My Top 5 Home Security Tips for Travelers
Your bags are packed! You’re ready to go! But is your home safe and secure?
There’s a lot of excitement ahead of a vacation. The last thing you want to think about is a break-in while you’re away.
And while the best way to ensure your home’s security is by having a house sitter stay there while you’re gone, I know that’s not always possible.
So here are five ways to make it look like someone’s home while you’re on vacation.
Home Security Tip #1: Hold Mail & Pause Subscriptions
What’s one way to let a criminal know you’re out of town? Let mail pile up in your mailbox.
That’s why I recommend my clients pause their subscriptions and have the post office hold their mail.
There are two ways to do this:
Submit a Hold Mail request by submitting your request online. You’ll need to create an account to do this.
OR
Pick up a yellow “Authorization to Hold Mail” card from your local post office or mail carrier, complete the form, and then drop it in the mail. (No postage necessary.)
You’ll want to do this at least a week before you plan to travel.
And don’t forget to pause any subscriptions that aren’t delivered via USPS. (Think: automated Amazon, Oberweis, Omaha Steaks, and Hello Fresh deliveries.)
Home Security Tip #2: Set your Lights to Timers
“Alexa, turn my lights off.”
My favorite thing about smart speakers is the ability to put my lights on smart timers! (And also the ability to listen to Maggie Rose on demand. Ha!)
Before you leave for your vacation, be sure to set your smart outlets or bulbs to turn on in the evenings.
Want a more low-tech option? Purchase a few mechanical timer outlets. (Amazon has a wide variety to choose from!)
Home Security Tip #3: Check All Points of Entry
Double (and triple!) check all your doors and windows to make sure they’re locked, and make sure there are no valuables in plain sight of windows.
Also, close any curtains or blinds that offer easy views into your home.
Home Security Tip #4: Charge Your Smart Doorbells & Security Cameras
Home security touches like smart doorbells and cameras can offer peace of mind while you’re away.
So if you have a smart doorbell (such as Ring) and/or home security cameras that aren’t wired, be sure they’re fully charged before you leave.
Home Security Tip #5: : Lawn Care
An overgrown lawn or a driveway that hasn’t been shoveled is a big clue that no one is home.
So, be sure to mow your lawn before you go and arrange for someone to keep it tidy while you’re gone.
In the winter, make arrangements for someone to shovel the snow from your driveway.
(Bonus? You won’t have to take care of these things when you return!)
Related: Is Your Home Ready For Your Vacation?
Bonus Tip!
While social media is a great way to document your travels, be mindful about what (and when!) you post.
Be careful about posting your travel details and consider posting photos from your vacation when you get home as opposed to publishing in real time.
Wrapping Up
TLDR?
Here’s how to keep your home secure while you’re away on vacation.
Have the post office hold your mail and pause your subscriptions.
Set your lights to timers.
Double check all points of entry to make sure doors and windows are locked.
Charge your smart doorbell and security cameras.
Mow your lawn and arrange for lawn care (or snow shoveling).
If you’re looking for more travel tips, be sure to follow me on Instagram!
And tell me: what’s one thing you make sure to do before you travel? Let me know in the comments!