How To Secure Your Home When Going On Vacation

Key Takeaways

• You’ll learn about simple steps to take before leaving to protect your home from theft and damage.
• Discover the benefits of using timers and smart home devices for increased security.
• Understand how to manage mail, packages, and deliveries to avoid attracting unwanted attention.
• Find out how to work with neighbors to look after your property while you’re away.
• Get tips on alerting your local authorities and the best practices for overall security measures.
• Learn about the value of creating a detailed plan that covers all your bases.

Feeling of excitement as you’re packing your bags for a vacation? Sun, sand, and relaxation are all you can think about! But before you head out, there’s one important thing to consider: your home’s security.

It’s easy to get caught up in the fun, but leaving your house vulnerable can lead to a lot of stress. This article explores practical steps to help you secure your house before leaving for your trip, so you can truly enjoy your time away.

Learn how to protect your valuables and peace of mind by following a few simple precautions. Securing your home is a vital first step, so you can enjoy your vacation.

By applying these steps, you’ll be able to minimize the risk and return home with everything still intact. This guide offers valuable advice on how to secure your home when going on vacation.

Planning Ahead for a Safer Home

Preparing your home for a vacation involves more than just locking the doors. Careful planning is essential. This includes organizing everything from your mail and packages to your landscaping.

A well-planned approach makes your house look occupied, which can deter potential burglars. By taking these preliminary steps, you’ll create a safer environment and avoid attracting any unwanted interest.

It’s a proactive approach that ensures your peace of mind while you’re away and allows you to fully enjoy your travels.

Making a Checklist

Before you leave, creating a checklist can be extremely helpful. It allows you to organize all the tasks that need to be completed before you depart.

This list should include tasks like stopping mail delivery, adjusting your thermostat, and ensuring all windows and doors are properly secured.

A comprehensive checklist helps prevent oversights and ensures you won’t forget important security measures.

It serves as your final safeguard, confirming you have taken all necessary precautions to secure your home when going on vacation.

• Inventory: Create an inventory of valuables. This is useful for insurance purposes in case of theft. Take photos or videos of your belongings and keep them in a safe place, such as the cloud or with a trusted relative. This documented record is invaluable if you need to file an insurance claim.

Knowing what you own and having proof of it will help speed up the process. A complete inventory can make a massive difference in how quickly your insurance claim is approved.

• Security System Check: If you have a security system, make sure it’s fully functional. Test all the sensors, and verify your account information is up to date with the monitoring company. Check the battery backup as well. This will ensure it continues to function in the event of a power outage.

A well-maintained security system is a significant deterrent to potential intruders. It’s always best to make sure the system is working properly before you leave your home unattended. Check your system before any trip.

• Inform Trusted Contacts: Let a trusted neighbor or friend know your travel dates, and provide them with your contact information. Also, share the contact information of your security company if you have one. Providing the right contacts is important in case of emergencies, and they can watch over your property while you are away.

Someone can keep an eye on your home, and alert the authorities if there are any suspicious activities. Having a neighbor or friend on alert can make a huge difference in your home’s safety.

• Secure all Windows and Doors: Check every door and window in your home to make sure they are locked. Reinforce weak points with additional security measures, like strike plates and strong deadbolts. Don’t forget any outbuildings or sheds.

These simple actions are the most basic form of protection. Ensure that all the doors and windows are closed tightly.

• Cancel Deliveries: Pause mail, newspaper, and package deliveries. A buildup of these items is a clear sign that a home is unoccupied. The United States Postal Service (USPS) has a service that allows you to pause mail delivery.

When you are away, it’s a good idea to ensure that mail and packages don’t pile up. This will help deter potential intruders. You can also have a trusted person collect your mail. These services can make sure your house doesn’t look like it’s vacant.

Smart Technology for Home Protection

Modern technology offers many ways to enhance your home security. Installing smart devices can help you manage and monitor your home from anywhere in the world.

Using smart devices creates a safer and more secure environment. This approach is not only efficient but also gives you greater control over your property, and gives you a much better peace of mind while away. These technologies give homeowners more control over their property security.

Smart Locks

Smart locks replace traditional door locks and provide keyless entry. These locks can be controlled remotely via a smartphone app, allowing you to lock or unlock your doors from anywhere.

You can also provide temporary access codes to visitors or service personnel. They allow you to monitor who comes and goes.

Smart locks enhance your home’s security, and they are especially useful when you are on vacation and can’t be at home to manage access.

