Everyone looks forward to a well-earned vacation, but leaving your house can cause anxiety when you go out of town for a long time. You don’t want to worry about robbers and vandals trespassing on your property while relaxing on the beach.
Fortunately, there are ways to help heighten your home’s security so you can enjoy your trip to the fullest. Discover seven effective ways to ensure your residence remains safe while you’re away.
1. Temporarily Suspend Mail and Newspaper Deliveries
You’ve probably seen it in movies — a pile of newspapers and mail on the doorstep is a clear sign of an unoccupied house. This and an overflowing mailbox may attract attention from burglars. If leaving for over a week, cancel or redirect all deliveries to the local post office. You can also ask a trusted neighbor to collect mail and packages.
Create a USPS account, verify your identity and submit a Hold Mail request to cancel deliveries temporarily while you’re out of town.
2. Install a Home Security System
A home security system is a network of devices that protects your residence. It usually includes a control panel, sensors, motion detectors and safety alarms. The average cost is $490, but a self-installed kit is only around $99. The home control center alerts the security company when the alarm goes off.
Let a professional set up your security system to ensure your home’s safety. Install security cameras and motion detectors to monitor entry points from your phone, even while you’re away. Test if your motion sensors are picking up movement before you go.
3. Lock Doors and Windows
Locking all possible entry points seems intuitive, but it pays to double-check everything — doors, garages, windows and fences should be securely locked before you leave. Invest in smart locks for added security and monitor them from your smartphone. In addition to these preventive measures, make repairs as needed to keep everything secure before you leave.
4. Leave a Car in the Driveway
Consider leaving your car in the driveway to signal to people that someone’s home. However, this might not be ideal if it’s snowing. Your vehicle might get completely snowed out if you leave it outside, making it a dead giveaway that no one’s home. Unless you can ask a trusted neighbor to shovel your driveway, keeping your car inside the garage is better.
5. Double-Check Your Garage Door
You might think burglars usually come in through doors and windows. However, the garage door tends to be one of the more vulnerable entry points, especially when it’s not well-maintained. Make sure to secure it and schedule repairs if needed before leaving.
If you have an old garage door, assess it carefully — instead of spending on costly repairs, buying a new one that provides better security might be wiser. Pair it with an automatic opener with additional built-in security features. In some cases, a door can be opened by sheer force. Some modern door openers can drive the garage door back down if someone tries to open it
manually.
6. Make Your Home Look Occupied
Avoid making your home look empty. It’s the last thing you want thieves to think while you’re on vacation. Invest in smart devices that make it look like you’re there, such as smart plugs on fans, TVs and lampshades. These tiny yet mighty gadgets allow you to schedule when to turn appliances on and off with a smartphone app.
Smart blinds and shades can also help camouflage your absence. They can be app-controlled and scheduled as you wish. Aside from this, you can get a trusted neighbor to take out your garbage and put cans back after pickup to make it seem like you’re at home.
7. Be Careful of What You Share Online
You may think your summer outfit or the sunset are too good not to share, but it’s best to postpone it until you’re home. Avoid publicly announcing your travel plans — you never know when potential intruders are stalking you online. If you truly want to post something, ensure your profile is private or shared with only your close friends.
8. Ensure Keys Are in a Safe Spot
You can leave your house keys with a nearby family member or trusted neighbor. They can regularly check the house and call the police if they notice anything suspicious. Avoid placing the keys in “secret” hiding places, such as doormats, flowerpots, mailboxes and cars. These are typically the first places burglars will check.
Make Your House Burglar-Proof Before Vacation
It takes time and effort to keep your home safe and have peace of mind. Implementing these tips will help ensure your residence remains secure until you return from your vacation.
