10 Ways To Protect Your Home When You're On Vacation

1. 10 Ways To Protect Your Home When You're On Vacation: Tips for Peace of Mind Vacations are the perfect time to unwind and explore new places, but they also come with the nagging worry about the safety of your home. Whether you're heading out for a short getaway or an extended vacation, it’s crucial to take steps to protect your home and ensure peace of mind while you’re away. After all, the last thing you want is to come back to a house that’s been broken into or damaged. In this blog, we’ll explore 10 effective ways to protect your home when you’re on vacation so that you can truly relax and enjoy your trip, knowing that your home is safe and secure. These tips range from simple precautions to advanced security systems, offering comprehensive solutions to suit every homeowner’s needs. Install a Home Security System

2. One of the most effective ways to protect your home while you're away is to install a home security system. These systems are designed to deter burglars and alert you (or local authorities) if there’s any suspicious activity. There are several types of security systems available today, from basic alarm systems to sophisticated smart home setups with cameras, motion detectors, and even remote monitoring via mobile apps. Modern systems allow you to monitor your home in real time, even if you're thousands of miles away. Many home security services offer features like automatic door locking, live video surveillance, and motion sensors that can notify you of any activity. If you already have a system in place, make sure it's up to date and fully operational before you leave. Ask a Trusted Neighbor or Friend for Help While it might seem simple, having a trusted neighbor or friend keep an eye on your home while you’re away can make a world of difference. Ask them to collect your mail, water your plants, or park their car in your driveway from time to time. These small actions can make your home appear occupied and discourage burglars from targeting your property. You can also ask your neighbor to check for any suspicious activity and call the authorities if necessary. Providing them with an emergency contact list, including your phone number and the numbers of local friends or family members, ensures that help is easily accessible if needed. Set Timers for Lights and Electronics A home that is dark for days at a time is an obvious signal to burglars that no one is around. To avoid drawing attention to the fact that you’re on vacation, use timers for your lights and electronics. You can set your lights to turn on and off at various times throughout the evening, mimicking normal activity in your home. Smart plugs and smart bulbs can also be controlled remotely via a smartphone app, giving you the ability to turn lights and appliances on and off from anywhere in the world. This trick is a simple but highly effective way to maintain the illusion that someone is home, deterring would-be intruders. Secure All Windows and Doors Before you leave for vacation, double-check all windows and doors to ensure they are properly secured. It’s easy to overlook the small details, like ensuring that the sliding glass door is locked or that the windows in the basement are secure, but these are common entry points for burglars. Consider reinforcing entry points with additional locks or even installing door and window sensors as part of your home security system. Some homeowners go a step further by using

3. security bars for more vulnerable windows, especially if they are on the ground floor. The extra effort will give you added peace of mind knowing that your home is more difficult to breach. Don’t Post About Your Vacation on Social Media It’s tempting to share your travel plans on social media, but posting about your vacation before you leave can make your home a target. Publicly announcing that you’ll be away from home for an extended period gives burglars the perfect window of opportunity to strike. Instead, wait until you return home to post vacation photos or updates. If you must share something during your trip, use privacy settings to ensure only close friends or family can see it. Avoid sharing specific dates and locations while you're away, as it can tip off potential criminals that your house is empty. Use Smart Door Locks With the advancement of smart home technology, smart door locks are becoming an increasingly popular way to protect your home. These locks allow you to control access to your home remotely, so you can lock or unlock your doors from anywhere with an internet connection. Some smart locks even allow you to give temporary access codes to guests or service providers, ensuring that only authorized people can enter your home. For added security, consider smart locks that provide a log of who enters and exits your home, offering you a detailed record of activity. This feature is especially useful if you want to track any visitors or caretakers you’ve arranged to check on your property while you're away. Secure Your Garage and Outdoor Spaces Many homeowners neglect to secure garages, sheds, and other outdoor spaces, but these areas can be prime targets for thieves. Make sure that all garage doors are closed and locked before leaving for vacation. If your garage has an automatic opener, consider unplugging it or using a secondary lock to prevent burglars from gaining access. Outdoor sheds, gates, and fences should also be secured. Ensure that any tools or valuables stored outside are locked up, as thieves may use these items to break into your home. If you have large equipment or vehicles in your yard, like bicycles or lawnmowers, consider bringing them inside or locking them with heavy-duty chains. Be Mindful of Mail and Packages A pile of mail, newspapers, or packages accumulating on your doorstep is a clear indicator that no one is home. Put a hold on your mail with your local post office, or ask a trusted neighbor to collect it while you’re away. Some services even offer mail forwarding for temporary absences.

4. If you’re expecting packages during your absence, consider having them delivered to a neighbor or a secure pick-up location. Alternatively, you can set up notifications with delivery companies like UPS or FedEx to track packages and arrange for them to be delivered at a more convenient time. Ensure Your Insurance Covers Vacation-Related Incidents While taking all the necessary precautions can help prevent a break-in, it’s important to ensure that you’re financially protected in case something goes wrong. Before you head out on vacation, double-check your homeowners' insurance policy to make sure it provides coverage in the event of a break-in, fire, or other damage that may occur while you're away. If you don’t have adequate coverage, consider updating your policy to include vacation-related incidents. Some insurance providers also offer specific policies that cover short-term rental properties or second homes, so if you’re renting out your place while on vacation, ensure that you have the appropriate protection. Maintain Landscaping and Yard Appearance An overgrown lawn or an unkempt yard is another sign that your home is unoccupied. Keeping your landscaping well-maintained before you leave can help deter burglars. Consider hiring a landscaping service to mow the lawn and trim bushes while you're away, or ask a neighbor to help out. Large shrubs or trees near windows and doors can provide cover for burglars, so it’s a good idea to trim them back as well. Additionally, placing lights along pathways or near entrances can illuminate the perimeter of your home and make it more difficult for intruders to approach undetected. Conclusion: Enjoy Your Vacation with Peace of Mind Vacations should be a time for relaxation and adventure, not for worrying about the safety of your home. By following these 10 tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of a break-in and enjoy your trip with peace of mind. From installing a reliable security system and securing windows and doors to asking a neighbor for help and using smart home technology, these practical steps will help keep your home safe while you're away. Remember, the more precautions you take, the less likely you are to encounter any problems. So, take the time to plan ahead, secure your property, and focus on having a worry-free vacation.