How to Vacation-Proof a Home - Top Security Tips

For most homeowners who like to travel fear of damage to their property is a real worry. In this article we offer some simple steps you can take to vacation-proof a home and protect against intruders or damage in your absence. Read on to learn more about preparing your home and protecting it from accidental damage or burglars while you are away.

Vacation-Proof a Home: Essential Security Tips for Travelers

vacation-proof a home with security cameras — One way to vacation-proof a home is by adding security cameras to your property. But it is more effective if you have housesitters to react to any alarm they raise!

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Summer vacations and Winter vacations for that matter, for me are all about traveling and exploration. After a year of 9 to 5, we all deserve a relaxing break instead of worrying about what is going on back home. Indeed, unoccupied homes are the target of thieves and burglars which can turn your traveling experience into a nightmare.

However, you can vacation-proof a home keeping your property safe and secure with adequate precautions instead of leaving it unattended. But exactly ow do you vacation-proof a home for security when you are away? Whether you are leaving your home for a week or a month, this blog post includes some efficient home security tips, so you can enjoy your trip with a stress-free mind. Let’s get started for more details.

10 Home Security Tips for Worry-Free Vacations

Are you leaving for a vacation soon? Do not leave your home as a prey for burglars. Here are some clever home safety hacks to let you enjoy a stressless vacation. And there are some simple steps you can take to vacation-proof a home to protect your home and property while you are away.

1. Find a House Sitter

No safety and security measures are as flawless as leaving someone behind to take care of your home. You can hire a home sitter from a trusted company who will be there in your absence and keep everything safe along with doing some necessary chores like lawn maintenance and pet care. However, do not forget to leave some high-quality pet feed behind that your pet likes, for instance, a bag full of Dubia Roaches, if you own a reptile pet.

2. Install a High-End Security Systems

The burglars are reluctant to break into homes with high-quality security systems. Such systems not only record their suspicious activity which you can view remotely, but also notify the relevant security authorities when someone tries to have unauthorized access to your property. Install door alarms, motion-sensor cameras, fingerprint locks, etc. All such security gadgets will deter intruders and keep your home safe.

3. Finding a Secure Site for Valuables

Valuables include jewellery, cash, expensive gadgets, and important documents. Such items cannot be trusted by anyone, so you need to find a secure site to keep them away from burglars’ sight. Put such items in a fireproof box and hide it in a safe locker at your home which is hidden for outsiders to spot. Fireproofing is an essential step here to make sure that your valuables are safe even after a pitiful event.

4. Outsmart the Intruders

The burglars are more likely to enter an unoccupied home. However, you can outsmart the intruders by faking the sign of occupancy at your home. This includes mowing your lawn just before leaving to maintain its tidy appearance. However, if you are going to be away for long, ask a trusted friend or family member to do it for you. Moreover, install a few automatic indoor lights that you can turn on and off remotely to trick potential burglars.

5. Avoid Stuffing Your Mailbox

One major indication of the vacant home is a stuffed mailbox. So, thieves and burglars take it as an indication to decide on their next target. Hence, one of the fundamental steps to learning how to vacation-proof a home is you need to take adequate measures to prevent the overstuffing of your mailbox.

parcels on the floor — Make sure someone collects your mail or it will look like you are away and your property unattended

Photo by Polina Tankilevitch

The best thing you can do is to hold your mail at the post office which you can collect later once you are back. If it is not feasible, request your neighbors or any acquaintance to regularly empty your mailbox and keep everything safe until you are back. Or better still find a house sitter you trust to remain resident and take care of this daily routine, checking the mailbox and keeping your home occupied in your absence.

6. Limit Your Social Presence

Creating a strong social presence has become an inevitable part of our lifestyle. However, not everyone looking at our snaps has an admiring eye. Some of them are using it as an indication that your home is empty and take it as an opportunity to rob you of your valuable possessions.

Therefore, be mindful of your social posts while you are away as they can trigger burglars. Instead, postpone your social sharing until you are back home. This little sacrifice will have a bigger impact on your home’s security.

7. Finding a Secure Place for Spare Key

Losing your keys on a vacation is a common thing nowadays. However, people have found some ways of leaving a spare key outside their homes like under a flowerpot, doormat, or similar places. However, this practice is a major security threat leaving an easy way to your home for burglars as these hidden spots are not a secret anymore. Contrarily, find a secure place for your spare key by handing it over to a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member.

8. Take Measures Against Fire Hazards

Fire hazards in unattended homes are common nowadays. Many homeowners forget to unplug the electric appliances before leaving which can ignite a major fire. Take all the precautionary measures against the elements that can trigger indoor fires.

Moreover, install a smoke alarm in your home which notifies the fire protection authorities in case of any unfortunate happening. Ensure the appropriate storage or removal of all flammables to keep your home safe from fire hazards.

9. Turn Off the Water Supply

Water damage is disastrous to your home. The more you leave it unchecked, the more negative impact it is going to have on your property. Pipe leakage is a common reason behind the water damage which mostly happens during the summer. Before leaving your home for a long vacation, turn off the water supply responsibly to prevent damage to your property and avoid the huge renovation costs. This is one way to vacation-proof a home and ward against water damage.

postcards and travel paraphanalia — Many of us love to travel. It’s essential to find secure ways to vacation-proof a home before leaving our property

10. Get a Home Insurance

Home insurance is an effective way to ensure that you are compensated for any loss relevant to theft, burglarizing activity, or damage. The compensation amount will help you cover your loss and give you a sense of peace while you are away. However, each insurance company has some limitations on the coverage amount based on the items you own.

Terms can be improved in some cases if you show them you can vacation-proof a home and keep your property safe. Hence, read the terms and conditions and sign a deal with a favorable option.

Final Words on How to Vacation-Proof a Home When You Travel

Learning how to vacation-proof a home is all about taking adequate measures, so you can truly enjoy your vacations and return to a safe sanctuary later. Hiring a home sitter from a trusted site is our top recommendation. However, the importance of installing fool-proof home security systems and signing up for home insurance is unavoidable.

Take as many measures as you can, so your home remains safe from intruders. Follow the above tips and leave with a relaxed mind because your home is safe and sound with these essential home security measures.