Why Hanging A Coffee Mug On Your Door Handle Could Save Your Home

When it comes to home security, most people think of high-tech solutions — CCTV cameras, outdoor motion-sensor lights, or smart locks you control from your phone. These systems are effective, but they can also be expensive or out of reach for renters or those looking for a low-effort option. That's where a surprisingly simple DIY trick comes in: Hanging a coffee mug from your front door handle. Yup, the same mug that holds your morning cuppa Joe can also help you sleep soundly at night. This hack has been floating around online for a while now, and while it might sound silly at first, there's a practical reason behind it. 

If someone tries to quietly open your door while you're asleep, the mug will fall to the ground and break. The resulting crash should be enough to wake you from your slumber and let you know something's up. You could think of it as a low-tech tripwire. Because it's so easy to set up, it's become a go-to method for budget travelers, college students in dorms, or anyone who just wants a little extra peace of mind. Of course, it's not meant to replace actual locks or alarms — but as a temporary or backup measure, it's surprisingly effective. Best of all, it only takes a few seconds to set up and costs the price of a mug.

Setting this hack up is simple, but you do need to be strategic about it. Hang a ceramic coffee mug at the very end of your door handle (not near the base), where it's less stable and more likely to fall if someone tampers with it. Drop a metal spoon inside the mug to amplify the noise. Some people take it a step further by placing a glass on the floor where the door swings open and balancing a second mug on top. If the door opens, the mug tumbles off the glass and either shatters or makes a loud clatter, making it much harder for someone to enter without being heard. 

This low-cost hack is ideal in places where you might not have access to full security systems: Think rental properties, Airbnbs, hotel rooms, or even dorms. It's also a genius hack for power outages or when you're staying somewhere unfamiliar and want a bit of reassurance while you sleep. If your door has a round knob instead of a handle, you could try balancing the mug on top of the doorknob. If that doesn't work, or if you're dealing with carpeted floors that might dull the sound of the falling mug, tying a bell to the handle can be enough to serve as a quick DIY alert system. But this means you have to buy a bell and keep it handy whenever you're in unfamiliar places.

If the coffee mug trick has you thinking outside the (alarm system) box, there are a few other inexpensive tips to protect your home that work on the same principle: Simple setups that either make noise, slow someone down, or make your home look occupied. One common trick? Wedge a rubber doorstop under the inside of your door before bed or when you're home alone. It won't stop a determined intruder, but it can delay entry and give you valuable seconds. If you don't have a doorstop, even a tightly rolled towel can make a difference.

If you have sliding doors or windows, try laying a wood dowel, broomstick, or even a curtain rod, inside the bottom track. This creates a physical block that stops the panel from sliding open, making it much harder for someone to force entry. And finally, don't underestimate visual deterrents. Burglars can tell when there's nobody home, so leaving a pair of large men's boots outside your door, leaving a TV or radio on, or setting lights on a timer can all make your home seem busier and more guarded than it is — without spending much.