Leaving home for an extended period, whether it’s for work, vacation, or any other reason, can be both exciting and stressful. On one hand, you’re excited about the adventure that awaits you, but on the other hand, you’re worried about the safety and security of your home. To alleviate these worries, here are some essential things to do before leaving home for an extended time.
Switch to vacation mode: Essential hygienic and practical steps to take before leaving home for extended time
Before discussing security concerns when leaving your home unattended, let’s address some essential issues. It’s important to recognize that a full trash container is a guaranteed invitation for bugs to enter your home, while the likelihood of thieves entering while you’re away is still lower.
Clean home and empty garbage disposal
When leaving for an extended period, it’s essential to take certain hygienic measures to prevent unwanted insects from taking up residence in your home. Insects, such as ants, cockroaches, and spiders, can quickly infest your home and cause a significant problem when you return. Taking the time to prepare your home before you leave can save you time, money, and hassle in the long run.
One of the most important things to do before leaving is to clean your home thoroughly. This includes washing dishes, wiping down counters, and taking out the trash. Make sure all perishable food items are removed from your home or stored in airtight containers to prevent attracting pests. Vacuuming and sweeping your floors will also help eliminate crumbs and other debris that could attract insects.
In addition to cleaning, it’s also important to seal up any potential entry points for insects. Check for gaps or cracks around windows, doors, and the foundation of your home. Seal any openings with caulk or weatherstripping to prevent pests from entering.
Turning off gas and water, plugging out electronics
Before leaving, it’s also important to turn off your gas, heating system, and water to save energy and prevent potential hazards. Turning off your gas and unused electronic devices will prevent any appliances from running unnecessarily and can save you money on your utility bills and prevent damage in case of a power surge. Turning off your water (not only hot water heater) can also prevent any leaks or floods that could damage your home or disturb your neighbors.
Stop deliveries
Put a hold on your mail and newspaper delivery or any other deliveries. You can do this online or by contacting the delivery companies directly. You can also try to talk about it in post office about possibility od redirecting your mails send with postal service . This will prevent any mail or packages from piling up, getting damaged and signaling to potential burglars that you’re away.
Make arrangements for your pets in advance
If you have pets, make arrangements for their care while you’re away. You can hire a pet sitter, board them at a pet hotel, or ask a friend or family member to take care of them.
Take care after your plants
To ensure the well-being of your plants while you’re away for an extended period, it’s essential to take a few precautions. Begin by thoroughly watering your indoor plants before your departure, being careful not to overwater them and cause root rot. It’s also beneficial to move indoor plants away from direct sunlight to reduce their water requirements.
For outdoor plants, it’s a good idea to give them a proper pruning to promote healthy growth and eliminate any dead or diseased parts. To maintain adequate hydration, consider installing a drip irrigation sprinkler system or using a soaker hose with a timer. Additionally, placing potted plants in shaded areas can help reduce water evaporation.
To ensure your plants receive the necessary care in your absence, you might want to explore self-watering systems or seek assistance from a neighbor or friend who can water them periodically.
Home security: Buy this before leaving for an extended trip
When preparing for a lengthy journey, it is essential to make the security of your home a top priority. Leaving your house unattended creates an enticing opportunity for burglars, as they can leisurely search your property with minimal risk of detection. However, by incorporating a set of straightforward yet impactful security measures, you can effectively discourage intruders and ensure tranquility throughout your absence. Here are several important precautions to take into account:
Timers for lights and electronics
One effective solution to prevent burglary is the use of timers for lights and electronics. By setting timers, you can create the illusion of an occupied home even when you’re away. Strategically timing the activation of lights in different rooms can make it appear as if someone is moving around the house, deterring potential burglars.
Additionally, setting timers for radios, TVs, or other electronic devices can mimic regular activity, making it less attractive for intruders to target your home. This simple yet powerful technique can significantly enhance the security of your property and increase the chances of deterring burglars while you’re on a long trip.
It is important, however, to ensure that you don’t unplug the electronics that are connected to timers while disconnecting other devices. This way, you can maintain an effective security setup while minimizing any disruption.
