Home Security Checklist: 25 Things to Check Today

You don’t need to be a security expert to know how secure your home really is. Sometimes the best way to improve home security is simply to walk around your property and look at it carefully. A loose lock, dark entrance, unsecured window, or forgotten garage door can be easy to overlook. That’s why we created this simple 25-point home security checklist — work through it today and identify the areas that may need attention.

This checklist is for walking through your own home and fixing gaps today. For the bigger picture of how the layers of protection fit together, see How to Protect Your Home from Break-Ins.

Front Door Security

1. Check Your Front Door

Is the door solid, properly installed, and free of significant damage? Check the door itself, the frame, hinges, and hardware. If something feels loose or damaged, don’t ignore it.

2. Test Your Deadbolt

Lock and unlock the deadbolt. It should operate smoothly and extend fully into the strike area. If the lock sticks, doesn’t engage properly, or appears damaged, address the problem.

3. Inspect the Strike Plate

Look at the hardware where the lock enters the door frame. Make sure it is securely attached and that the surrounding frame isn’t damaged. If you’re considering reinforcement hardware, make sure it is appropriate for your specific door and frame.

4. Stop Hiding Spare Keys in Obvious Places

Under the doormat isn’t a good security strategy. Avoid obvious outdoor hiding spots. If someone needs regular access, consider a more secure access solution.

5. Look Through Your Door’s Viewing Area

If your door has a peephole or viewing system, make sure it’s working properly. You should be able to identify visitors before opening the door.

Other Doors

6. Check Your Back Door

Make sure it closes properly and has appropriate locking hardware. Don’t give your back entrance less attention simply because visitors usually use the front door.

7. Secure Side Entrances

If your home has a side door, inspect it just like your front door. Check the lock, frame, lighting, and surrounding visibility.

8. Check Your Garage Entry Door

If your garage connects directly to your home, inspect the door between the garage and living area. Make sure it closes and locks properly.

9. Close Your Garage Door

Don’t make a habit of leaving the garage door open when you aren’t using it. If your garage door opener provides alerts or remote monitoring, learn how those features work.

Window Security

10. Check Ground-Floor Windows

Walk around your home and inspect windows that can be reached from outside. Make sure they’re properly closed and locked.

11. Check Basement Windows

Basement windows can be easy to overlook. Pay particular attention to windows that are hidden or located away from normal foot traffic.

12. Test Window Locks

Don’t assume a window lock works. Actually test it. Replace or repair damaged hardware when necessary.

Outdoor Security

13. Check Your Outdoor Lighting

Walk around your property after dark. Look for entrances, walkways, driveways, and other areas that are difficult to see. Consider whether additional lighting would improve visibility.

14. Look for Hidden Areas

Large bushes, fences, sheds, and other objects can block your view. Ask yourself whether there are areas around your home where someone could approach without being easily noticed.

15. Trim Overgrown Landscaping

Keep vegetation around important entrances reasonably maintained. You don’t have to eliminate landscaping — the goal is to maintain useful visibility.

16. Check Your Driveway

Make sure your driveway and surrounding areas have adequate visibility. If you use a camera, check that it actually covers the area you want to monitor. (See our guide on where to install security cameras for more on this.)

17. Check Your Backyard

Look at gates, fences, sheds, outdoor equipment, and other potential access points. Make sure gates close properly and that important areas are reasonably secure.

Security Technology

18. Test Your Security Cameras

Don’t assume your cameras are working. Check the live view. If your system records video, verify that recording actually works.

19. Check Camera Placement

Look at the footage during both daylight and darkness. Make sure cameras aren’t blocked, pointed too high, or aimed at areas that don’t provide useful security coverage.

20. Check Your Camera Password

Your security equipment needs security too. Use a strong, unique password for your account. If available, enable two-factor authentication.

21. Test Motion Alerts

If your cameras or sensors use motion alerts, test them. Make sure notifications are actually reaching your phone or other device.

22. Check Your Alarm System

If you have an alarm, make sure you know how to arm and disarm it. Check that sensors and notifications are functioning as expected.

Everyday Security Habits

23. Stop Leaving Doors Unlocked

Make locking exterior doors part of your normal routine. Don’t rely on remembering only when you’re leaving for a long period.

24. Be Careful About Vacation Posts

Avoid publicly announcing that your home will be empty for an extended period. You can always share vacation photos after you return.

25. Have a Plan for Packages and Mail

If you’re away, don’t let mail and packages accumulate outside. Arrange for someone to collect them, or use appropriate delivery and mail-hold options.

Your 25-Point Quick Checklist

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What Should You Fix First?

You don’t have to complete every improvement today. Start with the problems that could have the biggest impact. For example:

• A broken exterior door lock → Fix it.
• An unsecured ground-floor window → Secure it.
• A dark entrance → Improve the lighting.
• A camera that isn’t recording → Repair or replace it.
• An obvious spare-key hiding place → Change it.

Don’t spend money simply because a security product looks interesting. First identify the problem. Then find the appropriate solution.

Make This a Monthly Habit

Your home changes over time. Locks wear out. Batteries die. Cameras move. Landscaping grows. Technology gets updated. That’s why a security check shouldn’t be something you do once and forget. Consider running through this checklist periodically — it only takes a few minutes, and it can help you notice problems before they become bigger ones.

Final Thoughts

Good home security doesn’t begin with expensive equipment. It begins with awareness. Walk around your property. Check your doors. Check your windows. Look at your lighting. Test your security equipment. Think about your everyday habits. Then fix the weaknesses you discover. A safer home is built one smart decision at a time. That’s the Secure4Peace mission: practical information that helps you protect your home without unnecessary fear or unnecessary spending.

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