Heading out for a holiday vacation is always exciting, but it’s important to make sure your home stays safe and secure while you’re away. Whether you’re visiting family, relaxing on a beach, or exploring a new destination, a few simple precautions can give you peace of mind. From securing entry points to setting up smart home devices, these safety tips will help protect your property and keep everything in order so you can focus on enjoying your trip!
Here are some safety tips to help protect your home while you’re away:
Notify a Trusted Neighbor
Letting a trusted neighbor know you’ll be away is like having a backup set of eyes on your home. They can keep an eye out for anything unusual, like a package that gets delivered unexpectedly or a light left on that shouldn’t be. Plus, they can help with small things like bringing in your trash bins or parking their car in your driveway to make it look like someone’s home—it’s a simple favor that can make a big difference! Let them know your travel dates and ask them to keep an eye on your home. Share your contact info in case of emergencies.
Make Your Home Look Occupied
Making your home look occupied is a simple way to keep burglars from targeting your place while you’re away. You can set timers to turn lights on in the evening and off at bedtime—bonus points if they’re in different rooms. Have a neighbor park their car in your driveway occasionally, leave a pair of shoes by the front door, or even set your TV or radio to play during certain hours. Little things like this can go a long way in keeping your home safe!
Pause Mail and Packages
Nothing says “no one’s home” like a pile of stuff on your porch. You can request the post office to hold your mail, and for packages, services like Amazon offer secure lockers for pickups. If that’s not an option, ask a trusted neighbor or friend to grab them for you—it’s an easy way to keep your home looking lived-in and avoid stolen deliveries!
Secure All Entry Points
Locking up every door, window, and even the garage is a no-brainer when you’re heading out for the holidays—it’s your first line of defense. Double-check spots you might forget, like the basement door or that tiny bathroom window. If you’ve got a sliding glass door, stick a sturdy rod or dowel in the track to keep it extra secure, and don’t forget to lock pet doors too—sneaky burglars can fit through more than you’d think!
Use a Security System
Having an extra set of eyes on your house while you’re away gives you peace of mind. Make sure you set it up before you leave, and if you have cameras, you can even check in on your home from your phone. Bonus tip: put up a security sign or sticker, even if you don’t have a system yet—it’s often enough to scare off anyone who might be snooping around!
Be Careful with Social Media
Posting about your vacation on social media might seem harmless, but it’s like putting up a giant sign saying, “I’m not home!” Instead of sharing updates in real-time, wait until you’re back to post those amazing beach photos. Also, check your privacy settings—make sure only close friends can see your posts, so strangers or would-be burglars don’t get any ideas.
Unplug Electronics
This is often overlooked but unplugging your electronics before you leave for vacation is smart because it protects your stuff from power surges and saves you money on energy bills. Things like your TV, coffee maker, and toaster don’t need to stay plugged in while you’re gone. Plus, it’s one less thing to worry about—no random sparks or overheating while you’re off enjoying your trip!
Set Your Thermostat
Setting your thermostat before heading out is an easy way to save energy and avoid problems. In the winter, keep it at least 55°F so your pipes don’t freeze—unless you want to come home to a burst pipe!
Protecting your home while you’re away for the holidays is all about being smart and proactive. Enjoy your trip and rest easy knowing your home is safe!