Emily Flores
Your front door speaks volumes about your home before anyone steps inside. Every wreath, sign, and decoration tells a story—but some stories attract the wrong kind of attention. The first thing a visitor sees makes all the difference in what they think about you and your home, so let’s take a look at these 20 common things you shouldn’t keep outside your front door.
Political Signs
Displaying political signs on your front door creates unnecessary risks for your property and peace of mind. These signs can invite vandalism or unwanted debates with neighbors, thereby disrupting the peace of your home. Many HOA or rental agreements prohibit such displays. In fact, some cities restrict political signage entirely during election season.
Holiday Wreaths Year-Round
Imagine strolling down the block in July and seeing a snowy Christmas wreath clinging to someone’s door. It doesn’t exactly say “summer vibes.” When left outside, wreaths lose their color, the materials become brittle, and pieces start falling off. It’s better to rotate decor each season to keep your doorway stylish and welcoming.
Plastic Bags
Plastic bags hanging on your door handle do not make a good impression, as they suggest clutter or carelessness to everyone who sees them. Additionally, neighbors might even mistake them for trash or suspicious items left behind. So, keep grocery bags inside where they belong. Your front door deserves better than a convenience store dumpster.
Fake Security Signs
Fake security signs can feel like a quick fix, but they fool no one for long. Many criminals can spot decoys instantly, leaving your property vulnerable. Instead, invest in genuine systems that actually protect your home. Authentic surveillance signage paired with real equipment is far more effective compared to any cardboard bluff.
Religious Symbols (Unprotected)
We all want to show our faith, but placing religious symbols openly on your door can sometimes backfire. Sadly, not everyone treats them with respect. To keep what matters most safe, consider protecting these symbols or displaying them indoors, so your beliefs remain honored without worry or unnecessary risk.
Unsealed Flyers Or Ads
Leaving flyers or ads uncollected at the door creates more problems than convenience. They make your home appear vacant, invite unwanted knocks, and contribute to litter. The simple habit of removing them right away protects your house and ensures your entryway stays clean and free of clutter.
Excessive Wind Chimes
Multiple wind chimes create more clamor than charm. Continuous noise can irritate neighbors and violate town regulations. Birds and squirrels may play with them, adding to disturbances. Homeowners should avoid overloading their porches with chimes and confirm HOA or municipal rules to keep decor peaceful and compliant.
Outdated Address Numbers
Old or faded address numbers can cause real headaches. Emergency crews may struggle to locate your home, deliveries might get delayed, and visitors can get lost. Upgrading to large, clear, and reflective numbers improves visibility and convenience for everyone trying to find your house.
Open Packages Or Deliveries
Your doorstep is meant to welcome guests, not advertise freebies for thieves. Packages left outside tempt porch pirates and signal nobody is home. Instead, bring packages inside quickly, ask drivers to leave them in a safe spot, or use a lockbox for protection. That way, delivery day stays exciting for you and not someone else.
Loose Hanging Lights
Picture a strand of lights flapping wildly in the breeze. Charming? Not really. All it takes is rain or faulty wiring for that decoration to become a fire risk. Even durable, certified outdoor lights are only safe when properly mounted. A little extra effort makes your glow both safe and stylish.
Unsecured Tools Or Decor
Here’s something that keeps insurance agents up at night—unsecured stuff hanging from your front door. These loose decorations or tools can fall and injure visitors, thus turning friendly visits into emergency room trips. They may also violate liability clauses in homeowner insurance, which can become expensive quickly.
Do Not Disturb Signs
Do Not Disturb signs make sense in hotels, not at home. On a residential door, they risk giving the wrong impression, and neighbors may see them as unfriendly, or possibly hold back from offering help if something urgent happens. So, protect your safety and community ties by skipping the sign.
Broken Doorbells
You press the doorbell, wait, and… nothing. Awkward, right? Broken doorbells or intercoms frustrate guests and make your home look neglected. Sometimes delivery drivers give up when buzzers fail to work, which can lead to missed packages. That’s why a quick fix keeps everything welcoming and shows visitors your home is cared for.
Obsolete QR Codes Or Stickers
Outdated QR codes and stickers can create serious security risks. Cybercriminals exploit these abandoned digital markers to launch phishing attacks or spread malware. Homeowners should promptly remove or replace them to stay safe. KeepNet Labs reports that malicious QR codes now make up 26% of all phishing incidents.
Unapproved Business Advertisements
Starting a business from home? Great idea. However, using your front door as an advertisement is not. Many cities limit or ban residential ads, and cranky neighbors love reporting them. Avoid fines (and side-eye) by keeping promotions online or indoors. And let your door say “welcome,” not “we’re open.”
Scented Items Or Potpourri
You hang a scented pouch by the door and think it’ll be cozy. Next thing you know, ants march in, a wasp hovers, and your neighbor sneezes during a visit. All of that proves scents at the front door cause more trouble than comfort. Unscented accents help your doorway look stylish without becoming an insect hotspot.
Spider Web Decorations
Off-season spider web decorations can be mistaken for real infestations by visitors and potential buyers. Aside from that, the artificial webs attract actual insects, which creates genuine pest problems. Over time, they collect dust and debris. This makes your entryway look dirty and poorly maintained.
Obstructive Door Curtains
Heavy curtains over front doors cause more problems than privacy. They block airflow and visibility, and turn the entrance into a cave. Worse, many areas consider them fire code violations that bring fines. Fire departments stress keeping entryways clear because unobstructed doors make homes safer and more welcoming.
Hanging Plants Without Drainage
Hanging plants add charm to any home, but only if the pot drains properly. Otherwise, extra water seeps out, leaving stains and damp spots that bugs and mold love. Plus, wood doors show the damage fastest. The solution? Drainage holes. They protect your home while keeping plants healthy and looking their best.
Lost Pet Posters (Long-Term)
Long-term lost pet posters hurt curb appeal and property values as weather damages them, making homes look neglected. Old posters also confuse neighbors about a pet’s recovery status. For clarity and appearance, animal control advises updating or removing signs within 30 days to keep communication effective and respectful.