For homeowners, leaving a property unattended for an extended period poses risks, including break-ins and theft, as well as unnoticed maintenance emergencies such as burst pipes or power outages. The good news is that with a few proactive steps and smart technology, you will dramatically reduce those risks. The key to true relaxation is knowing how to strategically keep your home safe and secure while on vacation.
Keep Your Home Safe While on Vacation with Deterrence Measures
The most effective way to keep your home safe is to make it appear as if it is occupied. Thieves are looking for easy targets that signal an empty house, so eliminating those signals should be your first priority. Use smart plugs or traditional timers on interior lamps to mimic your daily routine. Program them to turn on and off in different rooms at varying times, especially in the evening. Avoid leaving a single light on constantly, as that’s a clear giveaway. A mailbox overflowing with junk mail or a porch piled high with packages is a neon sign that nobody is home. Arrange to have your mail and newspapers held by the postal service, or enlist a trusted neighbor to collect them daily. If you are leaving for more than a week, arrange for regular lawn mowing or snow removal.
Security Measures to Keep Your Home Safe While on Vacation
While clever camouflage is important, physical barriers are the foundation for keeping your home safe from intruders. Beyond simply locking the doors and windows, check all sliding doors and windows are secured with secondary measures, such as dowels in the tracks or extra locks. Consider adding a few strategically placed window locks, such as those on the back or basement windows. Verify that the garage door is securely locked, both electrically and manually, and ensure all garage windows are properly covered. Even with good security, it’s wise to remove temptation. Store expensive jewelry, important documents, and cash in a secure, fireproof safe, or utilize a bank deposit box. For very expensive electronics, consider moving them out of plain view. This minimizes the target for potential theft.
Leveraging Technology to Keep Your Home Safe While on Vacation
Modern smart home devices have made it easier than ever to monitor your property remotely, giving you control and visibility over your home from thousands of miles away. Video doorbells are fantastic for monitoring package deliveries and seeing who approaches your door. Pair these with a few well-placed exterior security cameras that provide clear views of entry points. Make sure the devices are connected to Wi-Fi and that you have the apps set up to receive instant motion alerts on your phone. If you have a monitored alarm system, inform the company of your travel dates and provide contact information for a trusted neighbor or local friend. Modern systems often allow you to arm and disarm them remotely, and some may send alerts about smoke or water detection, which helps to keep your home safe from hazards beyond intrusion.
Enlisting Trusted Help and Managing Utilities
A crucial aspect of leaving your home involves planning for emergencies and managing systems that could fail while you’re gone. Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to check on the house regularly, ideally daily, or at least every other day. They should bring in mail missed by the postal hold, water houseplants, and alternate the placement of interior lights. Most importantly, give them a key and your itinerary, and make sure they know how to operate the alarm system and where the main water shut-off valve is located. For winter travel, set your thermostat to a minimum of 60 degrees to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. If you are leaving for a very long period, you may choose to shut off the main water valve entirely to prevent flooding from an undetected leak. Unplug non-essential electronics to protect them from power surges and save on phantom energy usage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Should I post my vacation plans on social media?
Absolutely not. Posting your travel dates, location, and photos while you are away is one of the biggest mistakes homeowners make. This information is easily accessible to criminals and confirms that your house is empty. Wait until you return home to share your memories.
Is it better to leave the television on or use a light timer?
A smart light timer or smart plug set to a varying schedule is generally more effective and efficient than leaving the television on.
If I shut off the water, should I also turn off the water heater?
If you shut off the main water valve and will be away for a month or more, consider setting your gas water heater to the “Pilot” setting or turning off an electric water heater at the breaker.
Rhode Island Real Estate Inspection Services provides home inspections to customers in Rhode Island. Contact us to request our services.