When it’s time for a much-needed getaway, excitement takes over as you pack your bags and plan your itinerary. But before you leave, it’s important to think about one key thing: how to keep your home safe while you’re away. Taking the right steps before a trip guarantees that you can truly relax, knowing your property and belongings are protected. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend or a few weeks, simple preparation will make all the difference in maintaining peace of mind.
Smart Ways to Keep Your Home Safe Before Leaving
Preparation is the foundation of home security when you’re traveling. Before heading out, take time to secure every entry point. Lock all windows, double-check the door latches, and guarantee your garage and shed are also locked. A surprising number of burglaries happen because of unlocked doors or easy access points, so a quick walkthrough could prevent potential problems. If your home looks empty or neglected, it’s an open invitation. Consider scheduling automatic lights on timers to turn on and off throughout the day, creating the illusion that someone is home. You could even take advantage of modern home automation to control lighting, locks, and cameras directly from your smartphone. These small changes are easy to set up and dramatically keep your home safe from unwanted visitors.
Use Smart Technology to Keep Your Home Safe
Today’s smart home technology has made it easier than ever to keep your home safe while you’re away. Smart doorbells with built-in cameras allow you to monitor who’s approaching your home in real time. Motion-activated security cameras will alert you to movement on your property, and smart locks let you remotely lock or unlock doors if you need to let in a neighbor or delivery person. Video doorbells, smart alarms, and connected lighting systems all work together to create an effective layer of protection. Even better, most of these systems could be integrated into one app, giving you full control wherever you are. Many homeowners find that investing in smart tech provides not only security but also convenience and reassurance, making travel much less stressful.
Keep Your Home Safe with Help from Neighbors and Friends
Having trusted people nearby could make a big difference in keeping your property protected. Ask a friend, family member, or neighbor to check on your house periodically while you’re gone. They could bring in mail, packages, and newspapers, small details that make your home look occupied and less appealing to burglars. If you have someone house-sitting, give them access to important contacts and information.
Don’t Advertise Your Absence
In a world where social media is second nature, it’s tempting to share vacation photos as soon as you take them. However, posting in real time unintentionally alerts others that you’re not home. To truly keep your home safe, wait until you return before sharing your travel highlights online. In addition to social media caution, be mindful of your voicemail and auto-reply messages. Avoid mentioning that you’re away or giving specific dates of absence. Small details like these protect your home from prying eyes and keep your plans private.
Plan for Emergencies to Keep Your Home Safe
Even with the best preparation, unexpected things still happen. Before leaving, check that your smoke detectors and security systems are functioning properly. If you have a home monitoring service, inform them that you’ll be out of town, so they stay alert to any unusual activity. Unplug unnecessary electronics and adjust your thermostat to save energy. It’s also wise to turn off your water at the main valve to prevent leaks or flooding while you’re away. A small precaution like this could save you from coming home to an expensive and stressful surprise. By combining thoughtful preparation, smart technology, and trusted support, you will protect your home and truly enjoy your time away.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How far in advance should I prepare my home before traveling?
Ideally, you should start prepping a few days before your trip.
What’s the most effective way to keep my home safe with smart technology?
A combination of smart doorbell cameras, motion sensors, and automated lighting offers layered protection.
Should I leave the lights on the entire time I’m away?
Instead of leaving lights on continuously, use timers or smart lighting systems. Random lighting patterns are more realistic and discourage potential intruders.
Is it worth having someone stay at my home while I’m gone?
Absolutely. A house-sitter or trusted friend who could collect mail, check for maintenance issues, and ensure your home always appears occupied.
Elite Home Inspections offers home inspection services to customers in Louisville and the surrounding areas of Kentucky. Contact us to request an appointment.