Keeping your home safe while on vacation: The ultimate guide to leaving home without stress

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  • Post last modified:June 3, 2023
  • Reading time:14 mins read

Planning a vacation can be an exciting time, but it’s also important to consider the safety of your home while you’re away. Whether you’re going on a weekend getaway or an extended trip, leaving your home unattended can leave it vulnerable to theft, vandalism, or other damages. However, with the right preparation and precautions, you can enjoy your time away without worrying about the security of your home.

In this ultimate guide, I’ll provide you with tips and strategies to help keep your home safe while on vacation, allowing you to leave with peace of mind and return to a secure and undamaged home.

Easy tips to make sure that you have done everything right

Before you leave on vacation, there are some things to do that will provide you with peace of mind.

Make a checklist

Prior to departing, create a list of tasks necessary to ready your dwelling for your absence. This might include turning off appliances, locking doors (including both – front door and garage door) and windows, and setting your security system.

Take pictures of all the actions from the checklist

Have you ever experienced uncertainty about whether you locked the door or unplugged the iron? Taking pictures of these actions can be a useful technique to alleviate such fears. By documenting each task, you can quickly review the images to confirm whether each item on your checklist was completed, and eliminate any lingering doubts.

Secure valuables

Ensure that all your valuable possessions, such as jewelry, important documents, and cash, are kept in a safe and secure place. Using a safe or a lockbox to keep them protected is certainly a good idea. Consider concealing valuable items in a location that is unlikely to be inspected in the event of a burglary, if you do not possess a safe at home. This could be a container with frozen food in the freezer or underneath a loose floorboard.

Unplug electronics

To save energy and reduce the risk of electrical fires, unplug non-essential electronics, such as your television, computer, and kitchen appliances.

Alert a trusted neighbor

Let a trusted neighbor know that you’ll be away and ask them to keep an eye on your home. They can collect your mail, water your plants, and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. You can also consider hiring a home-sitter for the time of your absence.

Borrow a pair of spare keys to a family member

It is highly recommended to lend a spare set of keys to a trusted friend or family member. Not only can they assist you in the event of an unforeseen circumstance, such as your upstairs neighbors flooding your home, but they can also deceive potential burglars by creating the impression that someone is present. Prior to a burglary, thieves typically confirm that the property is unoccupied, and a mailbox overflowing with letters is a telltale sign that the premises are unattended. Even something as basic as having a trusted person collect your mail can dissuade robbers from carrying out their plans.

Try not to show off that you are away

One of the most important things to keep in mind when leaving an empty house for vacation is to try not to show off that you are away. Try to avoid posting about your vacation plans on social media, as this can tip off potential burglars and make your home a target. Remember, you can be observed, and even the most innocuous post can provide valuable information about your whereabouts and schedule. By taking these simple steps to keep a low profile, you can help to deter burglars and keep your home safe while you are away.

Equip your home with home security systems

Equipping your home with a comprehensive home security system can also help provide peace of mind while you’re away. Consider installing a system that includes features such as motion sensors, security cameras, and remote monitoring capabilities. Some systems even allow you to control your home’s locks, lights, and temperature from your smartphone, giving you greater control over your home’s security, even when you’re not there.

Home security systems

If you place significant emphasis on ensuring the security of your home when you are away, you may already be acquainted with the conventional systems that aid in safeguarding your property while on vacation. However, technology has progressed to such a degree that traditional solutions have become smart and more advanced than ever before.

Many security systems not only help to prevent a burglary but also allow you to genuinely care for your property, starting with adjusting the indoor temperature using a remote-controlled thermostat, and extending to automated sprinkler system that water your plants when necessary, based on real time humidity conditions not a timer.

Light timers or... smart light bulbs systems

Light timers or smart light bulb systems are an excellent addition to any home security setup. By utilizing these systems, you can create the illusion of occupancy in your home, even when you are away on vacation or out for the evening.

Traditional light timers allow you to program your lights to turn on and off at predetermined times, simulating your typical daily routine. This helps to deter burglars who may be scouting out the property, as it gives the impression that someone is at home.

Smart light bulb systems, on the other hand, offer even greater flexibility and customization. They allow you to remotely control your home’s lighting from a smartphone app, enabling you to turn lights on and off from anywhere in the world. Additionally, some smart bulb systems have built-in motion sensors that can detect movement and automatically turn lights on, further enhancing your home’s security.

In addition to traditional light timers and smart light bulb systems, another option to consider for home security is a ceiling light with a hidden camera. This discreet camera allows you to monitor activity in the room from a remote location, providing an extra layer of security and peace of mind.

