Summer is made for beaches and adventures, which is why it’s a popular time for vacations. If you’re planning on jetting away for a week, don’t forget to get your home ready for your break while you’re putting together your packing checklists. Use these tips to help keep your home secure while you’re enjoying your summer vacation.
Consider a Sitter: If possible, consider hiring a house sitter (or enlist a trusted friend or family member) to stay in your home while you’re away. They can pick up your mail, water your plants, feed the pets, or just keep a presence in your home so it’s not empty while you’re gone.
Hold Your Mail and Deliveries: a stuffed mailbox is a big tip-off for burglars that you’re not home. Put a vacation hold on all incoming mail and deliveries (including newspapers!). Contact USPS or other delivery services and place a hold on your account for the days you’ll be gone so nothing piles up in front of your home. Alternatively, you can have a friend pick up your mail for you as well.
Leave No Key Outside: Those “clever” hide-a-key rocks aren’t fooling anyone. Don’t leave spare keys outside for any reason; regardless of how well you think your hiding spot is. Instead, leave a spare key with a trusted friend or neighbor.
Lock Up: This one may go without saying but make sure you lock (and triple-check) every door and window before you leave. Don’t make yourself an easy target.
Limit Social Sharing: Social Media has primed many people to share every aspect of their lives, making themselves vulnerable to being targeted. It may be tempting to talk about your upcoming vacation but try to keep that limited, especially when sharing social updates. Avoid revealing your travel plans before you leave.
Ask the Neighbors: Who knows what’s normal for your neighborhood than your neighbors? Alerting your neighbors to your travel plans and asking them to watch your home while you’re away is a low-cost security system.
Keep Your Yard Tidy: Most homeowners take pride in a well-trimmed lawn so allowing your lawn to grow wild while you’re on an extended vacation will alert burglars that you’re not home. If you will be gone for a long period, make sure someone mows your lawn regularly or brings in the garbage cans.
Make Your Home Look Lived-In: Smart home technology can help you make it look like you’re home even while you’re away. Put specific lights on automatic timers to turn on in the evening, use motion-activated outdoor lights that turn on when someone steps on your property
Taking care of these home security tasks will allow you to fully relax and enjoy your vacation without worry for your home. Happy vacationing!