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1. Leaving The Front Door Unlocked During Short Trips
That quick run to grab milk turns into 20 minutes, and an unlocked door is all it takes.
Start This Way: Lock the front door every single time even if it feels like overkill for a 2-minute trip.
This gets easier if you use a smart door lock to lock your door from your phone fast.
2. Hiding A Spare Key Under The Doormat
That “secret” spot is the first place anyone checks, and it takes about 2 seconds to find.
Try This Way: Give a spare key to a trusted neighbor instead of hiding it outside.
3. Forgetting To Lock Windows Before Bed
Windows get missed all the time, especially the ones behind curtains or in the bathroom.
Here’s What To Do: Walk through the house once at night and press on each window to double-check it’s locked.
You can make this easier if you use window lock alarms to alert you when something is left open.
4. Leaving The Garage Door Open Overnight
That garage turns into a wide-open entry point without anyone noticing.
Begin With This: Close the garage door before sunset so it becomes part of your normal evening routine.
It will be way faster if you use a garage door sensor system to alert you when it’s left open.
5. Not Changing Locks After Moving Into A New Home
Old keys are still out there somewhere, and there’s no way to know who has them.
Consider This: Replace or rekey all exterior locks within the first 48 hours after moving in.
It will be so much easier if you use a rekeying kit to change locks without calling someone.
6. Letting Packages Sit Outside All Day
Boxes sitting on the porch scream “nobody’s home” to anyone passing by.
Give This A Try: Bring packages inside as soon as they arrive or ask a neighbor to grab them.
This gets faster if you use a video doorbell camera to see deliveries in real time.
7. Keeping Porch Lights Off At Night
Dark entryways give cover and make it easier for someone to move unseen.
Start Small With This: Turn on your porch light every night before it gets fully dark.
This feels easier if you use outdoor motion sensor lights so it turns on automatically.
8. Posting Vacation Plans On Social Media In Real Time
Sharing plans while away lets everyone know the house is empty right now.
Here’s A Quick Way: Wait until you’re back home to post photos or updates.
9. Leaving A Ladder Outside Near A Window
A ladder makes reaching second-floor windows simple for the wrong person.
One Thing That Helps Is: Store ladders in a locked garage or lay them flat where they can’t be used.
10. Using The Same Code For Every Door Lock
One code gets shared around fast, and suddenly too many people know it.
Here’s A Low-Stress Way: Set different codes for each door or change them every few months.
You can make this way faster if you use a keypad door lock to update codes in seconds.
11. Forgetting To Lock Sliding Glass Doors
Sliding doors are often weaker and easier to force open than front doors.
The Less Stressful Way Is: Place a sturdy bar or stick in the track every night.
This is less annoying when you use a sliding door security bar to block it fully.
12. Keeping Shrubs Tall Enough To Hide Windows
Thick bushes give perfect hiding spots right next to windows.
If You Want To Keep It Easy: Trim bushes down to below window height so everything stays visible.
13. Leaving Car Doors Unlocked In The Driveway
Unlocked cars can lead to garage access or stolen garage remotes.
Start By Doing This Instead: Lock your car every time, even if it’s parked right outside.
14. Not Checking Door Locks Before Going To Sleep
One missed lock can happen easily after a long day.
Instead, Try This: Do a quick lock check as the last thing before getting into bed.
15. Letting Kids Answer The Door Without Asking First
Kids don’t always think twice about opening the door to strangers.
The Easy First Step Is: Teach kids to always call for an adult before touching the door handle.
16. Leaving The Back Door Unlocked During The Day
Back doors get overlooked since they’re not the main entrance.
If You’re Not Sure Where To Start: Lock the back door by default and only unlock it when needed.
17. Not Fixing A Broken Lock Right Away
A loose or jammed lock is basically a broken barrier.
Here’s The Shortcut Version: Fix or replace any lock the same day it stops working right.
You could get it done faster if you try a door lock replacement set to swap it out quickly.
18. Keeping Valuables Visible Through Windows
Clear views inside make it easy to spot things worth taking.
To Make This Feel More Doable: Move high-value items away from windows or cover them with curtains.
19. Forgetting To Close Curtains At Night
Lights inside make everything visible from the outside after dark.
The Easier Approach Is: Close all curtains right after sunset as part of your evening routine.
20. Leaving A Spare Garage Remote In An Unlocked Car
That small remote can open access to the whole house.
To Avoid Feeling Overwhelmed: Keep the remote inside the house instead of the car when parked outside.
21. Not Using Motion Lights Around The House
Dark corners give space for someone to move without being seen.
Here’s A Gentle Way To Start: Add one motion light near your main entry first.
It will take less time if you use wireless motion sensor lights that install in minutes.
22. Opening The Door Without Checking Who Is There
It’s easy to react quickly when someone knocks.
The Most Doable Way Is: Look through a peephole or camera before unlocking anything.
This feels easier if you use a video doorbell camera to check from anywhere.
23. Leaving Tools Outside That Can Break A Window
Tools can turn into break-in helpers if left out overnight.
Here’s A Small Step That Helps: Put away tools right after using them, even if you’re tired.
24. Not Locking The Door While Home Alone
Being inside doesn’t mean the door should stay unlocked.
Here’s A Simpler First Move: Keep doors locked at all times, even during the day.
25. Using Weak Passwords On Smart Home Devices
Easy passwords make it simple to access cameras and locks.
The Easy Starting Point Is: Use long passwords with a mix of numbers and letters.
26. Forgetting To Lock The Door After Taking Out Trash
That quick step outside can leave the house open longer than expected.
To Make This Feel Less Heavy: Lock the door behind you even for a 30-second trip.
27. Leaving Windows Open When No One Is Home
Open windows are easy entry points when nobody is inside.
One Easy Reset Is: Close and lock every window before leaving the house.
28. Not Setting An Alarm System Before Bed
Alarms only work if they’re actually turned on.
Do It Like This: Set your alarm as part of your bedtime routine every single night.
You can make this easier to finish if you use a home security alarm system with auto-arm settings.
29. Letting Strangers Know The House Is Empty
Casual conversations can give away more than expected.
Try This Way: Keep details about your schedule and plans private around strangers.
30. Leaving The Mail Piled Up While Away
A full mailbox is a clear sign nobody’s been home for days.
Here’s What To Do: Pause mail delivery or ask someone to collect it daily.
31. Not Teaching Kids Basic Safety Rules
Kids need simple rules they can follow without thinking.
Begin With This: Go over 3 basic rules like “don’t open the door” and “call mom first.”
32. Forgetting To Lock Side Doors And Basement Doors
Side entries are often the most forgotten and easiest to access.
Consider This: Add those doors to your nightly lock check every time.
33. Leaving Keys Inside The Car In The Driveway
Keys inside the car make it easy to take both the car and garage access.
Give This A Try: Bring keys inside every single time, even late at night.
34. Not Checking Who Has Copies Of House Keys
Old friends or workers may still have access without you realizing.
Start Small With This: Make a list of everyone with a key and update locks if unsure.
35. Leaving The House Dark For Days At A Time
A dark home signals nobody is around for a while.
Here’s A Quick Way: Use timers to turn lights on in the evening while away.
This gets easier if you use a light timer switch to control lights automatically.
36. Not Locking The Door While In The Backyard
Backyard time feels safe, but doors stay exposed.
One Thing That Helps Is: Lock the back door even while outside.
37. Ignoring Strange Sounds Or Suspicious Activity
Small signs get brushed off until something bigger happens.
Here’s A Low-Stress Way: Trust your gut and check things right away or call for help.
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