Top Ways to Secure Your Home While Away on Vacation

Don’t let a vacant home become a target - follow these proven strategies to secure your house before you head out for vacation.

It doesn’t matter if you are planning to relax on a beach in the French Polynesian Islands for a weekend, traversing the countryside on a road trip, or enjoying a family get-together in your hometown. The last thing you want to worry about is returning to a robbed house. With these handy and effective home security tips, you can enhance the safety of your home even while you are away on vacation.

When Kevin Rigs was left home alone in the movie ‘Home Alone’, he went all out fortifying the house with booby traps. While you don’t need to go that far, you can still protect your house efficiently without much cost or effort. Here are some dos and don’ts to prepare your home before you leave.

Check All Locks and Bolts Early: Start at least two weeks before your departure by thoroughly checking every lock and bolt on your doors and windows. Repair or replace any faulty locks immediately—don’t wait until you return. Secure locks are the first line of defense against burglars.

Suspend Your Postal Service: Letters and packages piling up at the doorstep signal that the house is empty. Request the Indian Postal Service in writing to suspend delivery of your letters and registered parcels for the duration of your vacation. Collect them from the post office upon your return. Ask trusted neighbors to remove any deliveries or parcels left outside.

Manage Your Curtains and Blinds Wisely: Closing all curtains and blinds permanently might alert criminals that no one is home. Leave a couple of curtains or blinds slightly open, just as you would normally, so your home looks lived-in. Always keep valuables out of sight from windows and glass doors.

Create the Illusion of Occupancy: Use timers on your indoor lights, television, or radio to simulate occupancy. Smart home devices allow remote control of these appliances, making your home appear occupied even while you’re away. Regularly mowing the lawn and trimming bushes also adds to the lived-in look.

Inform Trusted Neighbors OR Your Landlord: If possible, inform your landlord and trusted neighbors that you’ll be away. Neighbors visiting to check on your house or collect mail will discourage burglars. Regular comings and goings make your home a less appealing target.

Hide Valuables and Secure Spare Keys: Don’t leave valuables visible through windows or in cars. Store expensive items in a safe or hidden place. Avoid hiding spare keys in obvious spots such as under flower pots or doormats. Instead, entrust keys to a reliable neighbor or consider installing smart locks with app-based access controls.

Invest in Home or Renters Insurance: Home insurance protects against theft and damages whether you’re home or away. Renters should also consider renter’s insurance to cover personal belongings. Insurance provides peace of mind against unexpected losses.

Additional Tips for Vacation Home Security

Consider installing motion sensor outdoor lights to deter potential intruders.
Use security cameras with remote monitoring features for real-time alerts.
Avoid posting your travel plans on social media until after you return.
Close or lock garage doors and secure vehicles with steering wheel locks.
Unplug non-essential electrical devices to reduce fire hazards and save energy.

Following these tips will help ensure your home remains secure while you enjoy your vacation stress-free.

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