How to Secure Your Home on a Budget: Affordable Safety Tips for Single Moms & Survivors

If you’re a single mom or survivor of an abusive relationship, securing your home is a top priority—but expensive security systems aren’t always an option. The good news? There are affordable, practical ways to protect your home and give yourself peace of mind. Keeping your home safe doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

In this guide, we’ll cover budget-friendly home security solutions and tips that help you feel safer without breaking the bank.

1. Reinforce Your Doors and Windows

Most burglars and dangerous exes enter through unlocked doors/windows or those with weak locks.  Strengthening these entry points is your 1st line of defense.

If you’ve recently left an abusive partner or moved into a new place, change the locks ASAP. Deadbolts are always the way to go. You can get normal deadbolt locks or electronic ones that have keypads. Both are good. The keypad ones can save you from fumbling with your key when a threat is coming at you, especially if your lock has an app that you can use to unlock it remotely, but you need to remember to change the batteries regularly.

What You Can Do (Low-Cost Fixes):

✔ Install security bars (can be wooden dowels from a hardware or craft store) and/or door jammers.

✔ Use longer screws (at least 3 inches) to reinforce door hinges and strike plates.

✔ Add window alarms that sound an alert if someone opens them.

✔ Install deadbolt locks.

✔ Install swing-bar locks for added security.

✔ If you can’t change the lock, use a portable door lock for added security.

🔹 Recommended Products:

1. Yale Assure Lock 2: A versatile smart lock compatible with most smart home systems, offering options like a keypad or fingerprint reader. Get it here.

2. Wyze Lock Bolt: A budget-friendly option providing fingerprint and Bluetooth access for quick, secure entry. Purchase it here.

3. GE Personal Security Window and Door Alarms: Easy-to-install alarms that emit a loud alert when tampered with. Get them here.

4. Ring Contact Sensors: Perfect for monitoring windows and doors with real-time notifications sent to your phone. Check them out here.

Tips for Use: 

• Install alarms on all accessible windows and test them monthly to ensure they’re working properly. If you have an ex that you're afraid of, the more windows you can alarm, the better.

  
  

• Always have a backup key and test your smart lock regularly to avoid surprises.

2. Get Motion Sensor Lights

Criminals usually don't want to be seen.  Motion sensor lights, not only expose would-be attackers, but they also make it harder for someone to hide around the outside of your home.

What You Can Do (Cheap & Effective):

✔ Install good solar-powered motion lights (no wiring needed!).

✔ Place them near doorways, windows, and dark corners around your house.

🔹 Budget-Friendly Pick: LITOM Solar Motion Sensor Lights – Weatherproof and wireless. Product Link

3. Use Fake Security Cameras and Signs

For general home security, a visible security camera is often enough to scare off potential intruders—even if it’s fake! If you can't afford a real security camera set up, fake camera will work until you're able to. You can find battery operated ones that have lights and some even turn, making it difficult to tell that they're not real.

What You Can Do (Super Low Cost):

✔ Put up fake security cameras - Product Link

✔ Post "24/7 Surveillance" stickers Product Link or signs near doors and windows Product Link.

WARNING: If you have a scary ex who is pursuing you, do not expect cameras, real or fake, to detour them. Their intent is often bigger than their fear of being caught.

4. Get a Real Doorbell Camera or Security Camera

You don’t need a full security system—one affordable camera can make a big difference.

What You Can Do:

✔ Get a video doorbell camera so you can see who’s at the door.

✔ Use a cheap wireless security camera (interior and/or exterior) to check your home remotely (just be aware that anything remote can be hacked).

🔹 Recommended Products:

1. Wyze Cam v3: Affordable, high-definition camera with night vision and weather resistance, suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Product Link

2. Ring Stick Up Cam Battery: A versatile, wire-free option with motion-activated notifications and two-way communication. Product Link

Tips for Use: Position cameras where they’re easy to see but hard to tamper with (think high up), and test them regularly.

5. Use Blackout Curtains

If your scary ex can't see light from inside of your home, he can't tell if someone is home, and if someone is, where they are in your home. Keeping the sunlight out isn't the only sleep benefits that come with these curtains, as they can also give you that peace of mind.

What You Can Do:

✔ Use blackout curtains on any windows that your scary ex might have access to. These can be purchased through Walmart or Amazon.

6. Use Smart Plugs to Make It Look Like You're Home

If your home looks occupied, it’s less likely to be targeted by random criminals. If you cannot afford blackout curtains, this might be your next best option. It should help prevent random criminals from bothering you and it could be used strategically to throw a scary ex off your trail long enough for you to leave the home or to arm yourself.

What You Can Do:

✔ Use smart plugs to turn lights on and off remotely.

✔ Set a timer for lights, TVs, or a radio to create movement and noise.

🔹 Recommended Product: 

Kasa Smart Plug – Works with Alexa, Google Home, and your phone. Product Link

7. Have a Personal Safety Plan

Home security is just one part of a personal safety plan, just like having a fire extinguisher is one part of a fire safety plan. A good personal plan will include home security, personal safety devices, a self-defense weapon, exit strategies, a designated safe room, safe people and places, and it can also include things like fire safety plans/equipment and severe weather safety plans.

What You Can Do:

✔ Use our Safety Plan template.

✔ Have a safe exit plan in case you need to leave quickly.

✔ Keep a self-defense weapon near your bed.

🔹 Recommended Personal Safety Products for Women:

1. Invisawear Jewelry: Stylish jewelry that sends emergency alerts at the push of a hidden button. Product Link

2. Flare Bracelet: A discreet bracelet that sends emergency alerts or triggers a fake phone call. Product Link

8. Get a Dog or "Beware of Dog" Sign

Dogs are one of the best natural security systems. Even a small dog can alert you to danger. If you can’t get a dog, a "Beware of Dog" sign can still deter intruders who don't know you.

Something to Consider: If you're worried about a dangerous ex and you do have a dog, does the dog know your scary ex? Would it bark at him if he showed up?

What You Can Do:

✔ Post "Beware of Dog" signs near entry points.

✔ Play barking dog sounds when you’re not home if you don't have a dog.

✔ Consider a rescue dog if you're ready for the commitment. (This is not necessarily recommended if you have a scary ex.)

Read about best dog breeds for security at AKC.

Bonus Tips

1. Layer Your Security: Combine locks, cameras, and alarms for comprehensive protection.

2. Regular Testing: Test devices monthly to ensure they’re working properly.

3. Create a Safety Plan: Use these products as part of a broader safety plan, including an emergency escape strategy.

4. The first 12 months after leaving a relationship is the most dangerous time for a woman. Plan accordingly!

Final Thoughts

You Deserve to Feel Safe. Securing your home isn’t just about the tools—it’s about reclaiming your peace of mind. Whether you’re dealing with an ex who won’t leave you alone or just want to feel safer, these tips and products can help.

It's ok to start small if you can't afford much. I added things to my system as I was able to afford them. Small, affordable changes add up to a strong, secure home.

✅ Reinforce doors & windows

✅ Install motion lights

✅ Use fake (or real) cameras

✅ Create a Personal Safety Plan