If vacation days are part of your compensation package, don’t let the stress of leaving your home empty prevent you from taking time away. No one wants to come back from a relaxing trip to find their home broken into or their belongings missing. The good news is that there are simple steps you can take to keep your home safe while you’re away.
Burglars look for easy targets—homes that seem empty, dark, and unprotected. If your house looks like someone is still there, thieves are much less likely to take the risk. There are lots of things you can do to protect your home and enjoy your vacation without worrying about what your home will look like when you return.
Make It Look Like Someone’s Home
One of the easiest ways to keep burglars away is to make it seem like someone is home.
- Use timers for lights – Set up a few lamps on timers so they turn on and off at different times. This makes it look like someone is moving around inside. You can even get timers you can access from your phone to turn on and off at any time.
- Ask a friend or neighbor to check in – If possible, have someone you trust stop by to pick up mail, water plants, or even park in your driveway. We have amazing neighbors who will shovel our walkways if it snows or just drive in and leave necessary tire marks.
- Keep a car in the driveway – If you usually park in your driveway, leave a car there or ask a neighbor to park their car in front of your house occasionally.
- Don’t close all the blinds – Completely closed blinds can make it obvious that no one is home. Keep some open just like you normally would if you were there. The best thing to do is to have someone stop by and open and close blinds.
Stop Mail and Packages From Piling Up
A mailbox overflowing with letters or packages sitting on the porch is a clear sign that no one is home.
- Pause your mail – You can put a temporary hold on your mail with your local post office so it doesn’t pile up.
- Have a friend or neighbor collect it – If you don’t want to stop your mail, ask someone to pick it up every couple of days.
- Delay package deliveries – If you’re expecting a package, try to schedule it for after you return or have it delivered to a friend’s house instead.
Lock Up Everything (Even the Smallest Openings)
It might seem obvious, but a lot of break-ins happen because of doors and windows that were left unlocked. Before you leave, do a full check to make sure everything is secure.
- Check all windows and doors – Even small windows that seem too tiny for someone to fit through should be locked.
- Don’t forget the garage – Many people forget to lock their garage doors, but burglars know this. If you have a side door leading into your garage, make sure it’s locked too.
- Secure sliding doors – If you have glass sliding doors, put a metal rod or wooden stick in the track so they can’t be forced open.
Keep Security Cameras and Alarms Ready
A good security system can be a huge help when you’re away. Even if you don’t have a full system, simple security measures can still work.
- Install or check security cameras – If you already have surveillance cameras Adelaide, make sure they are working properly before you leave. If you don’t have any, consider installing one at the front door or other key areas.
- Use a video doorbell – A doorbell camera lets you see who’s at your door and even talk to them from anywhere. This makes it seem like you’re home.
- Set your alarm system – If you have an alarm system, don’t forget to turn it on before you leave. Make sure a trusted friend or family member knows how to access it in case of emergencies.
Be Careful About Posting on Social Media
We hope this isn’t the first time you’re hearing about not sharing your trip in real time. Whether you’ve secured your settings or not, it’s tempting to share vacation pictures in real time, but announcing that you’re away can invite trouble, even from someone you’re connected with. You never know who might see your post over a shoulder. In short, don’t broadcast that your house is empty.
- Wait until you’re home to post – Instead of sharing pictures while you’re away, save them for when you’re back.
- Avoid posting travel plans – Don’t announce the exact dates you’ll be gone. If you do share, keep the details private and only tell people you trust.
Keep Valuables Out of Sight
If a burglar looks through a window and sees expensive items, they might see your house as a good target.
- Move valuables away from windows – Keep things like laptops, jewelry, and cash out of sight.
- Store important items in a safe – If you have a safe, put valuables inside for extra protection.
- Don’t leave keys in obvious places – Avoid hiding spare keys under doormats or in plant pots—these are the first places burglars check.
Use Smart Home Technology
Smart home devices can help you monitor and control things from anywhere.
- Smart lights – Set lights to turn on and off with an app so it looks like someone is home.
- Smart locks – Some locks let you lock or unlock doors from your phone, which is useful if a friend needs to check on your house.
- Remote security monitoring – Many home security apps let you check cameras and alarms right from your phone.
Have a Backup Plan
Even with all these precautions, things can still happen. Having a plan in place can help you act fast if something goes wrong.
- Give a key to a trusted friend or family member – If there’s an emergency, they can check on your home.
- Let a neighbor know you’ll be away – If they see anything unusual, they can alert you or the authorities.
- Keep emergency contacts handy – If you have a security company, make sure you know how to contact them quickly if needed.
Why It’s Worth Taking the Extra Steps
Taking a few simple precautions to keep your home safe can make a huge difference. Burglars look for easy opportunities, so if your house looks protected, they’ll likely move on to an easier target.
A safe home means a stress-free vacation. When you know everything is secure, you can relax and enjoy your time away without constantly worrying about what’s happening back home.
A little preparation goes a long way. With the right security steps in place, you’ll keep your home safe and come back with everything just as you left it—safe, sound, and ready to welcome you home.
