Leaving for vacation should be exciting, not stressful. The last thing anyone wants is to spend a trip worrying about what might be happening back home. A few simple precautions before you leave can make your house a much less appealing target for thieves and help prevent other problems while you’re away.
Here are 15 practical ways to keep your home safe so you can enjoy your vacation with fewer worries.
Invest in a Smart Security System
A basic alarm system still has value, but smart security systems give you much more control. Many include door and window sensors, security cameras, and instant alerts sent straight to your phone. Whether you’re across town or across the country, you can check in on your home whenever you want.
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Make It Look Like Someone Is Home
An empty, dark house is an easy giveaway that no one is around. Smart plugs and smart bulbs let you turn lights on and off from your phone or schedule them to operate at different times each day. A home that looks lived in is often less appealing to burglars.
Install a Video Doorbell
A video doorbell lets you see who’s at your front door no matter where you are. Most models also allow you to speak with visitors through your phone, making it seem like someone is inside. Recorded video can also be helpful if suspicious activity occurs while you’re away.
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Secure Your Windows
Unlocked or weak windows are common entry points for break-ins. Before leaving, double-check that every window is locked. Window locks, security film, reinforced glass, or window sensors can add another layer of protection without much effort.
Use Motion-Activated Outdoor Lighting
Bright lights turning on unexpectedly can make someone think twice about entering your property. Install motion-activated lights near entryways, driveways, garages, and dark corners around your yard. Indoor motion lights can also create the impression that someone is moving through the house.
Keep Your Vacation Off Social Media
It can be tempting to share vacation photos the moment you arrive, but waiting until you’re home is the safer choice. Public posts announcing that you’re out of town can tell the wrong people that your house is sitting empty.
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Ask Someone You Trust to Check In
A trusted friend, neighbor, or family member can make your home look occupied with very little effort. Ask them to collect the mail, take out the trash, water plants, or park in your driveway occasionally. Small signs of activity can discourage thieves looking for vacant homes.
Pause Mail and Deliveries
A mailbox stuffed with letters or packages sitting on the porch quickly tells people that no one has been home for days. Put your mail on hold through the postal service, or have someone pick it up regularly. If possible, schedule deliveries for after your return or send them to a secure pickup location.
Store Valuables in a Safe
While no safe can stop every theft, it can protect valuable belongings if someone does get inside. Store jewelry, passports, important paperwork, cash, and other expensive items in a fire-resistant safe that’s securely bolted to the floor or wall. Place it somewhere that’s not immediately obvious.
Don’t Forget the Garage
Garages often contain expensive tools, bicycles, and another entrance into the house. Lock the garage door, secure any side entrances, and lock the door connecting the garage to your home. If your garage door opener has a vacation mode, turn it on before leaving.
Secure Your Wi-Fi Network
Many home security devices rely on your internet connection. Protect your network with a strong password, keep your router updated, and use WPA2 or WPA3 encryption if available. If you have many smart devices, placing them on a separate guest network can add another level of security.
Keep Up With Yard Maintenance
An overgrown lawn, dry plants, or snow-covered walkways can signal that no one has been home for a while. Arrange for lawn care, snow removal, or other outdoor maintenance before you leave if you’ll be gone for an extended period.
Avoid Obvious Hiding Spots for Spare Keys
Burglars know to look under doormats, flowerpots, fake rocks, and other common hiding places. Instead of leaving a spare key outside, give one to someone you trust or install a smart lock that allows temporary access codes.
Unplug Unnecessary Electronics
Unplugging devices you won’t be using can lower the risk of electrical problems caused by power surges. Televisions, coffee makers, computers, and other small appliances can usually be disconnected before you leave. Leave only items running that truly need continuous power.
Upgrade Your Door Locks
Strong locks are one of the simplest ways to make your home harder to break into. If your locks are old or worn, replace them with high-quality deadbolts or smart locks. Many smart locks let you lock or unlock the door remotely, giving you extra peace of mind if you forget to secure it before heading out.
