Discover: How to Save Money Around the House: 12 Ridiculously Easy Ways
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Don’t forget about lighting
Good lighting can make all the difference. Well-lit exteriors protect your home by deterring intruders who prefer to work under the cover of darkness. Install motion-sensor lights near entrances, walkways, and driveways to instantly expose movement.
Inside your home, use timers or smart bulbs to create the illusion that someone’s always home, even when you’re out. A few strategically placed lights can be one of the most effective and low-cost security measures you can implement to protect your home.
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Get to know your neighbours
Building a friendly relationship with your neighbours can be an underrated yet powerful security tool. A strong community looks out for one another.
If you’re heading away for the weekend, ask a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your home, collect your post, or move your bins – small signs that make it look like someone’s home. In return, you can do the same for them.
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Review your home insurance
Sometimes, no matter how cautious you are, accidents and break-ins still happen. That’s why having the right home insurance in place is just as important as physical security.
Home Insurance with Oneplan
At Oneplan, we believe home insurance should make your life easier, not more complicated. Our cover gives you flexibility and control – you decide what to insure, how much cover you need, and when you need it.
Need a little breathing room? You can even pause your cover whenever you want to, making it perfect for those months when budgets are tight.
With Oneplan, everything is digital and straightforward. There’s no endless paperwork, and you can manage your policy right from your phone.
Learn more: 4 Benefits of Home Insurance with Oneplan: Home Insurance You Can Tailor To Your Needs
Whether you want to protect your home or you’re insuring the essentials and covering everything from electronics to furniture, you’re in control. Adjust your policy as your lifestyle changes, because your home (and your life) deserve insurance that adapts with you.
Yours in reliable, affordable, and flexible household insurance,
Oneplan