A valuable option to explore is investing in smart light bulbs that offer remote control capabilities. These bulbs allow you to adjust the lighting settings from a distance, eliminating the predictable patterns that could tip off potential thieves. By avoiding a fixed schedule where, for example, your bedroom light consistently turns on at the same time, you can maintain an element of unpredictability, making it harder for burglars to identify the use of timers.
Home security systems
To further enhance the security of your home during a long trip, it is highly recommended to install a dependable home security system. This comprehensive system should encompass burglar alarms, motion sensors, and door/window sensors, providing a multi-layered defense against potential intruders. By equipping your home with these advanced security measures, you create an additional barrier that discourages burglars from attempting to break in.
In addition to installing the security alarm system itself, it is equally important to prominently display signs or stickers indicating that your home is protected. These visible markers serve as a powerful deterrent, signaling to potential thieves that your property is under constant surveillance. By showcasing the presence of a security system, you increase the perceived risk for burglars, making them think twice before targeting your home. This simple yet effective tactic can significantly contribute to maintaining the security and peace of mind while you’re away.
Security cameras
When it comes to spy cameras I consider myself an expert, this is why I will just mention here the main benefits of using a hidden camera for home security.
The highly effective strategy for preventing burglary is the utilization of security hidden cameras. These discreet cams can be strategically placed throughout your home to provide surveillance coverage without being easily detected by intruders (check the article portable surveillance camera to choose a great device). With advancements in technology, many hidden cameras are equipped with motion detection capabilities, allowing them to automatically activate and capture footage whenever movement is detected.
One notable advantage of hidden cameras with motion detection is their ability to send real-time alerts to your mobile device or computer. For this you will need a spy camera that connects to phone. This feature ensures that you are immediately notified whenever there is suspicious activity in or around your home. By receiving prompt notifications, you can take appropriate actions, such as contacting authorities or remotely accessing the camera feed to assess the situation. The combination of hidden cameras and motion detection technology not only serves as a powerful deterrent to potential burglars but also provides you with valuable evidence in the event of a break-in.
Cameras that are sending alerts and allow remote access operate on WiFi network. If you don’t have WiFi for example in your vacant house you need to decide for hidden cameras for house without WiFi.
By incorporating hidden cameras with motion detection into your home security strategy, you gain an additional layer of protection and increased peace of mind during your absence. These cameras not only help deter burglars but also enable you to monitor your property remotely, enhancing the overall security of your home.
In the article best hidden camera for home you will find my top picks for home usage. Check also hidden outdoor security cameras with night vision to take care after your house surroundings.
Secure doors and windows
To fortify your home against potential burglaries, it is crucial to reinforce the entry points. One effective method is to install deadbolt locks on all exterior doors. Deadbolts provide an additional layer of security, making it significantly harder for intruders to force their way into your home.
In addition to securing doors, it is essential to pay attention to your windows. Ensure that all windows are securely locked before leaving your home. Consider enhancing their security by using window security film or installing bars. Window security film acts as a protective layer, making it more difficult for windows to shatter if someone attempts to break in. Alternatively, window bars provide a visible physical barrier, deterring burglars and preventing unauthorized access.
Sliding glass doors can be particularly vulnerable entry points. To reinforce their security, consider installing bars or placing a rod in the track to prevent them from being forced open. This simple measure adds an extra level of resistance, making it challenging for burglars to gain entry through these doors.
Inform trusted neighbors or friends for how long are you leaving the house
Before embarking on your trip, it is smart to inform trusted neighbors or friends about your travel plans and request their assistance in keeping an eye on your property. Sharing your itinerary and dates of absence with them ensures that they are aware of your situation and can be vigilant in monitoring any suspicious activities around your home.
To further facilitate their help, provide them with emergency contact information such as your phone number or that of a local contact person. This way, they can easily reach you or someone responsible in case of any emergencies or concerns.
In some cases, it may be necessary to entrust them with spare house keys. This allows them to access your property in case of an emergency, such as a water leak or a security issue that requires immediate attention. Make sure to choose reliable individuals whom you trust implicitly with access to your home.
