The Best Ways To Secure Your Home While On Vacation

Are you planning a well-deserved vacation but worried about the security of your home while you’re away? Look no further! In this article, we will share some valuable tips on how to ensure the safety of your home while you’re enjoying your time off. From securing your doors and windows to creating the illusion of an occupied house, we’ve got you covered. So sit back, relax, and let us guide you on the best ways to secure your home while on vacation.

Install a Security System

When it comes to securing your home, one of the first steps you should take is to install a reputable security system. Choosing the right security company is crucial, as you want to ensure that they have a solid track record and offer reliable services. Look for companies that have good customer reviews and offer 24/7 monitoring.

Once you have chosen a security company, it’s time to install security cameras. These cameras act as a deterrent to potential burglars and can provide valuable evidence in case of a break-in. Place the cameras strategically around your property, covering all entry points and areas with valuable items.

In addition to security cameras, consider installing motion sensor lights. These lights will illuminate any movement around your property, making it less likely for someone to approach unnoticed. This added layer of security can give you peace of mind while you’re away.

For even more advanced security, invest in a smart home security system. These systems allow you to monitor your home remotely through your smartphone or computer. You can control various aspects of your security system, such as arming/disarming it, receiving notifications, and even controlling smart locks and other devices.

To enhance the effectiveness of your security system, connect it to a professional monitoring service. This way, if there is any suspicious activity or a breach, the monitoring service will be alerted and can quickly take action. They can contact the authorities and ensure that your home is protected even when you’re not there.

Secure Doors and Windows

Securing your doors and windows is an essential step in keeping your home safe while on vacation. Start by installing deadbolt locks on all exterior doors. These locks are more resistant to forceful entry than standard doorknob locks and provide an extra layer of protection.

Don’t forget about your windows. Install window locks on all windows to prevent them from being easily opened from the outside. This simple step can significantly reduce the likelihood of burglaries through windows. Additionally, reinforce entry doors and frames to make it more difficult for intruders to kick them in.

If you have basement windows, consider using security bars or grilles to deter burglars from attempting to enter through them. These bars or grilles can be installed on the inside of the windows and act as a physical barrier.

To add an extra level of security to your front door, install a peephole. This will enable you to see who is at your door before opening it, allowing you to verify the identity of visitors and avoid potential risks.

The Best Ways To Secure Your Home While On Vacation

Secure Garage and Shed

Your garage and shed may contain valuable items, making them attractive targets for burglars. To secure your garage, lock the garage door and disconnect the opener. This will prevent unauthorized access even if someone manages to break into your car.

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Make sure to secure the windows in your garage as well. Consider installing window security film or covering them with blinds or curtains to prevent potential burglars from looking inside and tempting them to break in.

For an added layer of protection, install a security system in your garage. This will provide an extra deterrent to would-be thieves and can alert you and the authorities in case of any suspicious activity.

Don’t forget about your shed. Secure it with a sturdy padlock to prevent easy access. Consider reinforcing the shed door and frame with additional hardware to make it more resistant to break-ins.

Lastly, remove any valuable items from your garage and shed and store them elsewhere. Leaving valuable items easily accessible only increases the risk of them being stolen.

Use Timers and Smart Home Devices

Creating the illusion of occupancy is a great way to deter burglars while you’re away. One way to achieve this is by setting timers for lights, TV, or radio. By programming these devices to turn on and off at different times, you can make it seem like someone is home. This can make potential burglars think twice before attempting to break in.

Smart plugs are another useful tool for enhancing home security while on vacation. These plugs allow you to control your appliances remotely through a smartphone or home automation system. You can turn lights on and off at specific times, giving the impression that someone is home.

Investing in a smart doorbell is also a good idea. These doorbells have built-in cameras and allow you to see and communicate with visitors remotely. You can even receive alerts and video footage of anyone who approaches your door. This can help you keep an eye on your property and ensure that no one attempts to break in.

Set up smart locks to control access remotely. With smart locks, you can lock and unlock your doors from anywhere using your smartphone or a keypad. This can be especially useful if you need to grant access to someone while you’re away, such as a pet sitter or a trusted neighbor.

Consider using a home automation system to simulate your daily routines. These systems allow you to control various aspects of your home, such as lights, thermostat, and even your security system, all from one centralized hub. By creating routines that mimic your typical daily activities, you can make it appear as though someone is home even when you’re not.

The Best Ways To Secure Your Home While On Vacation

Secure Outdoor Spaces

Securing your outdoor spaces is just as important as securing the inside of your home. Start by locking gates and securing fences. This will prevent unauthorized access to your property and make it harder for potential burglars to enter.

Installing motion-activated lights in your yard is another effective way to enhance security. These lights will illuminate any movement, making it difficult for anyone to approach your property under the cover of darkness.

Trim hedges and bushes regularly to eliminate potential hiding spots for burglars. Overgrown vegetation can provide cover for criminals and make it easier for them to gain access to your home unnoticed.

Store ladders and tools securely. Leaving these items lying around your yard can provide burglars with the means to access higher entry points, such as second-story windows. By storing them securely, you eliminate this risk.

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Keep valuables out of sight in outdoor spaces. Leaving expensive items, such as bikes or grills, in plain sight can attract unwanted attention. Either store them in a locked shed or garage, or cover them with a tarp to keep them out of sight.

