Vacation Mode: Activate!
You’ve packed your bags, booked your hotel and flight, and prepared your one-week itinerary. Everything seems to be in order. But besides the things you’re taking with you, you should also think about the things you’re leaving behind. How can you be sure all your belongings will be there once you get back home? By securing your nest, of course!
As a homeowner, there’s nothing quite as stressful as the thought of someone breaking into your house while you’re away on a well-deserved vacation. I’ve been there – the constant worry, the imagining of worst-case scenarios, the urge to turn around and go back home. But I’ve also discovered that with the right precautions, you can enjoy your time off without constantly looking over your shoulder.
In this guide, I’ll share some valuable insights and practical tips on how to secure your home while you’re away. From outdoor lighting to smart home devices, I’ll cover everything you need to know to keep your abode safe and sound. After all, you deserve a physical and mental break – so let’s protect your peace of mind by keeping your castle fortress-like.
Lighting the Way to Security
Start by making sure thieves can’t use the cover of darkness to break into your house. Well-placed security lights can eliminate any shadowy hiding spots. Even if they know you’re not home, burglars will hesitate to break into your house if they think your neighbors might see them.
So how should you set up your outdoor lights? There’s a balance you have to strike. For starters, they shouldn’t be encroaching on your neighbors’ properties. So if you decide to get lights for the side of your house, make sure they’re just bright enough to illuminate your property. You should be especially mindful about light entering a neighbor’s windows.
At the same time, you should make sure you have enough lighting to eliminate all hiding spots. You should light up any entry point into your home, including all doors and windows, so that no one would dare hang around there. I strongly recommend going with smart lights instead of traditional ones, though. Smart lights are cheap, but they let you schedule and control their modes so that they aren’t always on. You see, burglars are just as likely to attack during the day as they are likely to attack at night. And lights on when it’s bright outside is almost a sure sign that no one’s home.
The Dynamic Duo: Lights and Cameras
Security lights work particularly well when paired with security cameras. Lights can startle potential burglars, but cameras connected to security apps let you see exactly what’s happening at your house, even if you’re hundreds of miles away in a hotel room. If you get alerted that an alarm has gone off, you can call the police and put a stop to it. You probably won’t have to call the police, though, because the cameras themselves send messages to potential home invaders that you take your security seriously.
Video doorbells are one of the most useful security products to hit the market in the last decade. Of course, as the name implies, these devices work great as cameras. They’re placed to capture exactly what’s happening on your doorstep. In addition, though, many video doorbells include two-way audio. Two-way audio allows you to talk to whoever happens to be knocking, giving that person the impression you’re at home on the other side of the door, even if you’re on the app across the country.
Sensors: The Quiet Protectors
Sensors may not be as advanced as security cameras; they can’t show you what’s going on at your house. But security sensors are reliable at detecting possible intrusions. And because they’re usually cheaper than cameras, you can cover your house with sensors without breaking the bank.
Most home security companies offer their components in packages tailored to different needs. Home security package costs can range from £60 all the way up to £900, depending on what you want. But these days, many companies allow you to customize your own packages.
What if you don’t have a security system? Well, I strongly suggest you get one before you leave for your much-deserved holiday. And the good news is it doesn’t take long to set up a security system. The lead times, in my experience, are five to seven days for DIY security systems that you install yourself and three to five days for professionally installed systems. That’s starting from the time you order the system online or call your alarm company.
Masking Your Absence
Of course, picking a security system is not an easy decision to make. You may want to check out the best security systems for a shortcut, or the best wireless security systems because they’re the quickest to install. But if you prefer to do your own shopping, these are the factors you should consider:
Unfortunately, most home security systems aren’t tax-deductible. However, most insurance companies offer discounts if you’ve installed security devices such as smoke detectors and burglar alarms. Finally, as you’re outfitting your home before you leave on vacation, don’t forget that you’ll need security at your destination as well. Take a look at our list of best home security systems for vacation homes.
To save money, you can self-monitor your home security system. While you’re on vacation, though, sign up for one month of professional monitoring so you can relax and let someone else keep track of what’s happening at home.
Now that you’ve got the security system covered, what else can you do to make it seem like someone’s home? Start with the outside of your house. Keep your lawn mowed, have your mail and packages held or picked up, and consider using a TV simulator to make it look like someone’s watching the telly. Inside, use smart plugs and lights on timers to recreate your normal routines.
Giving the appearance that you are at home extends to your virtual self as well. Avoid posting vacation photos and updates on social media until you return. And have a trusted friend or family member periodically interact with your online accounts to maintain the illusion.
Preventing Other Disasters
Most of the tips I’ve offered you so far have to do with preventing home invasions while you’re on vacation. There are other threats to your home, though. Floods can damage thousands of homes each year. Those floods can come in the form of natural disasters, but internal events such as burst pipes can also cause them. To avoid either scenario, know where your main water shutoff valve is and consider installing a smart water monitor and shut-off system.
A fire can spread rapidly, especially if there’s no one there to catch it early. To prevent fires while you’re on vacation, unplug any unnecessary electronics and appliances, and make sure your smoke alarms are working properly. You can even install smart smoke alarms that will notify you on your phone if they detect a fire.
It’s also important to make sure your home is clean before you head out. Of course, it’s nice to come home to a clean house after being away; no one wants to clean after a vacation. More importantly, though, a dirty house can attract bugs and other unwanted pests. Take care of the dishes, take out the trash, and tidy up a bit. Your future self will thank you.
Peace of Mind Is Priceless
Before you go on a vacation, you take the time to plan where you’re going, how you’re going to get there, and what you’re going to do once you’re there. Why wouldn’t you also take the time to plan out what will happen to your home while you’re away?
Hopefully, the suggestions I’ve outlined here will help you feel more secure whether you’re worried about burglaries, fires, or floods. After all, you deserve to get some rest and relaxation when you’re on vacation. And with the right precautions in place, you can do just that – without constantly worrying about the well-being of your abode.
FAQs
Should I leave my curtains/blinds open or closed while on vacation?
Assuming you leave your blinds or curtains open under normal circumstances, keep them open while you are away, too. Burglars look for any indication that you’re not home. If you keep your curtains open during the day when you’re around, closed curtains will be out of the ordinary. Of course, if you like your curtains closed, it will seem odd to leave them open suddenly.
What are the best steps to secure my home when going on vacation?
You should secure your house when you’re on vacation by following these steps:
- Install a security system with sensors, cameras, and smart lights.
- Keep your lawn mowed and have mail/packages held or picked up.
- Use smart plugs and lights on timers to create the illusion someone is home.
- Avoid posting vacation updates on social media until you return.
- Unplug unnecessary electronics and check your smoke alarms.
- Tidy up the house and take care of any potential pest attractants.
What makes a home more vulnerable to burglars?
Burglars pick houses that they believe will be easy to break into. A number of factors go into their decisions. First and foremost, burglars prefer unoccupied houses. That means they’re on the lookout for overstuffed mailboxes, full garbage cans, and high grass. In addition, thieves target homes with few security barriers. Homes that lack security systems, cameras, and adequate lighting are ideal to burglarize.
The best way to scare burglars away is by signaling to them that you’re protecting your home. I recommend following the steps I outlined earlier, such as installing a security system, using smart lights, and creating the impression someone is home.
