Can you really put a price on your personal security? Do you think that you cannot afford home security? Are you longing for less expensive options? They are right here. You can find some cheap, easy ideas in this article. When you buy a new house, change the locks. You don't know how many keys have been handed out previously. To make sure no one else can get into your home, call a locksmith. You should also do this if your keys ever get lost. Buy a small home safe that you can use to keep your valuables in. This is vital, as you want to safeguard your valuable items in case of home burglary. Hide that safe in a difficult-to-reach place like in a closet inside your basement or an attic. Comparison shopping is essential when seeking a security system for the home. Prices vary quite a bit. Obtain quotes from a minimum of three home security companies before making a final decision. Secure your garage. Many people are concerned about people entering their garages to gain access to their homes. If your garage door happens to lift on a track, using a C-clamp can help. the C-clamp prevents the door from opening if it's tightened on the track close to the roller. In summer, take care to trim back branches and plants near the house. These can pose a fire hazard due to heat and storms with lightning. Regularly clear away your yard to keep your home in good standing and safe for your family. You have a choice on who installs your security system, don't be afraid to say no if something doesn't feel right. This goes for the installer, too. If you don't feel comfortable, go with someone else. Do some background research on the company you select, and look for people who make you feel safe. If you've got skylights, don't neglect them when ensuring your home's security. Intruders could use skylights to enter your home. Keep them secure with heavy duty hardware that closes them off to potential thieves. Walls are excellent hiding spots. You should think about hiding certain small valuables within your walls. Just take advantage of the phone jack, electrical outlet or unused switch plate. Even if every single plate in your home is being used, you can purchase a fake one purpose-built for concealing valuables. Use the spaces in your home's walls to store valuables. You don't need to cut out segments of your walls by the way. Take a closer look at your walls and note just how many access points there are already. For example, you could take the wiring out of an electric socket that is not in use and put your valuable jewelry in there. While choosing your alarm system, ask about protection for windows and motion detection as well as doors. Windows offer easy access to a potential thief. Be sure your alarm is secured to them all and that monitoring is in place for every point of entry. This helps ensure your family stays safe. If you plan to be away and you have another person collecting your mail, have them double check your front door for fliers. Crafty burglars will leave fliers on homes, and check to see if they're being removed as a means for determining whether or not the home is vacant. The more flyers pile up or the longer they are there, the more likely it is that the house is empty. Ask your home-security company about what contract lengths they provide to their customers. There are sure to be both good points and bad points about each option. You may pay less if you sign up for longer, but you might also get left with a contract if you have to sell your house. With a shorter contract, you will have a greater level of flexibility. The downside is you will also have larger monthly bills. Feeling safe in your home shouldn't cost you an arm and a leg. There are plenty of methods available, despite how much you can spend. The above article has some good home security choices. They may be the best defense you could use and could also be the best thing you could buy.