Leaving your home unattended while you're away on vacation can leave it vulnerable to burglars, natural disasters, or even just general wear and tear. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to ensure your home remains safe, secure, and well-maintained in your absence. Here are 10 effective ways to protect your home when you're on vacation:



Set Up a Smart Security System

One of the best ways to protect your home while you're away is by installing a smart security system. Many modern systems allow you to monitor your property remotely through your smartphone. You can set up cameras to monitor the front and back of your house, motion detectors to alert you if someone is approaching, and door/window sensors to detect any unauthorized entries.

Additionally, some security systems allow you to set up alerts or even control smart lights or locks remotely. This gives the illusion that someone is home, which can deter burglars from targeting your property. Some systems also have built-in alarms that can be triggered in case of a break-in, immediately notifying both you and the authorities.



Install Timed Lights and Smart Plugs

A dark home is an obvious indicator that no one is around, but a lit-up house can give the opposite impression. By installing timed lights both inside and outside your home, you can simulate the presence of someone inside. Many smart lights now come with scheduling features, which means you can set them to turn on and off at different times, making it harder for potential burglars to guess your absence.

Smart plugs for lamps or other devices are also a great option. You can plug in various appliances (like TVs or radios) and schedule them to turn on at specific times. This added randomness makes your home look more lived-in, reducing the likelihood that burglars will target your property.



Notify Trusted Neighbors or Friends

Before you head off on vacation, inform a trusted neighbor or friend about your absence. Ask them to keep an eye on your home while you're away. You can arrange for them to collect your mail, water plants, or even park their car in your driveway occasionally to make it appear like someone is home.

If you're close with your neighbor, you can also ask them to call you if they notice anything unusual around your house. Having a neighbor who knows you're gone will increase the chances of noticing suspicious behavior before it escalates.



Secure All Entry Points

While it might seem obvious, ensuring that every door and window is securely locked is one of the most effective ways to prevent burglars from gaining access to your home. Double-check all entry points, including sliding glass doors, windows, and even pet doors. Consider installing deadbolt locks on your doors for an added layer of security.

For sliding glass doors, a simple and cost-effective trick is to place a metal rod or dowel in the track to prevent the door from being easily forced open. Also, ensure that garage doors are locked and any outdoor storage sheds are properly secured.



Hide Valuables Out of Sight

It's essential to keep valuables like jewelry, electronics, and important documents out of sight when you're on vacation. Avoid leaving high-value items near windows or in places where burglars can easily spot them from outside. Consider using a safe or a lockbox for your valuables, and make sure the safe is hidden in a discreet location.

If you're worried about larger valuables (such as expensive electronics or family heirlooms), ask a trusted friend or family member to hold onto them until you return. Burglars often target visible valuables, so reducing temptation is an effective way to prevent break-ins.



Hold Mail and Newspaper Deliveries

A pile of uncollected mail or a stack of newspapers on your driveway can immediately signal to burglars that you're not home. To avoid this, you can either have the post office hold your mail or ask a neighbor or friend to collect it for you. The same goes for newspaper deliveries—contact the paper to pause your subscription while you're away, or ask someone to collect it for you regularly.

You can also consider using a mail forwarding service to redirect your mail temporarily, so you don’t risk missing any important documents while you're gone.



Unplug Appliances and Turn Off Water

Unplugging appliances is a great way to prevent potential electrical fires and save energy while you're on vacation. Appliances like toasters, coffee makers, or irons can be easily forgotten, and they may present a risk if left on for extended periods. Additionally, turning off all unnecessary electronics or switching off the main power supply can further reduce the risk of electrical issues.

Turning off your home's water supply is another important safety measure, especially if you’ll be gone for an extended period. Leaking pipes or malfunctioning appliances (such as a dishwasher or washing machine) could cause significant water damage in your absence. Shutting off the water supply or the main valve helps prevent leaks and flooding.



Use a House-Sitter

Hiring a house-sitter is one of the most reliable ways to ensure your home is well-protected when you're away. A house-sitter not only looks after your pets and plants but also keeps the house secure by maintaining normal activity. A house-sitter can collect your mail, take out the trash, and handle any unexpected issues that may arise during your absence.

While it may require some coordination, the peace of mind you'll get knowing that someone is taking care of your property makes it a worthwhile investment.



Avoid Announcing Your Vacation on Social Media

In today's digital age, it's tempting to share vacation updates on social media. However, announcing your absence on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter can signal to potential burglars that your home is unoccupied. Avoid posting pictures or updates about your trip until you return, and be mindful of checking in at places that could reveal you're not home.

If you must share vacation photos, wait until you're back and have already secured your home. In the meantime, adjust your privacy settings to limit who can see your posts, and be cautious about who you invite into your social media circle.



Install Motion-Sensor Lights and Cameras

Motion-sensor lights are an effective deterrent against burglars, as they automatically turn on when someone approaches your property. Installing these lights around your driveway, yard, and entrance can surprise and scare off intruders, especially at night when they’re less likely to expect detection.

Additionally, setting up outdoor cameras can provide another layer of protection. Motion-activated cameras will record any suspicious activity and can alert you immediately via an app. Not only do these cameras capture evidence in case of a break-in, but the mere presence of cameras can discourage criminals from attempting anything.



Conclusion

Protecting your home while you're on vacation requires a combination of smart technology, careful planning, and trusted support. By implementing these 10 strategies, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of your home being targeted by burglars or damaged during your absence. From installing smart security systems to simply asking a neighbor to keep an eye on things, these small but effective measures will give you peace of mind so you can fully enjoy your vacation. Stay proactive, stay secure, and make your time away stress-free!

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