Checklist to Keep Your Home Secure While on Vacation

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Written By Charlotte Miller

Before you are done squeezing the last outfit in your bag and ready to fly to your vacation spot, do pay attention to your home. If it’s a short weekend trip, there’s no need to be extra about home security. But if it’s a 2 weeks (or more) trip to another country, home security MUST be on your priority list.

A lot needs to be done to keep your apartment/house safe. Starting from these…

1: Install Video Cameras for Remote Monitoring

Thanks to remote monitoring, one can keep an eye on every nook and cranny of the home without being physically present. You can live stream videos and review recorded clips from your smartphone as long as you have got the internet. 

You’re definitely going to need the Internet at home for remote monitoring. When I go on vacation, my Spectrum mobile plans keeps me in touch with my home security system. To explore the plans offered by the provider, visit here.

2: Get Rid Of All Hidden or Spare Keys

Don’t think you can outsmart invaders when it comes to finding hidden keys. Get rid of spare or hidden keys before leaving home or you can say goodbye to your precious belongings.

3: Lock All Doors and Windows 

It might seem too obvious to mention but 32 percent of the burglars enter via unlocked doors. Windows are weak points as well.

Double-check all windows and locks before leaving. It’s not just burglars, animals can enter the house and cause significant damage too.

4: Empty the Mailbox

Don’t just empty out the mailbox before leaving but make sure someone collects the mail on your behalf. Mails include confidential letters which no one can risk leaving. Have a trusted friend or neighbor collect the mail and keep it safe. You can also pause delivery to newspapers, magazines, and other subscriptions. 

5: Don’t Leave the Lights On

Are you planning to leave the lights on to create an illusion that the owners are home so intruders can stay away? This trick works when you are away for a few days but it’s not recommended if you are going for a while. You wouldn’t want to end up paying a high electric bill now would you? 

Intruders are smart. They can invade a house with lights on too. If you want to leave the lights on at night, get a light switch timer and program it to turn on and off at specific times. This will keep criminals at bay as they will believe someone is doing the light flipping.

6: Lock Up Your Valuables 

Got any valuables that might be alluring to a thief? Conceal them and hide them in a safe.  Criminals aren’t just after physical items, they are after identity as well. Lock up all personal documents, credit cards, social security cards, or other precious paperwork.

7: Turn Off the Water Supply

Leaky pipes are the most common cause of water damage. If you aren’t appointing anyone to check your house while you are gone, it’s best to turn off the main water supply of the house.  No water – no damage.

8: To Close or Open the Curtains 

Chances are you have decided to close the curtains to prevent people from peering inside your house.  Closed curtains can stop those who are trying to help such as a friend, neighbor, or the police.

Your best bet is to leave the curtains exactly as you keep them when you are at home. Hide all expensive items from the sight because you wouldn’t want to attract a thief. 

9: Stay Energy Conscious

While using home automation gadgets to keep intruders away, don’t forget that a high energy bill can dig holes in your pocket. To mitigate unnecessary costs, unplug all high energy-consuming devices such as TV, home appliances, and any unnecessary device.

10: Keep Your Lawn Mowed

Whether it’s a backyard or a front lawn, ask a friend or neighbor to mow it for you. Overgrown yards or lawns are a sign of an empty house.

Depending on the length of the vacation, ask a trustworthy friend to sweep the leaves from the driveway and mow the lawn. The house should look well-cared from the outside to give an impression that someone is currently residing.

If you have a large lawn you can hire a lawn mowing expert online.

11: Disconnect the Garage Door

Most garages have direct access to the house. If that’s the case with your garage door and it’s electric, disconnect it before leaving. If it’s a manual door, lock it up tight. Get a smart lock for extra security. Keep all valuables stored in the garage including your car hidden.  

12: Don’t Broadcast Your Travel Plans

It’s exciting to go on a vacation. In these digital times, it is hard not to post your social media plans. You can always tell your friends and fam but don’t share it with everyone. Stop your kids from posting this information on social media. Posting your vacation plans is an open invitation for intruders to break into your home.

Once you have returned home, go ahead and share the pictures on your social media handles. 

Read Also: 6 Cool Tips and Hacks for Mobile Photography!

13: Continue Scheduled Cleaning

If you already have a house cleaner, gardener, a guy who cleans the pool, let them follow the regular cleaning schedule even if you are away. Keep an eye on them through smart home monitoring devices. Make sure all valuables are locked up and hidden.

However, only allow them if you trust them for the inside job. If you have hesitation, put their services on hold but don’t tell them you are going on vacation. 

14: Inform Your Neighbors

The best thing you can do to keep your home safe is to let the neighbors you are off on vacation. They will keep an eye on your house subconsciously. 

Don’t forget to leave your contact number with them to be in touch if any concerns arise. 

Read Also: Travel to Egypt, what to see and do?

Final Thoughts

Trust me, it’s hard to enjoy those well-deserved days of vacation if you are constantly worried about the house. To come back and find your home exactly as you left it, follow these precautions religiously.