Make sure your home is safe before you go on vacation to prevent break-ins or damage. Set up a reliable home security system with cameras, motion monitors, and alarms as a first step. Ensure that you have securely locked all your windows and doors, and consider investing in smart locks for added safety. You can make it look like someone is home by setting timers for your lights and electronics. So that your absence isn’t obvious, ask a trusted friend or neighbor to check on your house and pick up your mail. And lastly, to lessen the likelihood of targeted burglaries, wait to share details about your vacation on social media until you return.
How to Secure Your Home While on Vacation
Here are 8 tips you can follow to safeguard your house while you’re on vacation.
1. Install a Home Security System
Buying a home security system is one of the best ways to keep your home safe. Modern systems include a wide range of features, such as motion detectors, cameras, alarms, and smart doorbells, which let you remotely monitor activities using your smartphone. Some systems also come with professional tracking services that can call the police if someone breaks in. This keeps your home secure around the clock, even when you’re thousands of miles away.
2. Use Timers for Lights and Electronics
Set timers for your gadgets, such as TVs and radios, and the lights inside and outside. Mimicking typical family activities helps create the illusion that someone is at home. Timers, being inexpensive and simple to install, effectively deter potential burglars from intruding into unoccupied homes.
3. Hold Your Mail and Packages
If you find a collection of mail or parcels on your doorstep, it is evident that no one is at home. You can prevent this from happening by either having the postal service hold your mail or asking a trusted friend to pick it up. While you’re abroad, it would be wise to cancel newspaper delivery as well. By taking this simple step, you can maintain the appearance of a livable home.
4. Secure All Entry Points
Be sure to lock all doors and windows before you leave, especially those that can be difficult to see, such as those in the basement or garage. You can make weak spots stronger by adding deadbolts, window bars, or more secure locks. Be sure to secure all doors and windows before you leave, as even one unattended window can give a thief simple access.
5. Install Motion-Activated Outdoor Lights
Installing motion-activated outdoor lighting is an effective way to deter intruders who may approach your residence at night. These lights activate upon detecting movement, thereby increasing the difficulty for potential burglars to approach unnoticed. Place lights strategically around your property, such as near garage doors, entry doors, and paths, to illuminate potential entry points.
6. Keep Valuables Out of Sight
Make sure to conceal precious goods like jewelry, electronic devices, and cash from view by using glass doors and windows. Think about hiding them somewhere secret or putting them in a secure location. Before choosing on a target, burglars often “window shop,” so hiding tempting things from view makes it less likely that your home will be broken into.
7. Ask a Neighbor to Keep an Eye on Things
Enlist the services of a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on your house while you are away. They can monitor any suspicious activity, tend to the plants, remove the trash, and maintain the appearance of a livable house. Some neighbors may park their cars in your driveway occasionally, making it appear that someone is home.
8. Avoid Sharing Vacation Plans Publicly
Share your vacation plans on social media with caution, as it may indicate to potential burglars that your residence is unoccupied. Instead, wait until you return before posting photos and updates. Ensure that only individuals you trust can access your home automation or security system messages, and ensure they remain private.
