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These affordable ways to keep your home safe while out of town can be used year-round so be sure to save it somewhere if you’re going to be on vacation throughout this next year. These are all items you already have around your house or at your local hardware store.

I’m sure you’re aware of the rise in crime during the holidays and we ourselves have been victim to porch pirates more than once. I will never understand what could possess someone to take something that doesn’t belong to them, in broad daylight no less.

I am not an expert on home security. If you’re looking for an expert then you should watch my good friend, Kevin McCallister in Home Alone for ideas.

Alright, let’s get into it!

• Cover it up!

  • This first tip is for presents or valuables in your car but it’s one that I have done for several years during the Holidays and I wanted to share it with you. Leave a blanket or extra jacket in your car to put over gifts that you may have picked up while you’re out and about. Thieves are much more likely to steal something in plain sight. I’ve seen this on the news several times where cars were targeted simply because the thief can see valuable items.

• Buy longer screws!

  • You can prevent someone from kicking your front door down simply by replacing the screws in the door frame hardware (the plate) with longer screws. Most door handles and locks only come with screws that are ¾ of an inch long. Replace them with 3-inch-long screws and anyone who tries to kick your door will have a much harder time and it will take a lot longer. This trick takes all of 2 minutes and everyone should do it.

• Get smart!

  • Have smart outlets that let you turn lights/ TV on from your phone. These are relatively inexpensive and available at any Best Buy or Lowe’s. If you can control a few interior lights and make it look like you’re at home, then the bad guys will steer clear. If you don’t want to go that route you can use a small, cheap radio and place near your front door so people that are on your porch can hear it.

• You’ve got mail!

  • Have a neighbor or family member pick up your mail or put it inside. Mail that is spilling out of your mailbox is a sure sign that you’re away.

• Year Round Decor!

  • Keep a few pieces of décor on your porch year-round for the delivery guys to hide packages behind. Our guys are usually pretty good about trying to hide our packages. Even a big potted plant would be better than nothing. If thieves can’t see treasure from the street, they won’t come up to your porch and look.

• Shhhh!

  • This next one should be common sense, but I see it all the time. You’re so excited to be going somewhere and you post it all over Facebook or tell everyone on your block. WHY?! Stop doing that. Wait until you’re back in town to share your vacation pictures/videos/stories.

• A large cowboy lives here!

  • Leave a big pair of boots in a closet near your entryway. When you’re out of town, set them outside. This is very effective, and I’ve seen this tip a lot while doing research on this topic. Bob Vila suggests doing this and he knows all.

• Fake it til’ you make it!

  • Even if you don’t have an alarm system you can buy a fake sign for one at Lowe’s for about $10 and this night just be enough to deter a burglar. Something is better than nothing at all.

• Brace for Impact!

  • Door braces can be found at Home Depot for about $20 and make it next to impossible for someone to open your door.

• Park it!

  • If you’re flying, try and leave a vehicle in your driveway. If you’re hitting the road in said vehicle, then ask a neighbor to park in your driveway while you’re gone. Houses with empty driveways are usually easy targets.

• The Siren’s Call!

  • This 2 pack of wireless home security alarms can be found at Home Depot for $11. They can tell when glass has been broken and an alarm sounds. An audible alarm will scare off most intruders, especially if they think the police are being notified.

• You weren’t raised in a barn!

  • Lowe’s has this door and window sensor you can buy for $12 and it sends alerts to your phone if a door or window has been opened.

We have an alarm system and a front porch camera but if you’re not able to go that route or don’t have time for the installation then these are all things you can do right now to make sure you have a safe home this Holiday season. Let me know if you liked these ideas or you have one that I haven’t thought of.

Have a safe and blessed Christmas!