With the holidays right around the corner, you are probably thinking about decorations and gifts, parties, outings, and more. For most, this means there is limited money for home security updates.

The good news is, you don’t need a small fortune to make your home safer for the holiday season. Just use the tips found here.

Deterrence is Key
Have you thought about how secure your mail is? If not, you may want to. Consider having a lockable mailbox installed. This is especially important if you have bank statements and bills mailed to your home, and you are usually gone when it arrives.

For the windows and doors, you can put dowels in the tracks and sliding doors. You can even invest in gated doors or secondary locks. Try to make your windows less accessible by using shrubbery or planter boxes, and always check all your doors and windows before going to bed at night and in the morning before you leave.

If you can’t afford a security system right now, just fake it. You can purchase security system signs for your lawn, along with decals for your windows from an array of online retailers. It’s going to look like you have the real thing, and it is better than nothing.

Meet the Neighbors
While this may sound old-fashioned, meeting your neighbors is a great way to ensure someone is watching out for your home when you aren’t there. You may have neighbors who stay at home or even work at home, which means they can help keep an eye on things for you.

Check Your Alarms
It’s a good idea to test your fire alarms before the holiday season. All the additional lights, cooking, and new electronics can put a strain on the electric system and may cause a fire. Make sure you are protected by checking all fire alarms in your home.

If you want to have a great holiday season, from Thanksgiving through the end of the year, make sure to keep the tips here in mind.