​Home Hacks to Help You Sleep Better

​Many of us are most concerned about intruders at bedtime. Possible break-in threats can sometimes cause enough anxiety to prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep. A good home security system is a great deterrent, but here are a few home hacks that can slow them down even more and help you sleep  better at night:

Install an alarm system...There are so many to choose from at all price points, there truly is a system for everyone.

Prevent Lock-Bumping...Purchase “anti-bumping specific” door locks or electric or magnet locks for your exterior doors.

Have good lighting...Install motion-detecting lighting at exterior doors and throughout the backyard and put interior lights on timers throughout your home to mimic your schedule.

Deceive intruders...Buy a “Fake TV” Light that flickers and makes them think someone is up late watching television.

Protect vulnerable windows... Research 3M™ window film . It is used to beef up window security by keeping glass from shattering. 

Create a burglar decoy...Fill a box with some cash, costume jewelry, and a few papers to shove in your sock drawer. A harried burglar will check the sock drawer in the master bedroom, grab the box, and go.

Add a door brace...Bolt a door brace behind your entryway door. When in the locked position, the bolt helps a door sustain several hundred pounds of blunt force. 

Secure sliding doors...Keep a sliding glass door from sliding open with a metal or wood rod to reinforce the door. Add a jimmy plate (latch guard). The plate will prevent a burglar from lifting the door off its tracks.

Add a peephole...A door peephole is a $25 piece of home security gold. It’ll provide a wide-angle view of your visitors so that you can decide to let them in . . . or not.

Install a deadbolt...A single-cylinder deadbolt lock with a 1-inch throw never hurts. But some feel that a deadbolt can be a fire hazard, so perhaps lock it only when you’re asleep or need extra protection.

Install a security storm/screen door...a security door adds an extra layer of protection.

Close your blinds at night...Don’t give burglars a chance to see straight into your home.

Purchase a smart doorbell...We have a Nest and love it. When someone rings your doorbell, you can see them and even talk to them from your phone.

Close the garage door and lock the linking door to your home. A garage door is a common entry point. Try not to keep it open AND lock your car when it is parked in your driveway so no one can use the garage door opener to enter your home.

Use discretion on social media...Don’t let the social media world know that you’re on vacation while your house sits vacant.