Take care about occupied home appearance
Be mindful of sharing information about your absence on social media or engaging in public conversations that could inadvertently reveal your travel plans. Broadcasting your absence can potentially alert burglars to the fact that your home is unoccupied and vulnerable. Therefore, exercise caution and refrain from openly advertising your absence to protect the security of your property.
To create the illusion of an occupied home, consider arranging for lawn maintenance or snow removal, depending on the season. A well-maintained exterior gives the impression that someone is present and actively taking care of the property. This can deter potential burglars who may be scouting for vacant homes. By keeping up with these regular maintenance tasks, you create the appearance of an active and inhabited residence.
Another important step is to ensure that mail, packages, and newspapers do not accumulate during your absence. Reach out to a neighbor or friend and ask them to periodically pick up these items. An overflowing mailbox or a pile of newspapers at your doorstep can signal to burglars that nobody is home. By having someone collect these items, you maintain the appearance of normal activity and minimize the risk of drawing unwanted attention.
Secure valuables
To safeguard your valuable belongings during your absence, it is prudent to store items such as jewelry, important documents, and electronics in a secure safe or lockbox. These specialized storage solutions provide an added layer of protection against theft and unauthorized access. By keeping your valuables securely locked away, you minimize the risk of them being targeted or stolen while you are away.
In addition to storing your valuables in a safe or lockbox, it is advisable to consider engraving them with a unique identifier. Engraving a distinct mark or code on your valuable possessions serves as a form of identification. In the unfortunate event of a theft, this identifier can assist law enforcement in recovering and returning your belongings. It also acts as a deterrent since thieves are less likely to target items that are easily identifiable.
Protect your car while you're away for extended period
When you’re away for an extended period, it’s important to take steps to protect your car from theft or unauthorized use. One effective solution is to utilize a GPS tracker for your vehicle. By installing a GPS tracker, you gain the ability to monitor the whereabouts of your car remotely and in real-time.
A GPS tracker for car works by utilizing satellite technology to track its location. With the help of a smartphone app or a web-based interface, you can easily access the tracker’s information, allowing you to keep tabs on your vehicle even when you’re far away. This technology provides peace of mind, knowing that you can quickly identify the location of your car and take appropriate action in case of theft or any suspicious activity.
In addition to location tracking, many GPS trackers offer additional features such as geofencing. Geofencing allows you to set virtual boundaries for your vehicle. If your car crosses these predetermined boundaries, you receive an alert, enabling you to promptly respond to any unauthorized movement. This feature is particularly useful for ensuring that your car remains within designated areas while you’re away.
Summary: What to do when leaving home for extended time?
When leaving your home for an extended vacation, it is crucial to prioritize its protection against both unexpected events and potential burglary. Taking measures such as installing outdoor lights, ensuring kitchen and bathroom faucets are properly closed, and implementing comprehensive security precautions can help prevent water leaks and deter burglars.
By addressing these areas of concern, you can enjoy your vacation with peace of mind, knowing that your home is safeguarded against potential risks.
Some more thoughts about this topic I have shared in the article keeping your home safe while on vacation. You can also check it out!
Find out more: Dive deeper into my world of spy gadgets
Hidden camera detector
Empower yourself with the tools to safeguard your privacy and take charge of your security. Start exploring now and reclaim your peace of mind!
Tracking devices
Embrace the opportunity to take control of your digital footprint and stay one step ahead in the modern world. Unveil the World of Tracking Devices!
Spy toys for adult boys
Unleash Your Inner Sleuth with Spy Gear for Adults! Indulge in the thrill of espionage and adventure with a range of real spy gadgets for grown-ups.
Surveillance cameras
Stay in control by exploring the wide range of surveillance camera options available today. Take charge of your safety and protect what matters most!
Tracking jewelry
Embrace the fusion of fashion and technology with tracking jewelry for you and your family. Stay safe and stylish and don’t worry about getting lost!
Outdoor spy camera
Exploring the toughest outdoor hidden cameras: discover the most durable options on the market and choose the perfect covert device!
Hidden camera for home
Explore the range of hidden camera options designed specifically for home use and ensure the safety of your loved ones and your belongings.
Nanny cameras
Nanny Cameras are Parent’s Best Friends. Discover the top picks for peace of mind and dive into the World of spy cams to monitor a nanny.
