6 Ways to Protect New Purchases After the Holidays

The holiday season was full of lights, joy, and of course, expensive gifts. 

Still, thieves know that many homes are ripe with new goodies and are waiting for their chance to get their hands on them. If you want to protect your new gifts, then there are special precautions you should take. 

Save Your Receipts 

If the unthinkable happens and your new laptop was stolen, you can rest comfortable knowing that you can prove the purchase in the first place. If your home suffers a burglary and you find your most precious things missing, using store receipts to confirm ownership is a great first step. 

If you don't have receipts (or just can't seem to find them in the midst of the hundreds of other receipts you have saved), then use your credit card statement to prove the price and date of purchase.

Purchase a Warranty

Many manufacturer warranties cover basic damage but not theft. Fortunately, if the purchase was made with a credit card, you may be eligible for an additional warranty through them, which will cover your items should they be stolen. Prior to purchasing a warranty, however, it is important to read all of the conditions. 

Register Your New Items

Most companies that sell high-dollar items offer the ability to register their things online. Doing so will increase the chances that your things will be found if stolen and may even replace the product in the case of damage. You can also purchase an additional protection plan to cover your new things well after the initial warranty has expired.

Add Your Gifts to Your Homeowners Insurance Policy 

For an additional charge, your homeowner’s insurance policy will cover itemized lists in the event of damage or theft. Make a list of all of your most expensive possessions, room-by-room, and submit a new itemized list around the beginning of each year to ensure that you have coverage for the things you want to protect (and to make sure you remove items that are no longer worth the extra fees). 

Don't Advertise Your New Things 

People often inadvertently advertise their new items via social media, opened curtains or tossed out boxes. During the few weeks after the holidays, thieves are especially receptive to this information and may plan their attack based on what you've told them. 

Do not boast about your gifts on Facebook then post when that you will be leaving town for a week. Likewise, it is important to keep curtains drawn and boxes tucked away to avoid tempting passersby with your new goodies. 

Invest in Home Security 

Home security systems are a great way to see that your home - and the contents therein - are protected from unwanted intruders. With installation starting as little as $99 and monthly monitoring fees as low as $36.99, your home can be protected well after the holiday season has come and gone - without having to hassle with meticulous insurance companies.

Depending on your specific needs, you could choose from a wired system (which is better at monitoring various locations) or a wireless system which is easier to install in older homes. Either way, the purchase of a new home security system is a sure way to deter unwanted guests from getting their hands on your valuables. 

Electronics, gaming systems, and jewelry are especially vulnerable this time of year. These hot ticket items are easy to resell and gather the most return for the energy invested. And, unlike new cars or motorcycles, these items can easily be slipped into a pocket or bag for a quick get-away.

Protect your things from the sticky fingers of a thief by using these simple tips. By doing so, you can sit back and relax.