Vacation is a great way to relax and feel refreshed. But before you go, make sure your home is secure. With proper preparation, you’ll feel peace of mind knowing your home is safe until you return. Here are a few tips to secure your home while on vacation.
Have a Friend Check In
Ask a trusted friend or neighbor to check on your home while you’re away. Have them stop by periodically to look for signs of suspicious activity, like broken windows or open doors. Ask them to collect mail and packages that may have been delivered so they don’t sit outside in the weather. Piles of mail can indicate to a burglar no one is home, making your property a potential target.
Secure Your Home: Check Locks on Windows and Doors
Before you leave, verify the windows and doors are securely locked. If any of them are damaged and need to be replaced, do so before you go so no one can access your home without a key. Instead of hiding spare keys outside, give a key to a family member or neighbor so your property will remain secure.
Install a Home Security System to Secure Your Home
A home security system is a great way to keep your house safe while you’re away. Many modern systems feature motion-sensing cameras and alarms that alert you if someone tries to enter your home. If you don’t want to invest in a complete system, install window and door alarms and motion-detecting lights to deter intruders.
Put Lights On Timers
Using timers on indoor lamps makes it look like someone is home while you’re away. Place timed lights in the living room, bedroom, and hallway to simulate normal activity in your house. Automated lighting helps deter burglars who are looking for an easy target. Alternatively, use smart bulbs. These WiFi-enabled light bulbs are easy to manage via your smartphone while on vacation.
Keep Valuable Items Out of Sight
Before you leave, place valuable items out of sight. Even if you have window treatments such as curtains or blinds, put away belongings that might be attractive to burglars.
By following these steps, you can rest assured your home will stay safe while on vacation. Properly secure your home before you leave so you can enjoy your trip without worrying about the safety of your property.
District Home Inspection provides inspection services to homebuyers and sellers in the Washington, D.C., area. Contact us to request an appointment.