by Going on vacation is an exciting time, but it’s crucial to ensure your home is safe while you’re away. This guide will walk you through four key steps to secure your house before you embark on your trip. Let’s dive in!
Summer is here, and vacation season is in full swing! Whether you’re planning a trip abroad, a road trip across the country, or just a quick getaway to a nearby beach, it’s important to prepare your home before you leave.
An empty house can be a tempting target for burglars, but don’t let this worry ruin your vacation. Instead, use this as an opportunity to boost your home security.
Things You Should Do Before You Go on Vacation
In this article, we’ll cover four essential steps you should take before you go on vacation.
These simple measures will help protect your home and give you peace of mind while you’re enjoying your well-deserved break.
We’ll explore smart home technology, security basics, and practical tips to keep your property safe.
So, let’s get started on making your home vacation-ready!
Top 4 Things You Should Do Before You Go on Vacation
Let’s break down the four key steps to secure your home before your trip:
- Automate Your Lights With Smart Lighting
- Secure All Doors and Windows With Sensors
- Swap Out Your Spare Keys for Smart Locks
- Plan for Package Deliveries
Now, let’s look at each of these in more detail.
1. Automate Your Lights With Smart Lighting
One of the easiest ways to make your house look live-in while you’re away is to use smart lighting.
Here’s why it’s important and how to do it:
- Why it matters: A dark house at night is a clear sign that no one’s home. This can attract unwanted attention from potential burglars.
- How it helps: Smart lighting allows you to create a schedule for your lights to turn on and off, mimicking your usual routines.
- What to do:
- Install smart bulbs in key areas of your home, especially in rooms visible from the street
- Set up a lighting schedule using a smartphone app
- Vary the time’s lights turn on and off to make it look more natural
- Budget-friendly options: If you’re on a tight budget or renting, look for smart bulbs that work with systems you might already have, like Alexa or Google Home.
- Pro tip: You don’t need to automate every light in your house. Focus on the most visible areas first.
2. Secure All Doors and Windows With Sensors
Before you leave for your trip, it’s crucial to ensure all entry points to your home are secure.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Why it matters: Open doors or windows are an invitation for intruders. Even a small overlooked opening can compromise your home’s security.
- How it helps: Door and window sensors alert you if any entry point is left open, giving you peace of mind.
- What to do:
- Double-check all doors and windows before leaving
- Pay special attention to less-used entry points like basement windows or back doors
- Install smart sensors on doors and windows
- Pro tip: Use a smart home app to easily see which doors and windows are open or closed.
Common Entry Points to Secure
| Entry Point | Often Overlooked? | Smart Sensor Recommended? |
|---|---|---|
| Front Door | No | Yes |
| Back Door | Sometimes | Yes |
| First Floor Windows | No | Yes |
| Basement Windows | Often | Yes |
| Garage Door | Sometimes | Yes |
| Sliding Glass Doors | Sometimes | Yes |
3. Swap Out Your Spare Keys for Smart Locks
If you’re still using a traditional hidden spare key, it’s time for an upgrade. Smart locks offer a more secure and flexible solution.
Here’s why:
- Why it matters: Professional thieves know all the common hiding spots for spare keys. Using a smart lock eliminates this risk.
- How it helps: Smart locks allow you to control access to your home remotely and give temporary access to trusted individuals.
- What to do:
- Install a smart lock on your main entry door
- Set up the accompanying smartphone app
- Create temporary access codes for friends or neighbors who might need to enter your home while you’re away
- If you can’t install a smart lock: If you’re not able to install a smart lock before your trip, make sure to give a spare key directly to a trusted friend or neighbor instead of hiding it outside.
4. Plan for Package Deliveries
Unattended packages on your doorstep are a clear sign that no one’s home.
Here’s how to handle deliveries while you’re away:
- Why it matters: Visible packages not only advertise your absence but are also tempting targets for porch pirates.
- How it helps: Planning for deliveries keeps your porch clear and maintains the appearance of someone’s home.
- What to do:
- Reschedule deliveries for before or after your trip if possible
- Ask a neighbor to collect any packages that arrive while you’re away
- Use a doorbell camera to monitor deliveries and deter theft
- Contact your local post office or courier services to hold your packages
- Pro tip: Don’t forget about regular subscriptions or monthly deliveries. Pause or reschedule these before you leave.
Package Delivery Options While On Vacation
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Reschedule Deliveries | No packages left unattended | May delay receiving important items |
| Ask a Neighbor | Packages stored safely | Relies on the neighbor’s availability |
| Use Doorbell Camera | Monitors deliveries, deters theft | Doesn’t physically secure packages |
| Hold at Post Office/Courier | Packages stored securely | May need to pick up in person after vacation |
FAQs:
Q: What should you do before going on a trip?
A: Before going on a trip, you should:
- Secure your home (lock doors and windows, set up smart lighting)
- Arrange for pet care if needed
- Hold or forward your mail
- Inform a trusted neighbor of your plans
- Check your home insurance coverage
- Pack appropriately for your destination
Q: How do I prepare myself for a vacation?
A: To prepare yourself for a vacation:
- Make a packing list
- Check travel documents (passport, visas, etc.)
- Arrange transportation to and from the airport
- Notify your bank of your travel plans
- Set up international phone service if needed
- Plan your itinerary
- Get any necessary vaccinations
Q: What to do before leaving for a long trip?
A: Before leaving for a long trip:
- Clean out your refrigerator
- Take out the trash
- Turn off the water to prevent leaks
- Adjust your thermostat
- Unplug non-essential electronics
- Set up home security measures
- Arrange for lawn care or snow removal if needed
Q: What should I do 3 days before a trip?
A: Three days before your trip:
- Start packing
- Confirm all reservations
- Check the weather at your destination
- Charge all electronic devices
- Do a final load of laundry
- Clean your home
- Set up an out-of-office email response
Q: How to plan a trip checklist?
A: To create a trip planning checklist:
- Choose your destination
- Set a budget
- Book flights and accommodations
- Plan activities and make reservations
- Arrange transportation at your destination
- Pack appropriate clothing and essentials
- Prepare your home for your absence
Q: What to plan before traveling?
A: Before traveling, plan:
- Your route or flight details
- Accommodation for each night of your trip
- Major activities or sights you want to see
- How you’ll handle money (cash, cards, etc.)
- Communication (phone plan, Wi-Fi access)
- Any necessary health precautions
- How to secure your home while away
Conclusion:
Taking these four simple steps before you go on vacation can significantly improve your home’s security and give you peace of mind while you’re away. Let’s recap:
- Automate your lights to make it look like someone’s home
- Secure all doors and windows with sensors to ensure no entry point is overlooked
- Use smart locks instead of hidden spare keys for better security and flexibility
- Plan for package deliveries to avoid telltale signs of an empty house
By implementing these measures, you’re not just protecting your property – you’re also ensuring that you can fully relax and enjoy your well-deserved vacation.
Remember, the goal is to make your house look live-in and less appealing to potential intruders.
Don’t let home security concerns dampen your vacation spirit. With a little preparation and some smart technology, you can create a safer environment for your home while you’re off making memories.
So go ahead, book that trip, pack your bags, and set off on your adventure with the confidence that you’ve taken important steps to protect your home.
Safe travels and enjoy your vacation!
