Work increasingly dominates life, making regular vacations essential to prevent burnout. Leaving home for extended periods can be stressful—no one wants to return to a break-in, vandalism, or water damage.
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Proper home preparation ensures you can relax fully on vacation. Here’s how to secure your home effectively before leaving.
Be careful of what you share on social media
Exercise caution when sharing on social media. While it’s tempting to post selfies from exotic destinations like Fiji, such updates can alert potential criminals that your home is empty, increasing the risk of burglary.
You can still share your adventures—but wait until after your trip. By posting once you’re back, any information from your posts becomes irrelevant to would-be burglars, keeping your home safe.
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Secure the inside of your home
Strengthen your home from the inside out. Begin by securing doors and locks, managing lighting, and safeguarding valuables to ensure maximum protection while you’re away.
Keep the lights on
Maintain the appearance of an occupied home. A dark house signals to intruders that it’s empty, making it a prime target. Leaving lights on constantly looks unnatural and increases energy costs. Instead, use automatic timers to switch lights on and off at set—or even random—intervals, creating a realistic, lived-in look while keeping your home safe.
Keep valuables away
Protect your valuables. Expensive electronics, jewelry, and important documents are prime targets for burglars. Keep them out of sight and, ideally, in a secure location. Investing in a safe—preferably wall- or floor-mounted—adds an extra layer of security, making it difficult for thieves to remove or steal your most prized possessions.
Your curtain position is important
Maintain your usual curtain and blind positions. While closing them might seem like a good way to block prying eyes, it can signal that your home is empty. Keep them as you normally would so your house looks lived-in, avoiding unnecessary attention from potential intruders.
Reinforce your front door
Strengthen your front door. Surprisingly, 74% of burglars enter through the front, making door security crucial. Reinforce all entry points—front, back, and side doors—with sturdy materials like wood, metal, or a combination. Ensure doors have strong hinges and reliable locks to deter intruders. For replacements or upgrades, hire a certified locksmith to guarantee proper installation and maximum protection.
Secure the outside of your home
Once the interior is secured, focus on protecting the exterior of your property.
Lock up everything
Double-check that every door and window is securely locked. Even a single unlocked entry can give thieves easy access. Don’t forget the garage—whether manual or remote, ensure it’s locked from the inside and block the rails to prevent forced entry. If your valuables feel at risk, consider moving them to a secure storage unit while you’re away.
Don’t keep spare keys around
Avoid leaving spare keys outside. Hiding them under doormats, in plant pots, or fake rocks may seem clever, but determined burglars can find them. To keep your home secure and maintain your insurance coverage, give spare keys only to trusted friends or family instead.
Keep a car out front
Keep a vehicle in your driveway. An empty driveway signals your absence, so ask a neighbor to park there while you’re away. Regularly clearing leaves or snow further reinforces the appearance that someone is home, deterring potential intruders.
Invest in a security camera
Install a security camera. Visible cameras are a proven deterrent, as most burglars avoid properties under surveillance. Even fake cameras can make intruders think twice. For real-time monitoring, WiFi cameras are easy to install and let you check your home from anywhere with an internet connection, offering both convenience and peace of mind.
Get someone to watch your house
Have someone watch your home. A trusted family member, friend, or neighbor can check in occasionally, using spare keys to ensure everything is in order. For extra peace of mind, consider having someone stay at your house while you’re away. This significantly reduces the risk of burglary, water damage, fire, or other unexpected problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make my home look occupied while on vacation?
Use timers for lights, keep curtains in their usual position, and have a car in the driveway to create a lived-in appearance.
Should I share my vacation on social media?
Avoid posting in real-time. Share photos after returning to prevent alerting potential burglars that your home is empty.
What is the most common way burglars enter a home?
Most burglars (around 74%) enter through the front door, making reinforced doors and secure locks essential.
Are security cameras effective in preventing burglaries?
Yes. Visible cameras, even props, can deter criminals. WiFi cameras allow remote monitoring for added security.
How should I secure valuables while away?
Keep valuables out of sight, use a safe, or consider moving important items to a secure storage unit.
Can neighbors help protect my home during vacation?
Absolutely. Trusted neighbors can check on your home, collect mail, and maintain the appearance of occupancy.
Why shouldn’t I leave spare keys outside?
Hiding keys outside makes it easy for burglars to gain access. Only give spare keys to trusted people.
Conclusion
Securing your home before a vacation is essential for peace of mind. By taking simple steps—locking doors and windows, managing lights and curtains, safeguarding valuables, installing cameras, and enlisting trusted neighbors—you can significantly reduce the risk of burglary or damage. Proper preparation allows you to relax and enjoy your trip, knowing your home is protected while you’re away.
