Simple and Low-Cost Home Security Measures

I took a look around my little cabin in the woods today for some inspiration, and what I saw was more of a feeling: security. I feel lucky where I am that the area (to date) is quite safe. However, because I like to be prepared, there are a number of features that I have built into my cabin and my lot for protection. Interestingly, as I am on a budget, most of these are no-to-low-cost measures. I’m going to share these with you today from the perspective of an aging woman on her own, realizing that large families or even couples might make different choices. 

Location, Location, Location

I shopped for land on which to place my cabin for many years. My first plan was to place it back in the woods, way out of sight. However, as I looked at these lots, a couple of things came up. First, even as I stood on the lot back where I thought I would put my cabin, I felt ill at ease. I could imagine how I would feel, being back there on my own if a car were to approach in the dead of the night. 

Second, as I have mentioned, I am on a budget, and the lure of the long laneway into the woods sure lost its appeal when I started getting quotes for felling the trees and developing said laneway from scratch! EXPENSIVE!!! 

As I was living on borrowed time on my cousin’s farm, my highest priority was to get moved onto a lot and get building. I decided to compromise on a smaller lot, which I could pay cash for, but that had a neighbor closer than I had originally planned. My gut instinct told me that at least for now, this was the most secure option for me. My neighbor’s large picture window has a great view of the entrance of my laneway. I like that they can see what’s going on. 

At night, it gets really quiet on my road. What I mean to say is that there is NO traffic. I have security in that any nighttime arrivals would stand out to both my neighbor and me. While I often complain about it, being a light sleeper has its advantages!

Laneway Design

My lot is narrow and long. I built at the back of the lot, the furthest possible from the road and on the highest elevation. This offers a distinct advantage that my entranceway is directly observable from my front door and all my south-facing front windows. Since the house has a single lane entranceway, it’s not accessible to any car, as my vehicle is parked out front. This also blocks any car from getting near my sheds. These are simple features of design that make it more difficult for thieves to access anything. They might just move on to an easier mark. 

Not a Gate, but a Rope

Many of the residences up in my neck of the woods have entranceway gates. Yeah, I might build one someday. But for now, a simple rope does the trick. I started using this to block access to my entire laneway when the cabin was under construction, and I often had thousands of dollars of construction materials lying around in my yard. I do have two cedar posts on either side of the entranceway, having installed a matching one for the original when I moved in.

I rummaged through my rope bin and got out an old yellow rope I bought at an auction and tied it to one post. I used red duct tape (construction sheathing tape) to make some prominent ribbons every few feet on the rope. During construction times, I had a sign taped to the rope that said, “NO ENTRY: Danger due to construction.” 

Remember how my entranceway is visible to my neighbor’s large picture window? Without realizing it, they provide formidable security that makes getting out of a vehicle and untying that rope much less appealing. 

Right Neighborly

There is security in numbers. Even though my laneway’s exposure to my neighbor’s window might work if they hated me and wished I had never moved in next door, I know it works better because we’re friendly. Over the course of several years, we have built up trust and appreciation for each other. 

When they went on a long trip, my neighbors asked me to keep an eye on their house. They knew, like I do, that our proximity is a benefit for both of us. I often bring over bouquets of my cut flowers for them, or vegetables from our community garden. We exchange Christmas cards and holiday treats. In the event of any danger, I wouldn’t hesitate to run right over there. To me, building a positive relationship with my neighbours is a worthwhile investment and contributes significantly to my overall security.

Leftover Construction Materials

When building my cabin, I invested in high-quality windows with excellent locks. However, I don’t just trust those locks. I back them up with appropriate lengths of my leftover wood. In one window on the east wall, which offers a lovely breeze at night, I cut the board a little shorter so that the window can be slightly open and secure. For my sliding door, I have a substantial board that is a tight fit and will not allow the door to move. 

Now, you naysayers might ask, “Can’t someone just gain entry by breaking the glass?” Yup, they sure could. And I’m on a road that is very busy during the day. Someone is going to see that. The house is visible front and back to traffic during most of the year. At night? I’m always home at night, and they might live to regret it.

A Simple Sign

On the front window, I have taped a basic sign that says, “WARNING: Security Cameras in Use.” Whether there are or not doesn’t really matter: I think it’s a good deterrent. I like the sign a local farmer wrote by spray painting on an old piece of plywood: “Smile, You’re on Camera.” He placed that sign at the entranceway of a long laneway to a vacant farmhouse he owned. It made you think when you drove past it. In my mind, it doesn’t have to be pretty, just do the job. The best cameras are out of sight, anyhow.

Low-Cost Security with High Benefits

Sure, “lock and load” has its place. However, there are many preventative steps you can take for your security that aren’t overly expensive.

What about your own approach to security? Can you relate to the measures shared above? Do you have your own you can share with us? Please tell us in the comments below.

About Rowan

Rowan O’Malley is a fourth-generation Irish American who loves all things green: plants (especially shamrocks), trees, herbs, and weeds! She challenges herself daily to live her best life and to be as fit, healthy, and prepared as possible.