One of the worst things that can happen to any homeowner is a break in. Not only does it throw up a lot of practical concerns, like talking to insurance companies and having to replace possessions, but it’s also deeply unsettling and upsetting. Your home is your private space and having someone break into it feels like a violation. What’s more, it can drastically change the way you feel about your home in the future. Even if you’ve felt secure and happy there in the past, knowing that someone else has been there could potentially ruin your home as a safe space for you. One obvious solution would be to move, but not everyone is in a financial position to be able to do so. Once you’ve replaced any stolen possessions and sorted out the financial implications of your burglary, here are some ways to feel safe and happy in your home again.
Install a new security system. If your home was broken into, then chances are your old security methods weren’t working as well as they should have, and you need to research which system is for you. Make sure that you have a house alarm, and that it’s obvious from the outside of your house to prevent any opportunistic burglars. The more obvious you make it that your house is well protected, the less likely anyone will be to think it’s a good place to attempt to break into. Look online for ideas like http://www.securepenguin.com/best-home-security-systems/ to figure out which system is right for your family.
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Install new outside lighting. Maybe you already have outside lighting – if so, great job! Not only does it help you see what’s going on outside your property, but it keeps you safe on dark winter nights and mornings as you make the trip from your front door to your car and back again. However, you could consider installing motion sensors so the lights only turn on when there’s movement out there. That means that if anyone is approaching your property, you’ll be the first to know about it when you see the light go on. You could even install cameras to catch any wrongdoing on tape.
Update the front of your house. If your front door is freshly painted and the locks are shining and new, it will deter anyone from attempting to break in. Chances are, if you maintain the upkeep of your house on the outside, people assume that your security system is also up to date. You should also make sure that you cut back any trees and shrubbery that go across your windows and front door. Not only will this give your neighbors a clear view of your house so they can alert you if they see anything suspicious going on, but it will also ensure that any potential burglars don’t have anywhere to hide outside your house.
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Remember to stay quiet on social media. If you had a break in, remember not to talk about how exactly it happened too much in public. If you post on Facebook that you have a back gate that doesn’t lock properly, you’re broadcasting your home’s biggest weakness to the world. You may think that only your friends can see your posts on Facebook but your security settings might be lax, and you don’t know what they might be passing onto less trustworthy people. If you go on vacation, remember that you shouldn’t mention it on social media until you’re home again. You don’t want anyone to know that your house is empty!
Change the inside of your home. If you’re finding it hard to be in there thanks to the memories of your break in, you can update the inside of your home and make it into a place that feels new and fresh and different. Add an accent wall to your living room and turn it into a cozy den by adding an extra throw blanket and some colorful pillows to your couch so you can snuggle up on the cold winter nights. Treat yourself to indulgences that you might have thought were too expensive before like fragrant candles and reed diffusers. Make sure your valuables are away from the windows for extra peace of mind.
Try to enjoy your home. That might be easier said than done if you’ve had some bad experiences in there. Regardless, if you have to stay in that house, you should try to make some more positive memories there. Over the festive season it should be easy to create some goodness there. Invite your family over for eggnog and Christmas cookies, and if you have kids, you could host a board game tournament for their friends. If you inject a little positivity into your home, chances are you’ll be feeling better again in no time.
Those are good ideas. I like your point about not posting your vacation on social media. I never post mine. Lots of people do and I've never understood that. It doesn't seem very smart to me. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.