How to Childproof (or Pet-Proof) Your Home on a Budget
Zac Griffin
4/23/20254 min read
If there’s one thing you can count on from kids and pets, it’s this: they’ll get into everything. Whether it’s a toddler exploring kitchen cabinets or a curious dog chewing cords behind the sofa, your home can quickly turn into a safety hazard without the right precautions in place.
The good news? You don’t have to spend a fortune to make your home safer. With a little planning, a few smart upgrades, and some affordable tools, you can childproof or pet-proof your home while sticking to a budget.
As a Central Florida handyman, I’ve worked with dozens of families to make their homes safer without over complicating things. This guide covers what really matters, what to skip, and how to get it done fast.
Start with a Room-by-Room Assessment
Every home is different, so the best place to begin is with a walk-through. Get down to your child’s or pet’s eye level and look around. Ask yourself:
What can be pulled, tipped, or climbed on?
Are there cords, small objects, or chemicals within reach?
What can they access when you're not watching?
Make a list of priority zones like the kitchen, living room, bathroom, and any stairs or outdoor areas.
Living Room Safety
The living room is where most families spend time together—and where accidents often happen.
Budget-Friendly Tips:
Anchor furniture to the wall. Use furniture straps or L-brackets to secure bookshelves, dressers, or TVs to prevent tip-overs.
Cover electrical outlets. Use plug protectors or sliding outlet covers to stop curious fingers and paws.
Hide cords and cables. Use cord covers or tuck them behind furniture to prevent chewing or tripping.
Corner guards. Install soft edge bumpers on coffee tables and entertainment stands.
Pro tip: Use Command hooks or Velcro ties to secure cords or remotes out of reach without damaging walls.
Kitchen Safety
The kitchen has some of the most dangerous items in the house—knives, cleaners, hot surfaces, and more.
Budget-Friendly Tips:
Use cabinet locks or latches. Install inexpensive childproof latches on lower cabinets, especially ones with chemicals or sharp items.
Stove knob covers. These prevent kids or pets from accidentally turning on burners.
Keep trash cans covered. A lid with a latch helps keep pets out of garbage or cleaning products.
Secure rugs and mats. Use rug grips to prevent slipping when kids or pets run through.
Want to go the extra mile? Install a magnetic lock on drawers with sharp utensils and keep countertop appliances unplugged when not in use.
Bathroom Safety
Water, medicines, and small items make bathrooms high-risk zones for both children and pets.
Budget-Friendly Tips:
Toilet lid locks. Prevent drowning hazards and messy pet “explorations” with a simple plastic latch.
Cabinet safety latches. Keep cleaning supplies, medicines, and razors locked away.
Non-slip bath mats. Install one inside the tub and one outside to avoid slips.
Move cords up high. Store hair dryers and electric toothbrushes on higher shelves with cords wrapped and secured.
For added peace of mind, keep a baby gate or door lock on bathrooms when they’re not in use.
Bedroom and Nursery Safety
In bedrooms, the biggest concerns are choking hazards, falls, and access to furniture or windows.
Budget-Friendly Tips:
Use door knob covers or door latches. These prevent unsupervised entry or exit.
Anchor dressers and nightstands. Kids love to climb; secure furniture just like you would in the living room.
Install cordless blinds or secure cords. Blind cords pose serious strangulation risks. Use tension devices or cordless options when possible.
Keep baby monitors and chargers out of reach. Secure cords along the wall and keep electronics away from the crib.
Cribs should meet current safety standards—no drop sides, no loose bedding, and nothing inside except the baby.
Stair and Hallway Safety
If you have stairs, landings, or long hallways, your child or pet will see them as a racetrack or jungle gym.
Budget-Friendly Tips:
Install pressure-mounted baby gates. They’re affordable, easy to remove, and don’t require drilling.
Use motion-sensor nightlights. Great for preventing falls in low-light hallways or near stairs.
Apply grip tape on stair edges. Prevents slips for both humans and pets.
Be sure to measure gate openings correctly, and if you have a pet, choose a gate tall enough to prevent jumping.
Outdoor and Patio Safety
Florida homes often include lanais, patios, or backyard pools—amazing features that require extra attention when kids or pets are around.
Budget-Friendly Tips:
Install childproof locks on sliding doors. Keep kids from wandering into the yard unsupervised.
Secure pool gates and screen doors. Use a self-closing, self-latching gate with a lock.
Store yard tools and chemicals high or locked away. Lawn equipment, insecticides, and fertilizers can be hazardous.
Check for loose boards or sharp edges on fencing. These can injure or allow pets to escape.
If you have a pool and kids in the home, consider a floating alarm or motion-sensor system for added protection.
General Tips to Childproof and Pet-Proof on a Budget
Shop online bundles for outlet covers, latches, and bumpers.
Look for used or gently worn baby gates, playpens, and monitors on local buy/sell groups.
Use household items like zip ties, Velcro strips, and plastic bins to secure or store potentially dangerous objects.
Work one room at a time to stay focused and avoid being overwhelmed.
Need help with the installs? Moxie Home Pros offers affordable safety upgrades for families and pet owners across Central Florida. We can handle furniture anchoring, gate installation, cord management, cabinet hardware, and more.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to turn your home into a fortress to keep it safe—just thoughtful. With a few budget-friendly upgrades and a room-by-room approach, you can reduce risk and gain peace of mind without sacrificing comfort or style.
Whether you’re expecting a new baby, adopting a pet, or just want to reduce the chaos around the house, these tips will help you create a home that’s safe, secure, and stress-free.
Need help with installation or want to get a safety audit done for your home?
Visit www.moxiehomepros.com to request a quote or schedule a visit. We proudly serve families across Orlando, and surrounding Central Florida areas.
Let Moxie handle it—so you can focus on what matters most.
Address
300 Wilshire Blvd STE 229
Casselberry, FL 32707
Contacts
407-377-8659
Fixit@moxiehomepros.com