If you plan to install smart lights outside, make sure to purchase outdoor security lights.

Alarm system and security alarm company

An alarm system is a key component of home security, and there are many types of systems available to suit a variety of needs and budgets. Alarm systems typically include sensors that detect any unusual activity, such as movement or sound, and trigger an alarm to alert the homeowner or a monitoring company.

In addition to the alarm system itself, many homeowners choose to contract with a security alarm company to provide monitoring services. These companies typically offer 24/7 monitoring of the alarm system and can alert emergency services if necessary. Some security alarm companies also provide additional services, such as remote access to the alarm system, integration with home automation systems, and video surveillance.

When choosing a security alarm company, it is important to consider factors such as their reputation, level of experience, and range of services offered. It is also important to ensure that the company is licensed and insured, and that their monitoring services meet industry standards. Additionally, it is a good idea to read reviews and testimonials from other homeowners who have used the company’s services to gauge their level of satisfaction.

Hidden security cameras

Hidden security cameras are becoming an increasingly popular addition to home security setups, particularly for homeowners who want to monitor their property while they are away. We can find both hidden outdoor security cameras with night vision or simple indoor mini security cameras. These cameras are designed to be discreet and can be hidden in a variety of locations throughout the home, such as inside decorative objects, behind picture frames, or even within USB chargers.

One of the main benefits of hidden security cams is that they allow homeowners to monitor their property remotely, using a smartphone app or web-based interface. This allows them to check in on their home at any time, from anywhere in the world, and can provide peace of mind when they are away for an extended period of time.

Another advantage of hidden security cameras is that they can help to deter burglars and other intruders. The mere presence of a camera can be enough to make potential intruders think twice about attempting to break into the home, as they know that their actions are being recorded.

However, it is important to note that the use of hidden security cameras must comply with privacy laws and regulations in your area. Additionally, it is important to consider the ethical implications of monitoring individuals without their knowledge or consent, even if they are on your property.

Overall, hidden security cameras can be a valuable addition to a home security setup, providing an additional layer of protection and peace of mind for homeowners while they are away. In article dedicated to spy cams I will tell you how to choose the best hidden camera and the best spy camera for your needs.

Other security gadgets: smart locks, discreet safes, etc.

In addition to smart house lights, there are many other gadgets that can help you monitor and protect your home while you’re away. One such gadget worth considering is a smart lock and another of my favorites’ is a discreet box designed for hiding valuables.

A smart lock is a convenient and secure type of lock that can be controlled and monitored remotely using a smartphone app or other connected device. It offers a variety of ways to lock and unlock your doors, including digital codes, fingerprint scans, or voice commands. With a smart lock, you can also monitor access to your home in real-time, as many models come with built-in cameras and sensors that detect when someone is attempting to enter. If any suspicious activity is detected, the smart lock can send alerts to your smartphone, providing an additional layer of security.

A discreet box designed for hiding valuables is a type of container that is designed to look like an ordinary household item, such as a book or a can of soda, but actually contains a hidden compartment for storing small items of value. These boxes are typically made from durable materials, such as metal or plastic, and are designed to be discreet and blend in with their surroundings.

Discreet boxes for hiding valuables come in a variety of sizes and designs, ranging from small, compact boxes that can fit in a drawer to larger boxes that can be disguised as a household item, such as a clock or a picture frame. They are often equipped with a locking mechanism or a hidden latch to ensure that the contents are secure and can only be accessed by the owner.

These boxes can be a valuable addition to a home security setup, as they provide a discreet and secure way to store small items of value, such as jewelry or cash. By keeping these items hidden in a discreet box, homeowners can help to deter burglars and keep their valuables safe and secure.

Leaving an empty house safe before vacation - summary

Leaving an empty house safe before going on vacation requires careful preparation and consideration of several factors. Homeowners can take various measures to protect their property, such as installing a security system and smart lock, using timers or smart bulbs for lights, and hiding valuables in discreet boxes.

It is also important to have a trusted friend or family member collect the mail and keep an eye on the property, and to avoid posting about your vacation plans on social media. Finally, homeowners can consider using hidden security cameras to monitor the property remotely and alert them to any suspicious activity. By taking these precautions, homeowners can enjoy their vacation with peace of mind, knowing that their home is secure while they are away.

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Tom

Hi there! I'm Tom. I'm a security enthusiast who became obsessed with security devices after experiencing a break-in at my home a few years ago. I have researched and tested various security devices and gadgets, including surveillance cameras and GPS trackers to monitor my family members' locations for their safety. I believe that being tracked is a small price to pay for peace of mind and I am always looking for new ways to improve my safety and that of my family.