Only the most affluent among us can afford the latest in state-of-the-art home security systems, hire a team of security guards, or live in fortified gated communities. But everyone deserves to feel safe while at home and protect their belongings while away.

Fortunately, you don’t need to be a millionaire to make your home significantly safer. You might be surprised to discover just how far your limited available resources can take you toward fully fortifying your residence. Read on to learn about seven effective home security options that are relatively inexpensive or even entirely free!

1. Ongoing Home Maintenance

Homeowners who perform recommended home maintenance on a regular schedule are alerted to potential security issues that include unlocked windows, malfunctioning doors, and structural problems that might allow intruders to gain access to their homes. Furthermore, the very act of keeping your residence in top condition shows that you care a great deal about it and that you are regularly at home. For this reason, you should keep your grass cut, your yard raked, and your driveways/walkways shoveled whether you are in town or miles away. Similarly, you should always empty your mailbox or have someone empty it for you. The smallest signs can earmark your home for burglary, so don’t make yourself a target.

2. Simple Structural Improvements

From replacing outdated locks to tightening loose bolts and boards, you can conduct any number of simple household improvements that can make your home far more secure. Because they are common points of entry for intruders, you can prevent intrusions by structurally reinforcing windows and doors. Triple-pane windows and solid hardwood doors offer superior strength resistance to keep you, your loved ones, and your belongings safe. In terms of your interior design, you should structure your home to keep your most valuable items out of sight. In particular, you don’t want your valuables to be visible from the outside.

3. Reconsidering Your “Hidden” House Key

If you think you are being clever by hiding a house key under your welcome mat, you should think again. Even if you are carefully concealing that key, it is a huge security risk if it is accessible to a burglar. If you want to keep a house key outside on your property, consider keeping it in a lockbox with a secure combination code. By sharing this combination code only with people whom you trust, you can benefit from a far safer alternative to the “hidden” key.

4. Community Watch Programs

Check with your local police department to determine if there is a community watch program in your neighborhood. You can also simply look at your neighbors’ properties. Most neighborhoods with a community watch will demonstrate this fact with clearly recognizable street signs and window decals. These items can deter crime in and of themselves. Even if your neighborhood lacks an official, organized community watch program, you can make that neighborhood safer by getting to know those around you, alerting them to threats, reporting strangers to the neighborhood who are acting suspiciously, and generally keeping an eye on all neighborhood homes. You should also be selective when admitting people into your own home.

5. Smart Video Doorbells

It is difficult to escape the prevalence of smart video doorbells today. Beyond seeing these devices around your neighbor’s doorways, you have probably seen recorded footage from smart doorbells on television or online. Far less expensive than a traditional security system, they have become an extremely popular security option. In its review of the best smart doorbells of 2025, Good Housekeeping calls the smart doorbell “a virtual guard, receptionist, and video recorder all in one.” From deterring "porch pirates" to pre-screening visitors, the security benefits of a good smart doorbell are both wide-ranging and substantial. In the unfortunate event that you experience a break-in, a smart doorbell can provide a solid evidence record.

6. DIY System Equipment

Beyond smart video doorbells, you can buy any number of relatively inexpensive devices to enhance your home security. By securing your home in this “a la carte” manner, you can control costs by concentrating on the security measures that will make the biggest difference for you. Smart locks can ensure that your doors are fully secured, wifi security cameras can record all activity around your home, and motion sensor-triggered lighting can scare away potential intruders the moment they set foot on your property.

7. Security Savings Opportunities

No matter who you happen to be and where you happen to live, you can likely benefit from any number of government assistance and private cost-saving programs that can aid in the acquisition of inexpensive security devices as well as entire security systems. The very act of installing a home security system can save you money on your monthly homeowner’s insurance premium.