• Remote Access: Smart locks let you lock and unlock doors remotely. This is useful if you need to let someone in while you are away. This can include guests, or maintenance personnel. It is simple to do from anywhere.

This convenient feature ensures that you can handle access control with ease, and peace of mind. It allows flexibility and responsiveness, while you are traveling.

• Activity Monitoring: Many smart locks log every time the door is locked or unlocked, showing who accessed the home and when. This can be viewed from your phone. This information is a great security measure, and can provide a detailed log of all entries and exits.

This tracking ability provides enhanced security and the ability to track the usage of your home. They can also act as an extra safety measure to keep track of any suspicious activities around the home.

• Enhanced Security Features: Smart locks often have security features that standard locks do not offer. Some offer automatic locking, which automatically secures the door after a set period. Some can integrate with your smart home system, such as a security system.

The added security features help keep your home safe. They contribute to a more secure and safer environment, while also simplifying your life. They can act as an extra layer of protection, which keeps you safer.

• Integration with Other Devices: Some smart locks work with other smart home devices like security cameras and alarm systems. This integration creates a comprehensive security network. These features can enhance the protection of your home.

The ability to connect your locks with other devices adds an additional layer of security. This integrated approach allows homeowners to have full control of their home’s safety measures. You can manage your home effectively from your phone or control hub.

Smart Security Cameras

Smart security cameras let you see what is happening around your home from anywhere. They can record video footage and send real-time alerts to your smartphone if they detect any motion. 

These cameras can act as a huge deterrent to potential burglars and also give you peace of mind while you are on vacation. They are a reliable way to monitor your property.

• Real-Time Monitoring: Smart security cameras allow you to view live video feeds from your smartphone or tablet. This means you can keep an eye on your home from anywhere. This live view gives you the chance to check on your property in real time.

This feature offers peace of mind. You can check on any suspicious activities and monitor your home as you like. You can also see your home from any location.

• Motion Detection Alerts: These cameras send instant alerts to your phone if they detect any movement. This feature helps alert you of potential intruders and allows you to respond quickly. This function immediately notifies you of any unexpected activity.

The immediate alerts give you time to assess the situation and take action. You’ll be able to know if your home is secure. The alerts keep you informed of any security breaches.

• Two-Way Audio: Many smart cameras have built-in two-way audio. This allows you to communicate with people at your door, or even deter intruders by speaking to them. This can also allow you to see and speak to people.

The added ability to communicate can be beneficial for a number of reasons. You can talk to delivery people, or even warn away unwanted visitors. This interaction adds an extra layer of security. This feature adds convenience and security to the smart home system.

• Cloud Storage: Most smart security cameras offer cloud storage for recorded video footage. You can store and access recordings, which can be useful if an incident occurs. This means your videos are safe and accessible.

This allows you to access and review footage even if the camera is damaged. You can keep all video safely stored. The video storage is a valuable tool for home security and peace of mind.

Smart Lighting Systems

Smart lighting systems provide another layer of security, making your home look occupied even when you are not there.

You can set up schedules to turn lights on and off automatically, simulating normal activity. These systems can also be controlled remotely, which can scare away potential intruders. The lights offer additional security to your property.

• Automated Schedules: Smart lights can be programmed to turn on and off automatically, simulating your typical routine. This makes your home appear occupied, which can discourage burglars. You can program the lights to turn on and off at set times.

This feature makes it appear as though someone is home. This can deter intruders. The automated schedules are easy to set up.

• Remote Control: You can control your smart lights from your smartphone, even when you’re far away. You can adjust the lights as needed, or turn them on and off. This added feature gives you control over your home.

This flexibility gives you greater control over your home’s appearance. You can control the light schedules, and make changes as you like. It makes it appear as though you are home.

• Integration with Other Devices: Smart lights can integrate with your security system, and can be triggered by motion sensors or other events. They can also work with smart locks, and other devices. This can increase your home security system.

Integration with other devices makes a more comprehensive security approach. This system is convenient and effective. You can create a more secure home with this approach.

• Energy Efficiency: Smart lights often use LED bulbs, which consume less energy. They help you save on energy bills, especially when used with timers. This energy-saving can reduce your energy costs.

With smart lights, you can use less energy, which will lower your energy costs. This feature helps with home security and energy conservation. This is both beneficial and economical.

Exterior Home Security Measures

In addition to interior security, exterior home security is also crucial. It involves steps like securing your yard, and minimizing potential access points for intruders.

Improving your exterior security can discourage burglars before they even attempt to break in. By taking the right measures, you can create a safer environment for your home.

