It’s no secret that first impressions are important. When people drive by or come to your house for the first time, you want it to look good. But looking good is only half the battle—you also want your home to be secure. According to Jacksonville State University, a home burglary occurs every 15 seconds in the US, which translates to about 4,800 daily. Therefore, making your home both aesthetic and secure should be a priority. Here are a few ways to do that.
Store valuables in a separate place
First things first, you want to make sure all of your valuables are hidden from view. This means hiding any electronics, jewelry, or other items that could tempt a burglar. For example, if you have a nice television, don’t leave it in plain sight near a window. Instead, keep it in a room that can be locked or put in a cabinet.
On the other hand, if you have valuables that you can’t hide, then you should invest in a home safe. This way, even if a burglar does break into your home, they won’t be able to get to your most valuable possessions. Safes come in all different shapes and sizes, so you’re sure to find one that fits your needs.
When choosing a safe, you want to make sure it’s fireproof and waterproof. You also want to select a model that can be bolted to the ground or a wall. This will make it more difficult for burglars to take the safe with them. The passcode you set should also be unique and not something that can be easily guessed.
Have quality lighting
Another way to make your home aesthetic and secure is to invest in some quality lighting. Lighting can be both decorative and functional—well-placed lights can deter burglars and help you see at night. For example, you might want to put some lights in your yard or near any entry points to your home.
When choosing outdoor lights, you want to ensure they’re bright enough to deter burglars but not so bright that they bother your neighbors. You also want to ensure they’re weatherproof and durable to withstand the elements.
As for indoor lighting, you want to choose fixtures that complement your home’s décor. But more importantly, you want to make sure all the rooms in your house are well-lit. This will help you see at night and make it more difficult for burglars to hide.
Solar-powered lights are a great option because they’re environmentally friendly and easy to install. And if you’re really looking to impress, try string lights or fairy lights. They’re perfect for adding a touch of whimsy to your yard or porch.
Consider landscaping
Finally, don’t forget about your landscaping! Landscaping can not only make your home more beautiful, but it can also help keep burglars away. Thorny shrubs and spikes are great for deterring intruders, and rocks can be used to create barriers around your property line.
Fence gates are excellent additions. They are more efficient when they open inward because it’s more difficult for someone to climb over them. You also want to ensure the gate is sturdy and made from quality materials. It should also be difficult for a burglar to break into—preferably with a lock that can’t be easily jimmied open.
You can also choose a style that complements your home’s décor. If your home is modern, then you might want to choose a sleek, minimalist gate. If your home has a more traditional style, then you might want to choose a gate with more ornamentation.
Lastly, you also need to make sure the gate is the right size. It should be large enough to fit all of your vehicles but not so large that it looks out of place. And if you have children or pets, make sure the gate has a safety latch that prevents them from opening it.
Have an additional layer of security
You might also want to consider investing in a security system or alarm. This way, if someone does break into your home, you’ll be alerted and can call the police. For example, you might want to install a security camera system or a motion-sensor light.
There are all sorts of security systems and alarms on the market, so you’re sure to find one that meets your needs. You can also choose a system that can be monitored remotely, so you can keep an eye on your home even when you’re not there.
And if you have a dog, ensure they’re well-trained and won’t hesitate to bark at strangers. A barking dog is often enough to deter a burglar. Not to mention that they can also attack if necessary.
Making your home both aesthetic and secure doesn’t have to be difficult—just follow these tips! Hide valuables, invest in quality lighting, take care of your landscaping, and add as much layer of security as possible. With just a bit of effort, you can have the best of both worlds: a beautiful home that is also safe and secure.
