27 Sep Nine Home Organizing Security Tips

It is a sad and startling fact that there are over 2.2 million burglaries in the US, which means that every 15 seconds, a burglary is committed. Home burglaries account for 70% of these crimes (See www.securamericallc.com, citing fbi.gov 2017 crime statistics). The good news is that there are some basic home organizing tips that can help reduce the risk of your home from being targeted by thieves and burglars. Here’s what to do to get started.

1. Install a security system to guard your home and post signs in your yard and windows. Security systems are a great deterrent to thieves. If this is not an affordable solution, post signs stating that you have a security system.

2. Install cameras at your home. This can be as easy as placing a doorbell camera at the front door or covering more of your property by installing wireless (or wired) camera systems. Providers like Aerlo, Ring, Nighthawk have doorbell and home security camera systems that are relatively inexpensive and fairly easy to install.

3. Secure your yard. Trim bushes that cover or obscure your windows. Remove and secure ladders, tools, trashcans and any other item that might be used to break into your house or climb through a window.

4. Secure your windows and doors. Make sure that all your door locks function properly. Make the door most visible from the street your entry point, and use additional secondary locks (such as a chain-latch or double-bolt locks) on all other doors. For sliding doors, use a broomstick or other type of rod to lay in the track. As for your windows, be sure all locks function properly. Do not leave windows open, even on the second floor. Use secondary locks and stops on your windows wherever possible.

5. Be sure that all your exterior lights function properly. Keep your home well-lit at night, whether you are home or traveling. Installing motion detection lights is another good way to deter criminals from entering your property.

6. A great idea for your interior lighting is to set one or two of your lights on automatic timers. This is another good way to keep crooks away when your home is unoccupied, by appearing as an occupied home.

7. When traveling, don’t let mail, newspapers or packages pile up. Ask a friend or neighbor to gather these items daily.

8. Having hidden keys seems convenient for you, but it is also convenient for opportunists seeking entry into your home. If you hide keys in your yard, do not place them in obvious locations. A better solution is to ask a neighbor to hold onto your spare key.

9. Secure your valuables. For important documents, be sure to keep them in lockable filing cabinets or a safe. You can also keep them stored in the cloud (see www.digitallifecloud.com). A safe is also a good place for your other valuables (money, checkbooks, credit cards, jewelry, etc…). If you don’t have a safe or secure locking file cabinet, don’t hide valuable in the obvious locations. Try the kids’ room, laundry or kitchen – as those areas are often the last places thieves search.

These tips are just the basics but can greatly help you keep your home secure. Be proactive, do the research for securing your home! There is a ton of home security-related information on the web. Get organized and secure what you value most.

P.S. “Dorothy The Organizer” is America’s Most Innovative Professional Organizer. Known to millions as the fearless-yet-endearing problem solver on the Emmy-nominated TV Show “Hoarders” on A&E. Dorothy is also the best-selling author of seven books, including her latest, Stuff Your Face or Face Your Stuff.
In addition to being featured in the Wall Street Journal, Forbes and O Magazines, Dorothy appears regularly on the Today Show, The Dr. Phil Show, The View, The Doctor’s, QVC and PBS. Dorothy lives with her husband in Los Angeles.