Summer is a popular season for travel, but leaving your home unattended can create unnecessary risks. Before you lock the door and head to the airport, take a few deliberate steps to secure your property and reduce the chances of theft, vandalism, or other problems. Many practical precautions don’t require an expensive security system—small changes and a bit of planning can provide significant protection and give you peace of mind while you enjoy your trip.
Ask a Trusted Friend or Neighbor for Help
One of the simplest and most effective safeguards is to have a neighbor, friend, or family member periodically check on your home. A quick drive-by or brief stop-in can deter opportunistic criminals and alert you to any issues—such as a broken window, water leak, or package theft—long before they become bigger problems. If you don’t want someone in the house while you’re gone, ask them to collect mail and packages, rotate a few lights, or park in your driveway occasionally so the property appears lived-in.
If your community has a neighborhood watch program, notify them of your travel dates. Members of such groups are often willing to keep an eye on empty homes in the area, and their involvement adds an additional layer of informal oversight without drawing attention to the fact that you are away.
Limit Social Media Sharing
It’s tempting to share photos and updates while you’re having a great time, but broadcasting your travel plans on public social media makes it easier for the wrong people to know your home is empty. Security professionals advise against posting real-time details, vacation photos, or expected return dates until after you’re back.
If you do use social platforms, review and tighten privacy settings so posts aren’t visible to strangers. Better yet, wait to post highlights until you’ve returned home. That small change protects your property while preserving your memories for later sharing.
Maintain Normal Routines and Appearances
Strange patterns can attract attention. Doing things that look unusual—such as closing every curtain, leaving all exterior lights on, or eliminating signs of daily life—can signal that no one is home. Instead, try to keep your home’s outward appearance consistent with your everyday habits.
Use timers for indoor and outdoor lighting to mimic regular evening activity. Timers can be set to turn lights on and off at varied times, creating the impression that someone is in the house. This approach is far safer and more convincing than leaving lights switched on continuously, which also wastes energy and could create a fire risk.
Keep blinds or curtains in their normal positions rather than shutting them all the way. When trusted friends or neighbors check on the property, they need to be able to see inside to make a quick assessment. Maintaining a familiar look reduces the chance that a passerby will notice unusual patterns and reduces suspicion that the house is vacant.
Practical Safety Measures to Consider
Beyond neighborly checks and keeping routines normal, there are practical steps you can take to make your home less attractive to intruders:
- Lock all doors and windows and double-check entry points like basement and garage doors before you leave.
- Hide or secure valuables and avoid leaving expensive items, keys, or spare garage openers in obvious places.
- Unplug nonessential appliances to reduce fire risk and save energy, but keep refrigerator and essential systems running.
- Arrange for lawn care if you’ll be gone for an extended period—an overgrown lawn is a clear sign of vacancy.
- Leave emergency contact information with someone you trust and provide a way for them to contact you if needed.
- Consider inexpensive deterrents such as motion-activated outdoor lights, smart plugs, or a doorbell camera for remote monitoring if you have internet access at home.
Prepare for Unexpected Situations
Think ahead about scenarios like severe weather or accidental damage. Shutting off the main water supply can prevent catastrophic leaks while you’re gone; setting your thermostat to an energy-safe temperature helps protect pipes and plants. If you live in an area prone to storms or wildfires, register travel plans with local authorities when such services are offered and follow community guidance for leaving homes unattended.
Communicate Clearly and Keep Records
Give a trusted contact a concise list of important details: travel dates, house keys or access codes provided, alarm instructions if applicable, and phone numbers to reach you while you’re away. Leave written instructions for pet care, plant watering, or any regular services the house sitter or neighbor will perform. Keeping records of who has keys and when they visit helps you track activity while you’re gone.
Final Thoughts
With a little planning and a few sensible precautions, you can greatly reduce the risk to your home while you’re away. Enlisting help from neighbors, avoiding public social-media announcements, preserving normal household routines, and applying straightforward safety measures all contribute to a more secure property and a more relaxed vacation. If you have additional tips or experiences about how you keep your home safe while traveling, sharing them with friends and neighbors can help others protect their property as well.