You've spent time and money making your home comfortable, so it makes sense to protect it while you're away. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, leaving your property unattended can feel unsettling. With the right combination of security measures, smart technology, and proper planning, you'll create an all-encompassing shield around your home. Let's explore proven strategies that deter potential threats and give you genuine peace of mind during your absence.
A thorough security checklist is essential before leaving your home for an extended period. Start by inspecting all doors and windows, ensuring they're properly locked and sealed. Test your security system and confirm it's armed and monitored. Install timers on interior and exterior lights to create the appearance of occupancy.
Don't forget to secure valuable items in a safe or safety deposit box. Unplug non-essential electronics and appliances to prevent electrical fires. Check that smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms have fresh batteries. Turn off the main water supply to prevent flooding, and set your thermostat to an energy-efficient temperature. Finally, notify trusted neighbors and your local police department about your absence, and arrange for someone to collect mail and maintain your yard.
Modern smart home technology provides powerful tools for monitoring your home remotely while you're away. With smart security cameras, you can view live feeds of your property from your phone and receive instant alerts when motion is detected. Smart doorbells let you see and communicate with visitors, even when you're not there.
You'll gain peace of mind with smart sensors that detect water leaks, smoke, or carbon monoxide, instantly notifying you of potential emergencies. Smart lighting systems can be programmed to turn lights on and off at set times, creating the appearance that someone's home. Additionally, smart locks allow you to remotely lock/unlock doors and grant temporary access codes to trusted neighbors or service providers who need to check on your home.
One of the most effective ways to deter burglars is making your home look occupied while you're away. Set your interior and exterior lights on timers to mimic your normal routine, switching them on and off at realistic intervals. Ask a trusted neighbor to collect your mail, packages, and newspapers daily, as accumulated deliveries signal an empty house.
Keep your lawn maintained by arranging for someone to mow the grass and shovel snow. Don't close all your curtains - leave them as you normally would when home. Consider using smart plugs to turn on TVs or radios periodically. Park a neighbor's car in your driveway occasionally, and avoid posting about your trip on social media until you've returned home. These simple actions can convince potential intruders that someone's home.
Before leaving your home unattended, thoroughly inspect and secure all potential entry points, as burglars often seek the path of least resistance. Install deadbolts on all exterior doors and verify your window locks function properly. Don't forget to secure sliding doors with security bars and reinforce door frames with strike plates.
Check your garage door's functionality and disable the automatic opener if you'll be gone for an extended period. Install motion-sensor lights around entry points and consider adding security cameras at key locations. Remember to secure basement windows and verify all pet doors are locked. If you have a hidden spare key outside, remove it during your absence.
Double-check all locks before departure, including less obvious entry points like utility doors and upper-floor windows that might be accessible from trees or adjacent structures.
Reliable neighbors can serve as your home's best line of defense while you're away. Start by identifying trustworthy residents on your street and establish friendly relationships with them. Share your contact information and travel dates with these neighbors, and ask if they'll keep an eye on your property.
Request that your neighbors collect your mail, packages, and newspapers to prevent signs of vacancy. They can also park their car in your driveway occasionally, making your home appear occupied. Ask them to report any suspicious activity to the police and contact you immediately if they notice anything unusual.
Remember to reciprocate these favors when your neighbors travel. Building these mutual support relationships creates a stronger, safer community and provides peace of mind during your absence.
While having neighbors collect your mail is helpful, setting up proper mail management systems adds an extra layer of security. Request a mail hold through USPS's website or visit your local post office to suspend delivery during your absence. You can also sign up for USPS Informed Delivery to track what's arriving in your mailbox each day.
For packages, use Amazon Locker or similar secure pickup locations instead of having items delivered to your empty house. If that's not possible, use delivery management apps to schedule deliveries for when you'll be home. Consider installing a video doorbell to monitor deliveries and redirect packages if needed. Many retailers also offer the option to hold your packages at their local stores until you return.
To maintain a lived-in appearance, proper outdoor lighting and regular landscape care serve as essential deterrents against break-ins. Install motion-sensor lights around entry points and dark corners of your property. Set indoor and outdoor lights on timers that activate at different intervals throughout the evening.
Don't let your yard become overgrown while you're away. Arrange for someone to mow your lawn, trim hedges, and remove fallen leaves or debris. An unkempt yard signals an absent homeowner to potential thieves. If you're traveling during winter, make certain someone will shovel snow from your driveway and walkways. Consider installing automated sprinklers to keep your landscaping healthy and maintained. Remove any tools, ladders, or equipment that criminals could use to access your home.
Many travelers make the mistake of oversharing vacation details on social media, inadvertently advertising their empty homes to criminals. Wait until you've returned home before posting those beach selfies and tourist spot check-ins. If you must share your experiences in real-time, adjust your privacy settings to restrict posts to close friends and family only.
Don't announce specific travel dates or duration of your trip on any social platform. Avoid posting countdown updates like "Three days until Hawaii!" or "Leaving tomorrow for two weeks in Europe!" These details help thieves plan break-ins. You should also disable location services on your social media apps while traveling to prevent automatic geographic tagging of your posts and photos.
Before departing for your trip, establish a clear emergency contact protocol and compile essential documentation. Choose two trusted local contacts who can check on your home and respond to emergencies. Give them your travel itinerary, accommodation details, and a spare house key. Share their contact information with your alarm company and immediate neighbors.
Create a home documentation folder that includes your insurance policies, utility company contacts, and emergency shut-off instructions for water, gas, and electricity. Take photos of valuable items and store digital copies of important documents in a secure cloud service. Make sure your security system provider has your updated contact information and your designated emergency contacts' details. Keep a printed copy of this information with a family member who isn't traveling with you.