The Ultimate New Homeowner Security Checklist: 15 Must-Do Steps to Protect Your Home
Buying a new home is exciting — but it also comes with new responsibilities. One of the most important is making sure your home is secure. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or moving into your forever house, taking the right steps early will give you peace of mind, protect your investment, and keep your family safe.
At The Security Playbook, Coach Cover has put together the ultimate new homeowner security checklist — 15 affordable, practical steps to safeguard your home without breaking the bank.
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1. Replace All Exterior Door Locks
Why it matters: You have no idea how many people still have keys to your new home — old owners, real estate agents, contractors, or even neighbors. Replacing locks ensures you start fresh with full control.
Simple Upgrade:
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Install new deadbolts or upgrade to smart locks you control via an app.
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If budget is tight, at least rekey all existing locks.
Pro Tip: Go for locks rated ANSI Grade 1 (the highest security rating). Smart locks are great for convenience but make sure they still have a physical key backup.
Scenario: Imagine a contractor who worked on the house years ago still has a spare key. Without rekeying, they could walk right in. Changing locks eliminates that risk.
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2. Install Motion-Activated Lighting
Why it matters: Criminals thrive in darkness. A well-lit home is less attractive to intruders, and lights often send them running.
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Place LED motion lights above the garage, driveway, back yard, and side entrances.
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Choose lights with adjustable sensitivity and timers.
Pro Tip: Pair motion lights with dusk-to-dawn fixtures for constant low-level lighting and motion-triggered brightness.
Scenario: You’re away for the weekend. A motion light that suddenly blasts on when someone approaches your back door will likely make them leave before attempting anything.
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3. Check Windows & Upgrade Latches
Why it matters: Many standard window locks are weak and can be forced open with a screwdriver.
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Add pin locks for sliding windows.
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Consider battery-operated window alarms for quick alerts.
Pro Tip: For first-floor windows, plant thorny bushes underneath to add a natural deterrent.
Scenario: A burglar sees a dark side window as an easy entry point. A cheap sensor alarm goes off immediately when it’s opened, scaring them off.
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4. Reinforce Sliding Glass Doors
Why it matters: Sliding doors are notorious weak points — easy to jiggle open, lift off the track, or smash quietly.
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Insert a security bar or dowel rod into the bottom track.
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Drill screws into the upper frame to prevent the door from being lifted out.
Pro Tip: Add inexpensive glass-break sensors for extra peace of mind.
Scenario: You’re asleep upstairs. A burglar tries to slide open your patio door but hits a bar in the track. Entry denied.
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5. Secure Mail & Packages
Why it matters: Mail theft can lead to identity theft, and stolen packages are a common headache.
Simple Upgrade:
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Use a locking mailbox or a porch lockbox for deliveries.
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Schedule packages to arrive when you’re home if possible.
Scenario: A thief grabs bills from your unlocked mailbox and now has your personal data. A locking box prevents this.
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6. Secure the Garage
Why it matters: Garages are prime targets. They often contain tools, bikes, and can lead directly into the home.
Simple Upgrade:
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Reset default opener codes.
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Add a manual slide lock for extra protection.
Pro Tip: Don’t leave your garage remote in your car if parked outside. Thieves break into cars just to grab remotes.
Scenario: A burglar opens your car parked on the street, grabs your garage opener, and has instant access to your home. Avoid this by keeping it on your keychain.
7. Trim Landscaping
Why it matters: Overgrown bushes and trees near windows create perfect hiding spots.
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Keep shrubs trimmed below window level.
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Add gravel around windows so footsteps can be heard.
Pro Tip: Choose thorny plants like rose bushes under vulnerable windows — nature’s barbed wire.
8. Meet the Neighbors
Why it matters: Community vigilance is one of the most powerful crime deterrents.
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Introduce yourself and exchange contact info.
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Join a neighborhood watch if available.
Scenario: You’re away on vacation, and your neighbor notices a stranger snooping. A quick text alerts you immediately.
9. Set Up Smart Cameras
Why it matters: Cameras deter crime and provide evidence when something happens.
Simple Upgrade:
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Install a camera at your front door and driveway.
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Opt for models with two-way talk to confront visitors remotely.
Pro Tip: Position cameras to capture faces, not just doorframes.
Scenario: A package thief approaches your porch. A notification on your phone lets you yell through the camera, sending them running.
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10. Test Smoke & CO Detectors
Why it matters: Safety isn’t just about intruders. Fires and carbon monoxide kill more people in homes annually than crime does.
Simple Upgrade:
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Test and replace batteries.
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Upgrade to smart detectors for phone alerts.
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11. Review Your Insurance
Why it matters: Even with upgrades, no home is risk-free. Insurance is your financial backup.
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Review policies for theft, vandalism, and break-in coverage.
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Take photos of valuables for documentation.
12. Teach Kids Basic Safety Rules
Why it matters: Kids are often the weak link. A strong system means nothing if they open the door to a stranger.
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Teach them to lock doors, not open for strangers, and memorize emergency numbers.
13. Create an Emergency Kit
Why it matters: Emergencies happen — storms, power outages, or medical issues.
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Stock flashlights, first aid, bottled water, and key documents.
14. Test Your Alarm System
Why it matters: If your new home already has an alarm system, don’t assume it works.
Simple Upgrade:
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Change passcodes from previous owners.
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Update contact information with the monitoring service.
15. Take the Home Security Score Assessment
Why it matters: You don’t know how secure your home is until you measure it.
Simple Upgrade:
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Use The Security Playbook’s free assessment tool to benchmark your home and get personalized improvement tips.
FREE Home Security Score Assessment
FAQs: New Homeowner Security
Q: What’s the first security step I should take after moving in?
👉 Replace all exterior locks. Until you control access, nothing else matters.
Q: Are these upgrades renter-friendly?
👉 Yes, most of them (lights, sensors, cameras, bars) are removable and won’t damage property.
Q: Do I really need cameras?
👉 Cameras add evidence and deterrence. Even a $40 Wyze camera can make a huge difference.
Q: How much should I budget for home security?
👉 Start with $150–$200 for basics (locks, lights, sensors). Build from there as budget allows.
Wrapping It Up
Security doesn’t need to be expensive or overwhelming. Each improvement on this checklist adds a layer that forces intruders to spend more time, make more noise, and take bigger risks. That’s what keeps them away.
Start with one step today — and build from there.
Coach Cover and The Security Playbook are here to guide you every step of the way.
👉 Ready to see how secure your new home really is? Take our FREE Home Security Score Assessment.