While traveling can be an exciting adventure, the thought of leaving your home unoccupied can be stressful. Whether you’re taking a short weekend trip or a long vacation, it’s important to take proactive steps to secure your home. Below are some practical tips to help safeguard your property while you’re away.
Protect Your Home with a Security System
A reliable home security system is your first defense against break-ins. Equipped with features like motion detectors, surveillance cameras, and remote monitoring, these systems offer the ability to check your home’s security status from your phone anytime.
Pro Tip:
Make sure your system includes visible outdoor cameras or security signage—this alone can often prevent burglars from approaching your property.
Avoid Broadcasting When You’re Away from Home
Sharing your travel plans on social media can inadvertently alert burglars that your home is unoccupied. Keep these details private until you’re safely back.
Pro Tip:
Enlist a trusted neighbor or friend to pick up your mail and newspapers while you’re away, ensuring your home doesn’t appear empty.
Enhance Home Protection with Lock Upgrades
Burglars are often looking for weak locks to exploit. Ensure that every entry point, from doors to windows, is protected with secure locks. Deadbolts and smart locks are highly effective options.
Pro Tip:
Add a rod or bar to reinforce sliding glass doors and prevent them from being forced open.
Use Smart Lighting to Protect Your Home
Smart lighting systems help deter intruders by simulating activity in your home. Set lights to turn on and off at different intervals throughout your house, creating the illusion of normal routines.
Pro Tip:
Pairing smart lights with voice-activated systems can make it seem like someone is home, even if you’re thousands of miles away.
Ask Neighbors to Keep Watch Over Your Property
Strong ties with your neighbors can help keep your home safe while you’re traveling. Let a reliable neighbor know your plans and ask them to watch over your property.
Pro Tip:
Provide your neighbor with a spare key and your contact details in case of an emergency.
Ensure the Safety of Your Valuables
Store your valuable items, like jewelry, cash, and important papers, in a safe. If you don’t have one, think about renting a safety deposit box at your bank. Never leave valuables in plain sight through windows, as it may tempt burglars.
Pro Tip:
Hide electronic devices in less obvious spots, as thieves often target them.
Add Outdoor Cameras to Protect Your Home
Outdoor security cameras act as both a deterrent and a way to capture evidence if a break-in happens. Position them at entry points such as doors and the garage.
Pro Tip:
Choose cameras with night vision and motion detection for maximum effectiveness.
Unplug Devices When Not in Use for Safety
Unplugging your electronics not only helps prevent electrical fires but also protects your devices from power surges. Remember to unplug items like televisions, computers, and kitchen appliances.
Pro Tip:
Use surge protectors for critical devices, like your security system, to keep them safe while plugged in.
Install a Video Doorbell for Extra Home Protection
Video doorbells provide convenience and help deter crime by allowing you to see and speak with anyone at your door, even when you’re not home.
Pro Tip:
Look for a video doorbell that includes cloud storage so you can easily access recordings in case of an incident.
Maintain a Tidy Yard to Deter Intruders
An overgrown yard may signal that your home is unoccupied. Be sure to mow the lawn, trim the bushes, and remove debris before leaving.
Pro Tip:
If you’ll be gone for a long time, hire a landscaper to ensure your yard stays tidy.
Don’t Leave Spare Keys in Obvious Outdoor Spots
Leaving spare keys under a mat or inside a flowerpot is a common tactic burglars are familiar with. Instead, keep a spare key with someone you trust.
Pro Tip:
A lockbox is a great, secure option for storing spare keys if needed.
Place Alarm Signs Around Your Property for Added Security
Even without a security system, alarm signs or stickers on doors and windows can effectively discourage burglars. Most intruders avoid homes with visible security warnings.
Pro Tip:
Place the signs in clear view, like in your front yard and near entrances, to increase their impact.
Stop Mail and Package Deliveries While You’re Away
A pile of mail or packages left outside can easily show that you’re away. Pause deliveries or have a trusted friend pick them up for you.
Pro Tip:
Take advantage of vacation hold services at your local post office to manage your mail during your trip.
Secure Your Home with Automation
Home automation systems let you control your home’s lighting, temperature, and security cameras remotely, giving you peace of mind and control over your home’s safety.
Pro Tip:
Link home automation with your security system for easy, seamless management.
Alert the Police Department About Your Absence
Local police departments in some areas offer vacation watch services, with officers patrolling your home during your absence to check on its safety.
Pro Tip:
Give the police your contact details and names of authorized individuals who may be on your property while you’re away.
Install Motion-Activated Lights for Added Protection
Burglars can take advantage of dark corners around your home. Motion-activated lights are great for scaring off intruders by lighting up areas when movement is detected.
Pro Tip:
Position these lights near doors and along walkways to enhance security.
Double-Check Your Home Before Leaving for Security
Take a final walk-through of your home to ensure all windows and doors are secure, alarms are activated, and lights are properly programmed.
Pro Tip:
Use a checklist to ensure you don’t forget any important security steps.
Implement these security measures to enjoy your travels with peace of mind, knowing your home is well-protected. Preparation and vigilance are key to safeguarding your home, so take the steps needed for a worry-free trip!