Vacations and business trips are meant to be enjoyable, but leaving your home unattended can be a
source of anxiety. The fear of potential break-ins, vandalism, or other issues can weigh heavily on
homeowners. The good news is that there are practical steps you can take to secure your property
while you’re away, ensuring peace of mind during your travels.
In this blog, we’ll explore 10 essential tips to safeguard your home while you’re out of town. These
strategies combine basic precautions with modern security solutions to protect your property and
give you the confidence to focus on what matters—enjoying your time away.

Install a Reliable Security System

A comprehensive home security system is one of the best ways to protect your home while
traveling. Look for a system that includes:

• Outdoor Cameras: Monitor entry points and deter potential intruders.
• Indoor Cameras: Keep an eye on key areas inside your home.
• Motion Detectors: Detect unusual activity and trigger alarms.

Modern systems often come with smartphone apps, allowing you to monitor your property in realtime and receive alerts no matter where you are.

Pro Tip:

Consider professional monitoring services for added peace of mind. Trained specialists can respond
to alarms and contact emergency services on your behalf.

Secure All Doors and Windows

Before you leave, double-check that all doors and windows are securely locked. This includes oftenoverlooked areas like basement windows, sliding glass doors, and garage doors.

• Reinforce Sliding Doors: Use a security bar or rod to prevent them from being forced open.
• Upgrade Locks: Consider installing smart locks or deadbolts for enhanced security. Ensuring every entry point is secure is a simple yet highly effective way to protect your home from unauthorized access.

Use Smart Lighting to Create the Illusion of Presence

A home that appears occupied is less likely to be targeted by burglars. Smart lighting systems allow you to program lights to turn on and off at specific times, mimicking your daily routine.

• Set Timers: Schedule lights in the living room, kitchen, or bedroom to switch on and off throughout the evening.
• Use Smart Bulbs: Control lights remotely from your smartphone to adjust settings while you’re away.

Adding smart lighting to your home creates the impression that someone is home, deterring potential intruders.

Pause Deliveries and Mail

Overflowing mailboxes or packages left on the doorstep are clear signs that no one is home. Avoid this by pausing deliveries or asking a neighbor to collect them.

• Notify the Post Office: Request a mail hold service to stop deliveries until you return.
• Suspend Subscriptions: Pause newspaper deliveries and other regular subscriptions.
• Use Smart Lockers: For packages, consider using an Amazon locker or similar service to avoid unattended deliveries.

Keeping your property clear of these visual cues helps maintain the illusion that someone is home.

Inform a Trusted Neighbor

Let a trusted neighbor or friend know about your travel plans. They can keep an eye on your property, collect mail, and alert you to any unusual activity.

• Provide Contact Information: Share your phone number and the contact information of a local emergency contact.
• Spare Key: If you trust them completely, leave a spare key for emergencies rather than hiding one outside.

Having a reliable person check on your home periodically adds an extra layer of protection.

Avoid Oversharing on Social Media

While it’s tempting to share vacation photos or updates online, doing so can inadvertently alert potential intruders that your home is unoccupied.

• Wait Until You’re Home: Post photos and updates after your trip.
• Limit Access: Adjust privacy settings to ensure only trusted friends and family can view your posts.
• Be Cautious with Location Tags: Avoid tagging your current location until you’ve returned.

By being mindful of what you share online, you can prevent giving away details about your absence.

Install Outdoor Security Cameras

Outdoor cameras are a powerful deterrent against criminal activity. Position them to cover key areas like the front door, driveway, and backyard.

• Choose Weatherproof Cameras: Ensure your cameras can withstand outdoor conditions.
• Enable Motion Detection: Receive alerts when movement is detected near your property.
• Integrate with Your Security System: Pair cameras with other devices for a comprehensive security solution.

Many outdoor cameras also allow you to communicate with visitors remotely, adding an extra layer of control.

Unplug Non-Essential Electronics

Unplugging electronics not only saves energy but also protects your home from electrical fires or power surges.

• Focus on High-Risk Appliances: Unplug devices like toasters, coffee makers, and chargers.
• Use Surge Protectors: For devices you leave plugged in, such as your refrigerator or security system, use surge protectors to prevent damage during power fluctuations.

This simple step can reduce risks while you’re away and help you save on energy costs.

Maintain Your Yard

An overgrown lawn or unkempt yard can signal that a home is unoccupied. Before leaving, make sure your outdoor spaces are well-maintained.

• Hire a Lawn Care Service: If you’ll be away for an extended period, arrange for someone to mow the lawn and trim hedges.
• Clean Up: Put away tools, toys, and other items that could indicate no one is home.
• Outdoor Lights: Check that all exterior lighting is functioning properly.

A tidy yard helps maintain the appearance of an active household.

Set Up Environmental Monitoring

While security cameras and alarms protect against intrusions, environmental sensors guard against issues like fire, flooding, or freezing temperatures.

• Smoke and CO Detectors: Ensure these devices are functioning properly before you leave.
• Water Leak Sensors: Place them near water heaters, washing machines, or basements to detect leaks early.
• Temperature Monitors: For homes in cold climates, use sensors to detect freezing temperatures that could lead to burst pipes.

Environmental monitoring provides added peace of mind, knowing your home is protected from non-criminal risks.

Take the Next Step

Traveling should be a time to relax, not worry about your home’s safety. By implementing these 10
tips, you can enjoy your trip knowing that your property is secure. From installing smart locks and
cameras to enlisting the help of a trusted neighbor, these strategies help deter potential threats and
minimize risks.
Don’t leave your home’s security to chance. Invest in modern security solutions that fit your needs
and give you peace of mind wherever you go. Call 1-877-550-2733 today to learn more about
protecting your home with advanced security systems.