Landscaping and Yard Maintenance

Proper landscaping can greatly enhance your home’s security by reducing hiding spots and improving visibility.

Trim bushes and trees to ensure they don’t provide cover for potential intruders. Maintain your lawn and garden, as an unkempt yard can signal that a home is unoccupied. Landscaping is an important part of home security.

• Trim Bushes and Trees: Keep shrubs trimmed away from windows and doors. Tall bushes can provide cover for burglars. Regularly trim trees to ensure they don’t block the view of your house.

Well-maintained landscaping reduces hiding places. This will help maintain visibility around your home. Trimming helps to discourage potential intruders.

• Clear the Yard: Remove any items that could be used to break into your home, such as ladders or tools. Secure your patio furniture. An open yard creates a less inviting atmosphere for intruders.

Clearing the yard removes potential tools that intruders could use. This is a simple but effective strategy to make your home more secure. Securing outdoor items is an effective safety practice.

• Maintain Your Lawn: An unkempt lawn can signal that the home is unoccupied. Mow the grass, and maintain the garden before you leave. Arrange for someone to maintain your yard.

A well-maintained lawn gives the appearance that someone is still home. This will discourage potential burglars from trying to enter your house. It sends a message that the property is cared for.

• Exterior Lighting: Install motion-activated lights around your home. This will make it more difficult for intruders to approach your home unnoticed. Illuminate driveways, pathways, and any dark corners.

Motion-activated lights deter intruders. This will also improve the visibility around your property. These are an effective deterrent against intruders.

Securing Entry Points

Strengthening the entry points of your home is vital. This means focusing on your doors, windows, and any other access points to ensure they are secure.

This approach is an important first step in protecting your home from intruders. It’s a key part of your home security strategy.

• Reinforce Doors: Install strong deadbolts on all exterior doors. Use a strike plate that is reinforced with long screws. Consider adding a door chain or a security bar for added protection.

Strong doors are more resistant to forced entry. Deadbolts add an extra layer of protection, which can deter potential intruders. The security measures create a strong defense.

• Secure Windows: Ensure all windows have working locks. Consider installing window alarms or security film on windows to make them more difficult to break. This prevents intruders.

Secure windows prevent access to your home. Window alarms can alert you to any attempts to break in. These simple actions can increase your safety.

• Garage Door Security: Ensure your garage door is secure. Consider using a garage door opener with rolling code technology. Disconnect the automatic opener during your vacation. This is a common point of entry for burglars.

A secured garage prevents unauthorized access. Rolling codes will add an extra security layer. Disconnecting the opener prevents misuse while you are away.

• Consider the Backdoor: Backdoors are an easy entry point for burglars. Fortify this door and install the same security measures as the front door. This can enhance the home’s overall safety.

The backdoor can be a major entry point for burglars. Secure the back door and consider additional security measures. This extra protection can make your home safer.

Protecting Valuables

Take steps to protect your valuable items from theft. This involves making sure your expensive items are stored safely. This will help protect your valuables while you are away. Consider your valuable belongings.

• Secure Jewelry and Cash: Store valuable jewelry, cash, and important documents in a safe or a safety deposit box. Do not leave these items visible or easily accessible. A safe gives an extra level of security for your valuables.

Securing your items in a safe prevents easy access to your belongings. Safety deposit boxes provide an even greater level of protection. Use these methods to protect your belongings.

• Hide Electronics: Keep expensive electronics like laptops, tablets, and gaming consoles out of sight. Put them away in a drawer or cabinet. Making items inaccessible decreases the temptation for burglars.

Concealing electronics reduces the risk of theft. Make sure your valuable items are out of sight. Place expensive electronics out of sight and away from easy reach.

• Protect Artwork: Protect valuable artwork and other collectibles. Consider using a safe or a security system to protect these items. Make sure your valuable items are safe from theft.

These measures will help keep your valuables safe. Protect them with extra safety measures. Consider using a safe to store expensive artwork.

• Insurance Coverage: Ensure your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance is up to date. Keep an inventory of your valuables for insurance purposes. Also, take photos or videos of your belongings.

Reviewing your insurance coverage helps you protect your belongings. This step can protect you in case of a theft. Keep a detailed inventory for insurance purposes.

Working With Your Community

Working with neighbors and your local authorities can significantly boost your home security measures.

This teamwork approach will create a more secure environment, both for your property and the surrounding area. These measures help to ensure your property’s safety while you are away.

