Vacations are meant to be relaxing and stress-free, but leaving your home unattended can often bring a nagging sense of worry.
Is everything locked up? Could someone notice you’re not home?
Preparation is key, and taking a few precautionary steps can give you peace of mind while you’re sipping cocktails on the beach or exploring a new city.
If you're planning to go on vacation, these tips will help safeguard your home while you’re away, so you can return to a secure and undisturbed space.
Why Securing Your Home Matters
Prolonged absences make homes more vulnerable to break-ins, natural damage, and unforeseen accidents.
According to the FBI, in 2022, burglaries occurred every 25.7 seconds in the US, with a significant percentage happening in unattended homes.
Taking proactive measures not only protects your belongings but also minimizes risks such as fire or water damage.
With these 12 tips, you can leave for your vacation with confidence, knowing you’ve covered all bases!
1)) Install A Reliable Home Security System
Investing in a modern home security system is one of the most effective ways to deter burglars.
Systems with alarms, motion detectors, and security cameras act as strong deterrents while enabling you to monitor remotely.
- Look for security systems with smartphone apps that allow real-time surveillance.
- Stickers or yard signs indicating surveillance systems can further discourage prowlers.
2)) Double-Check Doors And Windows
Before leaving, inspect every door and window to ensure they’re locked securely.
Bonus points if you upgrade to reinforced locks or use smart locks that can be toggled through your phone!
Tip: Don’t forget basement windows and garage doors, which are often overlooked.
3)) Invest In Timed Lighting
A dark house is like a billboard that screams, “Nobody's home!” Plug indoor and outdoor lights into timers to mimic daily routines.
Many advanced smart plugs even allow you to control lights remotely via apps.
With scheduled lighting, potential intruders will think twice.
4)) Pause Mail And Deliveries
Overflowing mailboxes and packages on your doorstep give away your absence.
Either pause your postal service or arrange for a trusted neighbor to collect your mail and packages.
Pro Tip: Step into your post office or use online services to hold mail for seamless management.
5)) Don’t Broadcast Your Vacation Online
While it’s tempting to share your picture-perfect vacation on social media, this can alert potential burglars.
Refrain from posting your location while you’re away, and save the highlights for when you’re back.
6)) Get A Trusted House Sitter
Having someone you trust stay at your house is one of the best ways to keep it occupied and secure.
They can water plants, collect mail, and generally make it look “lived-in.”
Bonus Tip: Provide detailed instructions in case of an emergency (e.g., where the water shutoff is).
7)) Secure Valuables
Store expensive jewelry, electronics, and sensitive documents in a safe or on a high shelf away from windows.
Having a sturdy, fireproof safe secures not only your belongings from burglars but also from potential disasters.
8)) Unplug Electronics
Apart from saving electricity, unplugging electronics mitigates the risks of electrical fires or power surges.
Focus on unplugging devices like TVs, computers, and kitchen appliances.
Tip for travelers abroad: If you live in a storm-prone area, use surge protectors for added safety.
9)) Trim Back Landscaping
Overgrown shrubs and towering trees provide intruders with easy hiding spots.
Keep your front and back yard well-maintained and consider adding motion-sensor floodlights for extra protection.
Extra Tip: Gravel paths or driveways deter burglars since footsteps make noise!
10)) Alert Your Neighbors
A helpful neighbor can be your eyes and ears while you’re gone. Simply letting them know your travel dates and sharing a contact number can make a big difference.
Encourage them to report any unusual activity around your property.
11)) Secure Sliding Doors And Windows
Sliding doors can be particularly easy to break into. Secure them with security bars or blocking bars, and ensure secondary locks are in place.
Window rods or wedges are inexpensive fixes to reinforce vulnerable entry points.
12)) Test Smoke Detectors And Water Systems
Emergencies aren’t always about theft. Before leaving, check that your smoke detectors are functional and test your water system.
Shut off your water main if you’ll be gone a long time to avoid plumbing mishaps.
Going The Extra Mile For Home Protection
By ticking these boxes, you'll set yourself up for a worry-free vacation.
However, if you're looking to enhance your efforts even more, consider these additional tips:
- Install a video doorbell for two-way communication while you’re away.
- Use a reputable app to monitor your property for emergency updates.
- Lock away car keys or garage remotes to prevent them from being taken advantage of.
Conclusion
Vacations are meant for relaxation, not for worrying about what’s happening at home.
With these 12 preventive measures, you can rest easy knowing your home is safe and secure while you’re away.
Start by installing a basic security system, planning timed lighting, and trimming back your landscaping.
Each action you take now is a step closer to complete peace of mind.
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