Inform Trusted Neighbors

Your neighbors can be a valuable asset when it comes to home security. Before going on vacation, take the time to inform your trusted neighbors about your plans. Let them know the dates you’ll be away and provide them with contact information in case of emergencies.

Give trusted neighbors a spare key. This way, they can keep an eye on your property, check for any signs of suspicious activity, and ensure that everything is in order. In case of emergencies, they can also access your home to address any issues that may arise, such as a burst pipe or a tripped alarm system.

Ask your neighbors to keep an eye on your property. Simply having a watchful eye nearby can go a long way in deterring burglars. Your neighbors can report any unusual activity to you or the authorities, helping to ensure the safety of your home.

Leave emergency contact information with your neighbors. In the event of a break-in or any other emergency, it’s important for your neighbors to know who to contact. Provide them with the necessary information, such as your phone number, the contact information of a trusted friend or family member, and the number of your security company.

Offer to reciprocate when your neighbors go on vacation. Building a strong neighborhood network and looking out for one another can greatly enhance the security of your community. Offer to keep an eye on their property while they’re away, collect their mail, or perform any other tasks that may help them feel more secure.

The Best Ways To Secure Your Home While On Vacation

Suspend Mail Delivery and Newspaper Subscriptions

An overflowing mailbox or a pile of newspapers on your driveway are clear signs that you’re away on vacation. To avoid this, contact the post office to suspend mail delivery for the duration of your trip. This will prevent your mailbox from becoming a target for burglars and will ensure that your mail doesn’t accumulate in plain sight.

Similarly, contact any newspaper companies that deliver subscriptions and ask them to suspend deliveries while you’re away. A stack of unread newspapers can send a signal to potential burglars that your home is unoccupied.

Arrange for a friend or neighbor to collect any delivered packages. If you’re expecting any packages to be delivered while you’re on vacation, make arrangements for someone you trust to pick them up for you. Leaving packages unattended on your porch can be a tempting target for thieves.

Taking these steps to suspend mail and newspaper deliveries will help maintain the appearance that your home is occupied and deter potential burglars.

Secure Valuables

While securing the physical aspects of your home is important, it’s also essential to protect your valuable belongings. Lock away valuable jewelry and documents in a safe. Invest in a high-quality, fire-resistant safe that is securely bolted to the floor or wall. This will provide an extra layer of protection for your most treasured possessions.

Take an inventory of your valuable items and record their serial numbers. This will come in handy if any of your belongings are stolen, as it will make it easier for law enforcement to identify and recover them. Keep a detailed list of your valuable items, including descriptions, photographs, and any important documentation.

Speaking of photographs, it’s a good idea to photograph or video record your valuable belongings. This can serve as additional evidence in case of theft or damage. Make sure to capture any unique markings or features that can help identify your possessions.

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Consider storing valuables in a safety deposit box. If you have items that are particularly valuable or irreplaceable, such as family heirlooms or important legal documents, storing them in a safety deposit box at your bank can provide an extra layer of security.

Keep important documents in a waterproof and fireproof container. Birth certificates, passports, insurance policies, and other important documents should be stored in a secure container that will protect them from both water and fire damage. This will ensure that your essential paperwork remains safe even in case of a disaster.

The Best Ways To Secure Your Home While On Vacation

Maintain a Lived-In Appearance

Creating the illusion that your home is occupied is key to deterring potential burglars. Start by arranging for lawn care and maintenance while you’re away. Overgrown grass and an unkempt yard are sure signs that nobody is home. Hire a trusted lawn care service or ask a neighbor to take care of it for you.

Ask a neighbor to park their car in your driveway. An empty driveway can be a signal that nobody is home. Having a car parked in your driveway at different times can give the impression that someone is there.

Use light timers in different rooms. By setting timers for your lights, you can create the illusion that someone is moving around inside your home. Program different lights to turn on and off at various times throughout the day, mimicking your daily routines.

Keep your curtains and blinds partially open. Completely closed curtains throughout the entire day can raise suspicions. Instead, leave them partially open to make it seem like someone is inside. This will also allow for natural light to enter your home, further adding to the appearance of occupancy.

Avoid advertising your absence on social media. While it may be tempting to share your vacation excitement with your friends and followers, it’s important to remember that publicly announcing your absence can also be an invitation for burglars. Save the vacation updates for when you return, and share your photos and stories safely and privately.

Secure Digital Security

In addition to physical security, it’s important to secure your digital devices and online presence. Start by updating and patching all devices before leaving. This includes your computer, smartphone, tablets, and any other connected devices. Keeping your devices up to date with the latest security patches and software updates will help protect you from known vulnerabilities.

Secure your Wi-Fi network with a strong password. A weak or easily-guessable Wi-Fi password can leave your network vulnerable to hackers. Make sure to use a strong, unique password that combines uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.

Enable two-factor authentication on your online accounts. Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide additional verification, such as a code sent to a trusted device, in addition to their password. This can help prevent unauthorized access to your accounts, even if your password is compromised.

Avoid accessing personal accounts on public Wi-Fi networks. Public Wi-Fi networks can be a hotspot for hackers looking to intercept sensitive information. When away from home, use secure, password-protected networks, or consider using a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection and protect your data.

By following these tips and taking the necessary precautions, you can enjoy your vacation with peace of mind knowing that your home and valuable possessions are secure. Remember, a little effort in securing your home now can go a long way in preventing potential burglaries and providing a safe and welcoming environment for you and your family.

The Best Ways To Secure Your Home While On Vacation