Enlisting the Help of Neighbors

Neighbors can serve as valuable allies in protecting your home while you’re gone. Ask them to help watch over your property. Neighbors can play an essential role in home security.

• Trusted Contacts: Give a trusted neighbor your travel schedule and contact information. Also, provide them with your contact information. This allows them to reach you if any issues arise.

Sharing your travel schedule lets them know when your home is vacant. It is good to have people in contact when you are away. This can provide an extra layer of protection.

• Mail and Package Collection: Ask your neighbor to collect your mail and any packages that may be delivered. A buildup of these items is a sign that your home is unoccupied. The neighbor can collect the items for you.

Collecting your mail gives your house the look of being occupied. This is an easy and effective way to deter burglars. This will give you peace of mind.

• Yard Maintenance: If possible, ask your neighbor to do some yard maintenance. Cutting the grass can help make it appear that someone is home. This simple action can help reduce your chances of being a target.

A well-maintained lawn can discourage burglars. Asking for this favor will give you a break and make your home more secure. A well-kept lawn reduces the likelihood of break-ins.

• Report Suspicious Activity: Encourage your neighbors to report any suspicious activity to the police. This vigilance can help to deter potential intruders and safeguard your property. Any suspicious activity should be reported.

Neighbors can assist in deterring intruders by reporting any suspicious behavior. It creates a better sense of security for your community. It is a smart approach for protecting your property.

Informing Local Authorities

Informing your local authorities about your absence can enhance your home’s security. This communication is a proactive step that will allow them to include your property in their patrol routes. Informing the police is an additional security measure.

• Notify the Police Department: Contact your local police department. Let them know your travel dates and address. They may be able to increase patrols in your neighborhood.

Informing the police about your absence will allow them to check your property while you are away. This is another layer of security for your property. This can enhance your home’s safety.

• Request a House Watch: Some police departments offer a “house watch” service. They will check on your home periodically while you are gone. This is helpful for an extra layer of protection.

A house watch service can add additional peace of mind. The police will check your house and monitor the property. This service can provide additional peace of mind.

• Provide Contact Information: Give the police the contact information for your neighbors or a trusted friend. They can easily reach someone if they need to check on your property. This lets authorities have a point of contact.

Providing contact information ensures the police can reach a reliable contact. It simplifies the communication process. This will ensure they can quickly address any issues.

• Following Security Protocols: Adhere to the security protocols. These steps improve the chances of deterring burglars. They offer another layer of protection.

Following the security protocols can help keep your property safe. These actions can enhance your safety. Your property’s security will be improved with these extra steps.

Review and Preparation Before Leaving

Before leaving for your vacation, it’s essential to review and finalize all your security measures. This ensures you’ve covered all the necessary steps to safeguard your home. A final review is an important final step. Take a good look at all the preparations you have made.

1. Final Walk-Through: Before departing, walk through your home one last time. Make sure all windows and doors are locked, and all security systems are activated. This step helps confirm all security measures are in place.

A final walk-through allows you to check for any overlooked security issues. A simple inspection will give you peace of mind. It also helps to prevent oversights.

1. Check Smart Home Devices: Confirm that all your smart home devices are operating correctly. Make sure they are correctly programmed and active. You should also check the battery levels of these devices.

A quick check ensures all your devices are functional. Ensuring these devices are set up and functioning properly is important. Make sure that they are all operational before leaving.

1. Confirm with Neighbors: Verify that your neighbors are aware of your absence. Give them your contact information, along with any other instructions. Keeping your neighbors informed is a critical step.

Confirming everything with your neighbors is key. Confirm that your neighbor knows the dates you will be away. This step will help with the surveillance of your property.

1. Secure Personal Information: Make sure you have secured all personal information before leaving. This includes canceling deliveries, and making sure all mail is collected. This will further reduce any chance of a break-in.

Review the details and ensure that you have taken all the needed measures. Make sure to implement all the steps you need for complete home security. This will allow you to relax and enjoy your trip.

FAQ Of How To Secure Your Home When Going On Vacation

Final Thoughts

Taking the time to secure your home when going on vacation is an investment in peace of mind. Implementing the strategies outlined above, like using smart technology, enlisting the help of your neighbors, and preparing a detailed plan, significantly lowers the risk of any issues during your travels.

These are simple actions you can take to protect your home. Your vigilance and proactive measures will ensure your property and belongings are safe.

By following these steps, you can fully enjoy your vacation, returning home with your peace of mind intact, and your property secure. Now, pack your bags and go!