Preparing for a trip means more than planning your itinerary—it also means securing your home. An empty house can be a target for burglars or suffer from problems like water damage or power failures. Taking the time to safeguard your home minimizes these risks and lets you travel worry-free. Knowing your property is secure allows you to relax and recharge during your vacation. Here are some tips to keep your house safe before leaving.
Lock All House Entrances
In the excitement of preparing for vacation, don’t overlook a basement window or side door. Double-check all potential entry points, including less obvious ones like garage and pet doors. For sliding glass doors, use a rod or security bar to boost their protection. Prioritize locking up as part of your pre-travel routine. This precaution can go a long way in keeping your home safe.
Set Up Smart Home Systems
Smart home devices are a great way to ensure the security of your home while you’re away. Installing smart locks, video doorbells, and security cameras allows you to monitor your property remotely. These systems send real-time alerts and provide live access to video feeds, ensuring constant surveillance. Program your smart lights to switch on and off at various intervals, creating the illusion of occupancy. Together, these features create a safer, more secure environment for your home.
Protect Your Family With A Security System
Invest in a professionally installed home security system to protect against burglaries. Visible cameras, alarm signs, and security stickers are strong deterrents for would-be intruders. Modern systems offer 24/7 monitoring, emergency response capabilities, and smart home integration. Be sure to arm your system before leaving for added security. This small step guarantees your home is well protected.
Avoid Sharing Your Absence
It’s best not to share vacation updates on social media while you’re away to protect your home. Posting can let burglars know that your house is unoccupied. Save your vacation posts for when you return home. Additionally, make arrangements for mail and package collection to avoid leaving obvious signs you’re not at home.
Suspend Mail and Deliveries
Piles of uncollected mail and packages are obvious giveaways that no one is home. To avoid this, have the post office hold your mail while you’re away. You can also use a secure parcel box or reschedule your deliveries for additional security. Alternatively, ask a reliable neighbor to help by collecting your mail and packages.
Create A Cozy, Lived-In Look
Make your home less inviting to burglars by creating the appearance of occupancy. Use timers for lights, radios, or TVs to simulate activity while you’re away. Keep your curtains or blinds in their normal position, as fully closed windows may draw unwanted attention. If possible, have a neighbor park their car in your driveway to complete the illusion.
Reach Out To A Close Neighbor Or Friend
Notify a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member about your upcoming trip and ask them to monitor your property. They can watch for any unusual activity, collect your mail, or water your plants. Make sure to provide them with a key and emergency contact information so they can contact you or access your home if necessary.
Protect Your Valuable Items
Store your valuable items like jewelry, important documents, and electronics in a secure home safe or safety deposit box. Keep them out of sight, particularly from windows, to avoid drawing attention. If you use a safe, ensure it is fireproof and bolted to the floor or wall to help prevent theft.
Unplug Home Appliances
Unplug appliances that aren’t essential, such as toasters, TVs, and computers, to safeguard them from power surges and minimize fire risk. For essential items like refrigerators, make sure they are running smoothly but leave them plugged in.
Regulate The Temperature On Your Thermostat
Set your thermostat to a reasonable temperature to save energy while keeping your home protected. In winter, ensure the heat stays on to avoid frozen pipes. In summer, keep the temperature at a comfortable level to avoid straining your HVAC system.
Turn Off Water Flow Valve
Avoid water damage by turning off the main water supply before leaving to prevent leaks or burst pipes. If that’s not an option, you can shut off the water to appliances like washing machines or dishwashers. A water leak detector can also help you catch issues early.
Fortify Outdoor Grounds
Make sure to secure your yard and exterior areas before leaving. Store outdoor furniture, tools, and equipment in a safe place to prevent theft. Trim overgrown bushes and trees that could conceal burglars. Ensure that gates and fences are locked, and consider adding motion-activated lights for extra security.
Review Insurance Terms
Confirm your homeowner’s insurance policy covers theft, fire, and natural disasters before leaving. Keep a list of emergency contacts, like your insurance provider, to make sure you’re ready for any potential situations while you’re gone.
Complete Your Final Walkthrough
Perform a final walkthrough to confirm everything is secured before heading out. Ensure all doors and windows are locked, lights are on timers, and appliances are turned off. A checklist will help you avoid forgetting anything.
Properly preparing before your vacation will help eliminate unnecessary stress and ensure your home is secure. By following these tips, you can minimize risks and enjoy your trip with peace of mind. Proper preparation now can prevent future problems. Stay safe and have an amazing trip!