IF YOU HAD TO RIG UP YOUR OWN HOME SECURITY ON A TIGHT BUDGET, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
- Totally agree, thorny plants are more of a “please don’t” than a real barrier. I tried a barberry hedge once—looked nice, but the scratches were unreal. Not sure my hands have forgiven me yet.
- For cheap security, here’s my usual game plan:
- Solar motion lights—super easy to install, no wiring headaches, and you can usually grab a 2-pack for under $30.
- Dummy cameras. They’re like scarecrows for people. Not perfect, but sometimes it’s all about making your place look like more trouble than it’s worth.
- Window alarms from the dollar store. Not fancy, but they make a racket if someone tries to open a window.
- Old-school: I keep a pair of muddy boots by the door (even though I don’t wear them much). Looks like someone’s always home.
- One thing I won’t do again: those prickly plants right by walkways. Nothing like getting snagged on your own “security system” just trying to bring in groceries...
Honestly, it’s all about layers. If something slows them down or makes them think twice, that’s half the battle.
One thing I won’t do again: those prickly plants right by walkways. Nothing like getting snagged on your own “security system” just trying to bring in groceries...
That made me laugh—been there, done that, and still have the scars. I’m all for security, but if it messes with curb appeal or daily life, it’s a no from me. I’d lean toward motion lights too, but I’d try to hide them a bit so they don’t scream “DIY job.” Also, maybe some decorative window film? It looks good and keeps prying eyes out. Just my two cents.
Honestly, I’m not sold on window film. Maybe it’s just me, but I feel like you can always kinda tell it’s there, and sometimes it bubbles or peels after a while. Motion lights are solid, but I’d just go with the cheap solar ones—no wiring, no fuss. I’ve also used those fake security cameras before... not sure if they really work, but for $10, why not?
IF YOU HAD TO RIG UP YOUR OWN HOME SECURITY ON A TIGHT BUDGET, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
I hear you on the window film. I tried it once in my old place—looked decent for about a year, then summer hit and it started peeling at the corners. Ended up just pulling it off because it bugged me more than it helped. The cheap solar motion lights are actually underrated though. I’ve got a couple on my garage and they’re still kicking after two winters, which surprised me.
Fake cameras... eh, I’m not convinced either, but I guess if someone’s just looking for an easy target, it might make them think twice. Realistically, if you’re on a shoestring, I’d say focus on lighting and maybe some loud window alarms. The kind that scream if someone pops a window open. Not fancy, but they’ll scare the hell out of you—and probably any would-be thief too.
Honestly, half the battle is just making your place look like a pain to mess with. Overgrown bushes trimmed back, lights everywhere, and stuff locked up tight. Sometimes that’s enough to send someone down the block.
Honestly, half the battle is just making your place look like a pain to mess with.
Couldn’t agree more. I’d add: swap out those flimsy screws in your door strike plates for longer ones—like 3” wood screws. Costs next to nothing and makes it way harder to kick in a door. Also, if you’ve got sliding doors, a simple dowel or broomstick in the track works wonders. Sometimes the old-school tricks are the best.