Prepare Your Home Before Heading on Holiday
Bags are packed, tickets are booked, everything is ready, and you’re heading for vacation. But is your home ready?
While you’re looking forward to a relaxing getaway, taking a few smart steps to secure your home can provide peace of mind while you’re away. Swipe to see 18 essential things to do before you head out.
Set Timers for Lights
Invest in programmable timers to give the impression that someone is home. Set the timers to turn lights on and off at different times in various rooms to create a more realistic effect.
For added convenience, use smart plugs or smart bulbs controlled through a mobile app, which allows you to adjust the schedule remotely. This simple trick can deter intruders by making your home appear occupied even when it’s not.
Adjust Thermostat Settings
Before heading out, set your thermostat to an energy-efficient temperature. If traveling during winter, avoid turning off the heating entirely, as this could lead to frozen pipes and costly repairs.
A good rule of thumb is to keep the temperature around 55°F (13°C) to protect your plumbing while saving energy. Smart thermostats allow you to monitor and adjust the temperature remotely. This way you can travel with peace of mind.
Unplug Electronics
Protect your home from electrical hazards by unplugging non-essential electronics like TVs, gaming consoles, and kitchen appliances. This step reduces the risk of electrical fires, and it also lowers energy consumption from devices on standby mode.
For an extra layer of protection, consider using surge protectors for devices that remain plugged in, such as your Wi-Fi router or security cameras.
Hold Your Mail and Packages
An overflowing mailbox or packages piling up on your porch is a clear signal to potential burglars that you’re not home. Arrange for the postal service to hold your mail during your vacation or ask a trusted neighbor to collect it for you.
For online deliveries, use parcel lockers or schedule deliveries after your return to keep your porch clear and secure.
Arrange for Lawn Maintenance
A neglected yard can quickly signal to others that your home is unoccupied. Before leaving, hire a landscaping service or ask a neighbor to take care of mowing the lawn, raking leaves, or clearing snow.
If you have potted plants or a garden, ensure someone can water and tend to them regularly to maintain the appearance of an active household.
Notify a Trusted Neighbor
Inform a reliable neighbor about your travel plans and ask them to keep an eye on your property. Provide them with your contact information and let them know if anyone else, like a house sitter or landscaper, will be visiting.
A vigilant neighbor can notify you or the authorities if they notice anything unusual.
Store Valuables Safely
Secure valuable items like jewelry, cash, and important documents in a safe or safety deposit box. Avoid leaving items in plain sight near windows or doors where they might tempt intruders.
If you don’t have a safe, hide valuables in discreet, unconventional places that are less likely to be discovered in the event of a break-in.
Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Safety doesn’t stop at security, make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are fully operational. Test each device and replace batteries if necessary.
This small step can prevent a minor issue from becoming a major disaster while you’re away and ensure your home is protected from fire or gas leaks.
Shut Off Water Supply
A burst pipe or hidden leak can cause significant damage if left unattended. Turn off the main water valve to prevent this from happening.
If shutting off the water entirely isn’t an option, install water leak detectors that can alert you to potential issues. For added protection, insulate exposed pipes to prevent freezing during colder months.
Clean Out the Fridge
To avoid returning to spoiled food and unpleasant odors, clean out your refrigerator before leaving. Dispose of perishable items, wipe down shelves, and take out the trash.
Consider leaving an open box of baking soda in the fridge to absorb any lingering smells. A clean and fresh fridge will make your return far more pleasant.
Set Emergency Contacts
Share a list of emergency contacts with trusted neighbors, friends, or family members. Include details for utility services, a repair technician, and local emergency numbers.
Also, provide them with your travel itinerary and a spare key to your home if needed. Being prepared ensures issues can be handled quickly in your absence.
Empty the Trash
Before heading out for your holiday, ensure your garbage disposal is clean and free of debris. Leftover food scraps can rot, causing unpleasant odors or even clogs in your plumbing system.
Run the disposal with cold water for a few minutes to flush it out completely. Also, toss in a few lemon peels or use a garbage disposal cleaner to eliminate lingering smells.
Close Blinds and Curtains
Close your blinds and curtains to maintain privacy and deter prying eyes while you’re gone. By keeping your home’s interior hidden, you reduce the likelihood of attracting potential burglars.
Opt for a balance and fully closed curtains can look suspiciously uninhabited, so adjust them to appear natural.
Arrange for Pet Care
If you can’t take your pets with you, then hire a professional pet sitter, board your pet at a trusted facility, or ask a reliable friend or family member to help.
Provide them with clear instructions about feeding schedules, exercise routines, and any medical needs, including emergency vet contacts. Don’t forget to stock up on food, medication, and other supplies for your pet as well.
Alert Alarm Company
Notify your alarm company of your travel dates and ensure they have updated contact information. Inform them if anyone will be accessing your home, such as a house sitter or neighbor.
Test your alarm system before leaving to confirm it’s functioning properly and inform the company of any changes to your emergency contacts.
By keeping them in the loop, you add an extra layer of protection to your home while you’re away.
Secure Outdoor Items
Protect your outdoor belongings from theft or weather damage by storing them securely. Bring in patio furniture, grills, and gardening tools, and lock up sheds and garages.
For larger items that can’t be moved, use weatherproof covers and ensure they’re securely fastened.
Secure any decorative items, such as wreaths, lanterns, or potted plants, that could be easily stolen or damaged by strong winds. Additionally, ensure your outdoor lighting is functional to deter intruders and keep the area well-lit at night.
Test Your Security System
Before you leave, conduct a thorough check of your home security system. Test the alarms, cameras, and motion sensors to ensure they’re functioning correctly.
If you use a monitoring service, update them with your emergency contact details and travel dates. Additionally, consider adding temporary cameras or doorbell cameras if you don’t already have them to increase coverage while you’re away.
Do check out rookie mistakes in smart home security setups and correct them before leaving the house.
Secure Doors and Windows
Before leaving for your trip, take time to inspect every door and window in your home to ensure they are properly locked. Install additional security measures like deadbolts, smart locks, or window sensors to enhance protection.
For sliding doors, adding a security bar or a sturdy dowel in the track can make them harder to breach. If you have older windows, consider upgrading their locks or reinforcing them with window film. Need some suggestions? Check out “Best Practices for Securing Windows and Doors.”