The holidays are a time to relax, recharge, and reconnect with loved ones. But before you pack your bags and head out for your holiday vacation, it’s important to make sure your home is safe and secure. An empty house can become a target for burglars, or maintenance issues could escalate without anyone there to address them. Thankfully, by taking a few proactive measures, you can minimize risks and truly enjoy your time away.
Here are six essential tips to protect your home and give you peace of mind during your travels.
Lightbulb.
1. Set Timers for Lights One of the most effective ways to deter burglars is to create the appearance that someone is home. A dark, unlit house at night is an obvious signal to intruders that the property is vacant. Setting timers on your indoor and outdoor lights is an easy way to keep your home looking occupied.
Consider smart plugs or Wi-Fi-enabled light bulbs, which allow you to control your lights remotely. These options give you flexibility and make it possible to create varied lighting schedules, mimicking your normal routine. For example, program lights in the living room to turn on in the evening and switch off at bedtime. Outdoor lighting is equally important; motion-sensor lights near doors and driveways can add an extra layer of security.
Image of lock for securing a door.
2. Secure All Doors and Windows Before you leave, do a thorough walkthrough of your home to check all doors and windows. While this might seem obvious, it’s easy to overlook less frequently used areas like basement windows, attic access points, or garage doors. Sliding glass doors, often found in backyards, can be a vulnerability. Place a wooden dowel or metal bar in the track to make it more difficult for someone to force the door open. Additionally, if you don’t already have deadbolts on your entry doors, it’s a worthwhile investment for added peace of mind. For those seeking advanced security, consider upgrading to smart locks or installing a home security system. Many systems offer features like live camera feeds, motion detection, and remote monitoring, allowing you to keep an eye on your home from wherever you are.
Mailbox with a pause Sign.
3. Pause Mail and Package Deliveries A mailbox overflowing with letters and packages left on the porch are telltale signs of an empty house. To avoid this, contact your local post office and request a temporary mail hold. This free service ensures your mail stays safe until you return. For packages, plan deliveries carefully. If you know you’ll be away when an order arrives, reschedule the delivery date or use an alternate address. Some services, like Amazon Key, allow packages to be delivered securely inside your garage. Alternatively, you can ask a trusted neighbor or friend to collect deliveries while you’re gone.
Hand unplugging electronics.
4. Unplug Non-Essential Electronics Unplugging electronics isn’t just about saving on energy bills—it’s also a simple way to reduce fire risks and protect your devices from power surges. Items like TVs, computers, and small kitchen appliances can be unplugged without affecting your home’s functionality. However, certain devices should remain plugged in. For example, Wi-Fi routers and security systems need to stay powered to maintain connectivity. To protect these, plug them into surge protectors, which can prevent damage from unexpected voltage spikes.
Neighbor waving.
5. Inform a Trusted Neighbor or Friend Having someone you trust keep an eye on your home is one of the best ways to ensure its safety. Let a neighbor or close friend know your travel dates and ask if they can help with minor tasks like collecting mail, moving trash bins, or checking for signs of trouble. Provide them with an emergency contact number and, if necessary, a spare key or access code. A friend or neighbor can also create the illusion of activity by parking their car in your driveway or occasionally walking around your property.
Man setting the thermostat.
6. Set Your Thermostat to a Safe Temperature When leaving during colder months, it’s tempting to turn off your heating system to save on energy costs. However, this can lead to frozen pipes, which could burst and cause significant damage. Instead, set your thermostat to a minimum of 55°F. This temperature helps maintain a safe indoor environment while still conserving energy. If you have a smart thermostat, you can monitor and adjust the temperature remotely, which is especially helpful if there’s an unexpected cold snap while you’re away.
Additional Tips for Peace of Mind
Test Your Security System Before you leave, ensure all cameras, alarms, and motion sensors are working properly. If you’ve subscribed to a monitoring service, double-check that they have up-to-date contact information for you.
Leave Curtains or Blinds Partially Open While it might seem logical to close all your curtains, fully closed blinds can indicate no one is home. Leave them in their usual position to avoid drawing attention to your absence.
Turn Off Your Water Supply For extended trips, consider shutting off your home’s main water supply. This simple step can prevent costly leaks or burst pipes while you’re away. If you can’t turn off the water entirely, leave cabinet doors under sinks open to allow warmer air to circulate around the pipes.
Invest in a Video Doorbell Video doorbells have become a popular security measure, and for good reason. They let you see, hear, and speak to visitors at your door—even if you’re thousands of miles away. These devices can deter porch pirates and give you real-time alerts about activity at your front door.
Conclusion By following these simple steps, you can protect your home and enjoy your holiday vacation with peace of mind. A little preparation goes a long way in preventing potential issues while you’re away. From securing doors and windows to enlisting the help of a neighbor, these precautions ensure your home remains safe and sound.
If you’re considering a move or need advice on improving your property’s value, I’d love to help. Feel free to reach out—I’m always just a call or email away.