How to Maintain a Secure Home in Your Absence - Find Housesitters

As homeowners we all want a secure home. But how do you go about making your home as safe and secure as possible, especially when you travel away from home or are out of the house periodically? Read on to learn out seven top tips on how to go about ensuring your home is protected and secure even if you are not present for short or long periods.

Top 7 Tips for Maintaining a Secure Home In Your Absence

housesitter keeping a secure home — Housesitters can live in and care for pets while keeping a secure home

Photo by Jenny Kaye

It can be worrying to leave your home unoccupied for an extended period. When a house is empty, even during a few days of travel, it can be vulnerable to damage or security threats.

However, you must inevitably leave your home unoccupied during travel or emergencies, so preparing your home for this is critical. A house can stay safe when security and safety precautions are taken seriously and so creating a secure home. The first step to securing a home during any absence is to learn the best methods and techniques.

1. Secure All Windows and Doors

Before leaving for any period, double-check to ensure all windows and doors are closed and locked. It may seem obvious, but many people don’t realize when a window isn’t locked or the garage door is unsecured.

You must secure all the window locks to keep a secure home

Photo by Anastasiia Lopushynska

Many homeowners leave the garage door unlocked for convenience or automatic garage door openers. An unlocked garage door can be an easy entry point for burglars. Don’t leave treasured or valuable items out in plain sight; consider locking them in a safe or hiding them somewhere safe to keep a secure home.

2. Install a Security System and Smart Home Technology

A security system with cameras and alarms can create a secure home and provide homeowners peace of mind and deter anyone from trying to break in. Security systems will keep you updated and informed about visitors or security threats.

Smart home technology can also provide security system management and notifications on your phone from anywhere. As a bonus, smart home features can allow you to turn off outlets, certain appliances, and the HVAC system to save energy and improve safety. All these steps will help to create a secure home.

3. Don’t ‘Hide’ a Spare Key

key in the door lock — Don’t hide the spare key near the door it is all too easy to find and will not ensure a secure home

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

Do you hide your spare key in a porch plant or under a welcome mat? Even if you think your spare key is hidden somewhere unique, burglars are highly experienced in finding spare keys whether you think you have made a secure home or not.

Don’t put a spare key anywhere accessible. Instead, give a spare key beforehand to anyone you want to access the home, such as a housesitter or a family member, to avoid issues. The last thing you want to do is give a burglar easy access to your house!

4. Find a Housesitter

A housesitter is the perfect way to keep your home safe and secure. Hiring a housesitter, family member, or friend to stay in or check on your house can avoid damage, security issues, and stress from leaving a home unattended.

There are many ways to hire a housesitter; you can search online for specific house-sitting services or ask a friend or family member. Housesitting can be particularly useful when you have pets that need care, but be sure the sitter you hire is experienced and informed about the presence of animals in the home.

5. Maintain Landscaping

front door with a climber around the doorway — To help keep a secure home ensure your front entrance tidy and well maintained to ensure the property looks occupied

Photo by Travel with Lenses

When you have heavily obscuring trees or bushes in your yard, it can shield burglars who may try to break into your home.

By trimming and maintaining the landscaping to avoid obscuring windows and doors, you can keep your home safer by exposing these entry points to witnesses and security systems. Some simple trimming can keep your home safer!

6. Clean Out Your Fridge

Scanning your fridge for perishable items is a brilliant idea, depending on how long you will be gone. If any foods are close to expiring, consume them or toss them before you leave for an extended period.

You won’t come home to potentially expired or spoiled food when you toss out food beforehand. Cleaning your fridge may not be necessary if you are only leaving for a few days, however.

7. Get to Know Your Neighborhood

Your neighborhood can play a significant role in the safety and security of your home. A friendly relationship with your neighbors can keep you informed about what happens with your home, keeping it safer. If your neighborhood has high crime rates, securing your home may be more challenging when you leave.

Consider moving to a secure home and finding a friendly neighborhood if possible. You can find real estate agents familiar with specific neighborhoods and areas to guarantee a safer area. For example, in Philadelphia, there are Main Line realtors who are highly experienced and familiar with Philly’s Main Line to help match the right neighborhood to their clients.

You can find similar real estate agents in your area through online searches.

Maintaining a Secure Home in Your Absence – The Takeaways

It can be daunting to leave your home unattended, especially for the first time. However, there are many ways to prevent issues when your home is unoccupied.

Hiring a housesitter, installing security systems, and securing your doors and windows are significant first steps to keeping your home safe and loved when traveling. If you live in an unsafe neighborhood, consider relocating to secure your home and belongings.