25 Best Ways to Keep Your Home Safe While Traveling

You’re planning a trip, so securing your home is essential to avoid risks. Start by locking all doors and windows, then explore smart systems and motion lights for added protection. You’ll discover how these 25 strategies prevent break-ins and handle emergencies, making your absence worry-free.

Lock All Doors and Windows

When you’re preparing for a trip, lock all doors and windows to prevent easy access for intruders.

Conduct thorough lock verification by testing each lock to make sure it engages securely and functions perfectly.

For window fortification, use sturdy locks and reinforce frames against potential tampering.

These practical measures deter burglars, minimize vulnerabilities, and protect your home effectively while you’re away.

Install a Home Security System

While locking your doors and windows provides a solid foundation, installing a home security system takes protection to the next level.

You’ll deter break-ins with cameras and alarms that alert you instantly.

For DIY setup, choose user-friendly systems from Ring or Simplisafe for easy installation.

When making brand comparisons, evaluate ADT versus Vivint based on costs, features, and reliability to pick the best fit for your home.

Use Smart Locks for Remote Access

Smart locks provide a seamless way to manage your home’s security remotely, letting you lock or open doors from your smartphone no matter where you are.

You’ll also benefit from Fingerprint Scanning for personalized entry and Voice Activation for effortless control.

Integrate these features into your setup for enhanced protection, allowing quick responses to potential issues while you’re traveling.

This keeps intruders at bay effectively.

Set up Motion-Activated Lights

Motion-activated lights serve as an effective deterrent to intruders, automatically illuminating your property when they detect movement.

When setting them up, optimize lighting placement around entryways and perimeters for broad coverage.

You’ll fine-tune sensor adjustments to match your home’s layout.

Setting sensitivity to avoid false triggers while ensuring prompt detection of real threats, enhancing overall security.

Arrange for Mail and Package Hold

Arrange for your mail and packages to be held during your trip to avoid signaling an empty home.

To implement mail suspension, request it from your postal service for the duration of your absence.

For package redirection, arrange forwarding to a secure alternate address or opt for holding at the post office.

These steps prevent mail pile-up, deterring potential burglars and maintaining your home’s security.

Notify Trusted Neighbors

Another important step in securing your home is to notify trusted neighbors before you depart.

By engaging in neighbor bonding, you’ll create a network that supports info sharing, helping to keep your property safe.

• Focus on neighbor bonding by introducing yourself and building relationships.
• Share info on your travel dates to keep neighbors informed.
• Exchange contact details for quick info sharing.
• Ask them to watch for suspicious activity around your home.
• Offer to reciprocate by monitoring their property in return.

Hide Valuables in Secure Spots

While your neighbors watch over your property, you should secure your valuables by hiding them in less obvious spots.

You’ll use decoy boxes to mislead thieves, making ordinary-looking containers hold fake items instead.

Integrate secret panels into walls or furniture to conceal jewelry and documents effectively.

This strategy keeps intruders guessing, ensuring your belongings remain safe and out of sight.

Install Outdoor Security Cameras

To enhance your home’s security during travels, install outdoor security cameras that deter intruders and offer remote monitoring.

When setting up, consider these points to maximize protection:

• Assess various mounting options like walls or poles for best visibility and deterrence.
• Understand legal considerations, such as local privacy laws to avoid fines.
• Choose cameras with weatherproof features for durability.
• Set up remote app access for real-time viewing.
• Test integration with your home network before leaving.

Use Timers for Indoor Lights

One effective way to simulate occupancy and deter burglars is to use timers for your indoor lights, ensuring your home appears lived-in even when you’re away.

Explore timer types like digital or mechanical ones; they let you program lights to turn on and off at specific times.

You’ll save energy by avoiding constant illumination, reducing costs while maintaining security appearances effectively.

Check and Test Smoke Detectors

Before you head out on your trip, check and test your smoke detectors to keep your home secure.

For effective detector maintenance, perform a routine smoke check with these steps:

• Press each detector’s test button to make sure it beeps loudly.
• Replace batteries if they’re weak or chirping.
• Clean dust from the units to avoid false alarms.
• Inspect for damage and verify proper installation.
• Verify detectors aren’t expired and replace as needed.

Secure the Garage and Shed

Secure your garage and shed against intruders to protect your property while you’re traveling.

Before leaving, take a garage inventory by listing all valuables and their conditions to quickly spot any issues.

Also, prioritize shed organization: neatly arrange tools in locked containers and secure the space to reduce hiding spots, enhancing your home’s overall defense.

Trim Landscaping for Visibility

After securing your garage and shed, turn to your landscaping to boost visibility and deter intruders.

Effective bush trimming and foliage maintenance make your home less inviting to thieves.

• Trim bushes near windows and doors to eliminate hiding spots.
• Regularly maintain foliage around pathways for clear access.
• Cut back overgrown shrubs that could conceal intruders.
• Keep trees pruned to avoid branches providing cover or entry points.
• Inspect and maintain your yard’s foliage to guarantee unobstructed views.

Cancel Newspaper and Other Deliveries

Cancel your newspaper subscriptions and other regular deliveries before leaving for your trip to prevent obvious signs that your home is empty.

Review your delivery schedules to suspend them temporarily; this avoids piling up items that signal vacancy.

You’ll often manage subscription fees by pausing services without extra costs, keeping your property secure and less inviting to thieves.

Plan ahead to adjust schedules smoothly with providers.

