protect-your-home

How to Protect Your Home While on Vacation

Going on vacation is exciting, but it can also be stressful when you leave your home unattended. You have worked hard to build a safe and secure environment for yourself and your family, and leaving your house vulnerable can be daunting. 

However, you can take measures to protect your home while you are away.

1. Make Your Home Look Occupied

Even when you are away, making your house look as if someone is still there is important. Use light timers that turn on and off at different times of the day so that it appears like someone is walking around inside. Place a car in the driveway or ask a neighbor to park theirs if they will also be gone for an extended period.

You can also arrange for your mail and newspapers to be held at the post office or a neighbor’s house. Lastly, leave some curtains for natural lighting throughout the day. Doing this also gives off the impression of occupancy even when no one is home.

2. Do Not Advertise Your Vacation

Social media can help you keep in touch with family and friends while away on vacation, but it is also important not to broadcast your location or the fact that you are away from home. Wait until you have returned to post any pictures or updates about your trip, as this can alert potential intruders that there is no one home.

It is also wise to avoid openly discussing your vacation plans with strangers. Although most people are trustworthy, giving out specific information, such as travel dates, could give an individual enough details to plan a break-in when no one is around.

3. Secure Your Doors and Windows

Investing in quality locks for both doors and windows will keep unwanted visitors out of your house while you are gone. Ensure all locks are in proper working order and replace any broken or damaged ones before leaving for vacation.

It is also important to ensure that all doors and windows are shut tightly when no one is home. For extra protection, you can use additional security such as window bars, door brace systems, or sliding patio door locks.

4. Install Wireless Security Cameras

Consider installing wireless security cameras if you want real-time visibility into your home while away. Most systems are relatively easy to install and configure and can be accessed from anywhere as long as you have an Internet connection. With a wireless security camera system with remote viewing, you can monitor your home from afar, which is very convenient when you’re on vacation.

5. Use Motion-Sensor Lights Around Your Home

With motion-sensor lights, any detected motion triggers a light to turn on. This can be especially beneficial if the lights are placed around the perimeter of your home as it provides an extra layer of security against possible intruders.

Motion-sensor lights are relatively inexpensive and easy to install, and many models even let you customize the sensitivity level so that only extreme movements will activate them. When combined with other security measures, motion-sensor lights can help keep your house safe while you are away.

6. Unplug Appliances

Before leaving for vacation, unplug any appliances in the house that are not being used, such as computers, televisions, microwaves, and other electronic devices. This will help protect your home from a potential power surge and reduce energy costs while you are away.

Also, it is important to shut off the main water valve before leaving, so there is no chance of flooding when you are gone. This simple step can save you from major damage upon your return from vacation.

7. Hire a House Sitter

If you want extra protection for your home while on vacation, consider hiring a house sitter to stay at the property in your absence. Professional house sitters will keep an eye on the premises and can alert you to any potential issues that arise. They can also help with tasks such as watering plants, taking out the trash, or collecting mail while you are away.

Some professional house sitters offer additional services, so make sure you ask if there is anything else they provide before hiring them. 

Having someone responsible for monitoring your house while you are gone will give you added security and peace of mind knowing that it is being looked after in your absence. Just make sure that you hire a house sitter from a reputable company that requires background checks from employees.

Conclusion

Securing your home before vacation is essential. Taking steps such as locking all doors and windows, installing a security camera system, using motion-sensor lights, unplugging appliances, and hiring a house sitter can help increase your home’s safety while you are away. 

With the right precautions, your vacation can be worry-free, and you can enjoy your time away from home knowing it is safe and secure.

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