Your home is your castle, but without a mote to protect it, it’s up to you to make sure the people and things stay safe inside. You don’t have to build a fortress, but you do need to do these five things to secure your new home.

Change Locks

There’s nothing more exciting than your real estate agent handing you the keys at closing. The best thing to do with those keys is to keep them as souvenirs and get the locks changed right away. You may trust previous homeowners, but you never know who else has copies of those keys.

Add Lighting

Adding landscape light Hicksville NY is a great way to keep prowlers away while beautifying the exterior of your home. You don’t need blinding spotlights, but strategically placed lights can an effective theft deterrent that also adds curb appeal.

Install an Alarm

If you want the best protection for your home, consider installing an alarm system even if your new home is in a safe neighborhood. Some professional models can be pricey, but there are also do-it-yourself options that fit nearly any budget.

Secure the Garage

It’s the biggest door on your home, but it’s often forgotten since just your car and some tools live there. However, securing the garage is key to keeping unwanted guests from gaining access into the interior of your home. Keep the door into the home locked at all times since burglars and other nefarious individuals can sneak in while you pull your car in or out of the garage or while you’re in the back performing yard work.

Lock the Windows

The windows are another forgotten entryway, but it is essential to keep the windows locked. If you can’t resist the fresh air, install specialized window locks that allow you to keep them propped open just far enough to let in the air without letting in an intruder.

Purchasing a new home can begin a new, exciting chapter in your life. Just be sure to secure the home to keep intruders from enjoying a new adventure as well.