10 Proven Tips to Secure Your Home While on Vacation
Protecting your home while away on vacation is crucial for peace of mind. This expert guide shares reliable strategies to deter burglars and keep your property safe.
1. Install a Professional Home Security System
A robust home security system is essential. Select one suited to your home's needs—many offer remote live video access via smartphone apps for real-time monitoring. This investment delivers invaluable peace of mind.
2. Maintain Regular Home Upkeep
Continue routine services like lawn care and pool maintenance. Thieves scouting neighborhoods notice neglected properties, so consistent appearances signal occupancy.
3. Entrust a Key to a Trusted Friend or Family Member
While pausing mail and newspapers helps, unexpected deliveries like flyers or packages can pile up. Have a reliable contact visit every day or two to handle these, water plants, and manage trash—compensate them appropriately.
4. Suspend Mail and Newspaper Deliveries
Piled-up mail or newspapers scream 'empty house.' If no one can collect them, request a mail hold at the post office and halt newspaper service.
5. Maintain Privacy on Social Media
Avoid announcing trips beforehand. Review profiles to hide your address, delete posts with location details, phone numbers, or events that could reveal it—prevent easy online tracing.
6. Secure Valuables in a Safe
Burglars routinely check bedrooms first. Use a safe for jewelry and cash; if unavailable, hide items in unexpected spots like a kitchen pantry or bathroom cabinet within plain containers.
7. Avoid Hide-a-Key Spots
Thieves know all the common hiding places under mats or in planters. Reserve spare keys for trusted contacts only.
8. Add Motion-Sensor Outdoor Lights
Easy to install and affordable (under $20 on Amazon), these lights deter intruders year-round. Pair with indoor light timers to simulate occupancy evenings.
9. Disconnect the Garage Door Opener
Garage doors can be vulnerable to hacking or universal remotes. Manually disengage the opener and use a slide-lock for added security.
10. Display Security System Signs
Visible deterrents work—place alarm company stickers at entry points like front, back, and garage doors. Affordable sticker packs are available even without a full system.