Hire a Professional Housesitter

Hiring a professional housesitter offers a reliable way to safeguard your home during your absence.

To guarantee you get the right one, perform housesitter screening and negotiate a contract that fits your needs.

• Check the housesitter’s background and references thoroughly.
• Negotiate terms for duties, schedule, and payment upfront.
• Discuss emergency response plans in the contract.
• Outline specific tasks like property inspection.
• Set communication protocols for ongoing updates.

Set up a Home Monitoring App

While a professional housesitter provides on-site security, you’ll gain extra peace of mind by setting up a home monitoring app.

When making your app selection, carefully evaluate options based on features like remote access and compatibility.

Focus on the user interface—ensure it’s intuitive and straightforward, enabling you to set up monitoring quickly, view live feeds, receive real-time alerts, and control devices remotely from your phone.

Use Window and Door Alarms

Installing window and door alarms adds an affordable layer of protection to your home while you’re away.

Effective sensor placement covers all entry points, while regular alarm maintenance guarantees reliability and prevents failures.

• Strategically place sensors on windows and doors for best detection.
• Test alarms monthly to verify they’re functioning.
• Use battery-powered options and change them as needed.
• Secure alarms to avoid tampering or accidental triggers.
• Integrate with your home setup for seamless alerts.

Prepare an Emergency Contact List

You can build on alarm setups by preparing an emergency contact list to handle potential issues while you’re away.

For effective contact organization, categorize entries by type—such as emergency services, neighbors, and utilities—including phone numbers and addresses for quick access.

Maintain a regular update frequency, like every six months, to guarantee accuracy and reliability in case of emergencies.

Review and Update Home Insurance

How often should homeowners reassess their insurance to protect against evolving risks while traveling?

You’ll need to conduct Insurance Updates and Policy Adjustments at least annually and before trips to maintain coverage.

• Review policy limits for inflation and home value changes.
• Update coverage for new valuables or renovations.
• Adjust deductibles to balance premiums and protection.
• Verify inclusions for travel-related risks like burglary.
• Consult your insurer for the latest Policy Adjustments.

Install Deadbolts on Entry Doors

Enhancing your home’s security starts with installing deadbolts on entry doors, a simple yet effective measure to deter burglars during your travels.

Deadbolt history traces back to 17th-century innovations for stronger locks.

You’ll master installation techniques by selecting a quality deadbolt, measuring your door accurately, drilling precise holes, and securing it tightly to resist tampering effectively.

Secure Outdoor Furniture and Items

Securing outdoor furniture and items deters opportunistic thieves during your travels.

You’ll protect your belongings by prioritizing Furniture Weatherproofing and Item Tie Downs.

• Weatherproof your furniture to shield it from elements and potential theft.
• Use Item Tie Downs to anchor chairs and tables securely in place.
• Store or chain grills to fixed structures for added stability.
• Cover lightweight items to make them less appealing to intruders.
• Inspect and reinforce outdoor setups before leaving.

Use Travel Safes for Small Valuables

One reliable way to protect your small valuables is by using travel safes, which offer a discreet and sturdy solution for items like jewelry, passports, and cash.

When selecting one, evaluate safe features such as combination locks and tamper-proof designs for maximum security.

For brand comparisons, you’ll find Pacsafe excels in durability, while Titan offers budget-friendly models that still deliver reliable protection.

Check for and Fix Potential Hazards

Before you head out on your trip, thoroughly inspect your home for potential hazards that could lead to issues like fires or break-ins.

It’s essential to address Water Damage and maintain Structural Integrity for long-term safety.

• Check pipes and roofs for Water Damage that might cause flooding.
• Assess walls and foundations for Structural Integrity issues.
• Examine electrical wiring to prevent fire risks.
• Secure doors and windows against break-ins.
• Test smoke detectors for reliable operation.

Back up Important Digital Data

As you secure your home’s physical vulnerabilities, you’ll need to protect your digital world from potential risks like theft or device failure.

Start by backing up your important digital data using reliable Cloud Backup services for offsite storage.

Always enable Data Encryption to secure your files against unauthorized access.

Regularly verify these backups to confirm they’re current and recoverable, maintaining full control over your information.

Test and Maintain Fire Extinguishers

Regularly inspect and test your fire extinguishers to make sure they’re reliable during your absence.

For effective maintenance, focus on these steps:

• Check the pressure gauge monthly to confirm it’s in the proper range.
• Undergo Extinguisher Training to master safe operation techniques.
• Examine for damage, such as corrosion or leaks, before traveling.
• Follow Refill Procedures immediately after any use to restore readiness.
• Schedule annual professional inspections to verify overall condition.

Arrange Care for Pets or Plants

While you’ve secured your fire extinguishers, you also need to organize reliable care for your pets and plants to maintain a safe home environment.

Hire a trusted pet sitter to feed, exercise, and monitor your pets daily, preventing accidents or distress.

For plant watering, set up automatic systems or enlist a reliable helper to water them regularly, avoiding wilted plants that could attract pests and cause damage.

Final Thoughts

By implementing these 25 strategies, you secure your home effectively while traveling. Lock doors and windows, install smart systems for remote monitoring, use motion-activated lights to deter intruders, arrange mail holds, and fix potential hazards. Don’t forget to back up data and consider professional housesitting. You’ll return to a safe space, enjoying worry-free adventures. Stay vigilant and proactive for ultimate protection.