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Dos and don’ts to safeguarding your home while on vacation

“We live on the most boring street in the whole United States of America, where nothing even remotely dangerous will ever happen.” – Buzz McCallister, Home Alone 

 

This summer, half of America will set their emails to “out-of-office,” water their plants and venture out on vacation. While you’re busy with your packing list, we have another list that can help. So you can get ready to go—and get your home ready to stay secure while you’re gone. 

Even if you think you live on the most boring street in the whole United States, following these tips will help you feel better about leaving your home alone. 

DO:

1. Hire a trusted house sitter

Investing in a house sitter or having a neighbor get your mail is worth it. It’s another set of eyes checking in on your home, and help your house look occupied. If Kevin’s dance party in Home Alone taught us anything, it’s that activity in the house is your best bet to discourage burglars. 

2. Schedule work to be done

With summer comes yard maintenance. Take advantage of your time away by scheduling landscapers or lawn mowers to keep it looking nice. The more things look normal, the more it looks like you’re home, the better. 

3. Keep it closed

Universal garage door openers are a real thing. Thieves use these to gain easy access through the garage. So while you’re unplugging on the beach, make sure to unplug the power to your garage door to avoid unwanted guests. 

4. Invest in a home security system

Great home security starts with a company that shows a genuine concern for providing solutions that fit your needs. They’ll avoid upselling you on unnecessary equipment, and won’t pressure you into spending more than you budgeted, or hit you with hidden fees, policies, or other annoying surprises after you’ve signed a contract. 

5. Power up

If you have security cameras, make sure they’re all on and plugged in. Test them from your mobile device to be sure. It’s also smart to leave on your AC. The noise will deter burglars and you’ll come home to a cool house with plants that didn’t wilt and chocolate that didn’t melt. (Bonus!) 

 

DON’T:

1. Don’t rush leaving the house

We know you can’t wait to get your toes in the sand, but don’t be in too much of a hurry to get there. Give yourself time to double-check locks on all the doors, windows and gates. 

2. Don’t overshare on the internet

If your social media is public, don’t give away any details of your trip (like when you’ll be gone or where you’re going). Sharing your exciting plans online is tempting, but it can wait ‘til you get back. 

3. Don’t leave the lights on

This one may surprise you. Don’t lights make it look like you’re home? But skilled burglars know to look for light patterns, so if the same lights stay on for several days, they’ll catch on. Smart light timers that turn lights off and on are the best solution. They’re affordable, easy to install and controlled with a simple phone app. Home Depot, Lowes, Amazon, and Walmart all have several solutions to choose from. 

4. Don’t leave your hide-a-keys out

Plain and simple, this one is a big no-no, even if you think you found the perfect hiding spot. Burglars know better. 

5. Don’t leave your valuables in plain sight

Safes are pretty inexpensive and compact. Not only do they hide your belongings, but some also protect them from fire or flood. If you don’t have a safe, keep your treasures somewhere inconspicuous, like a box in the basement labeled “Christmas Ornaments.” Not all valuables hide in a safe. Watch out for these unexpected items that thieves also like to target.

Of course, no matter how careful you are, there’s always a chance something could go wrong while you’re away, so it’s best to prepare. Know the ins and outs of your home insurance policy and understand what added protection you have. We recommend always keeping an updated home inventory list, especially of big purchases, collectibles and heirlooms.