5 Tips to Keep Your Home Safe While On Vacation

Quick Answer

To keep a home safe while on vacation, homeowners should create the illusion of occupancy and secure all entry points. This can involve using light timers, often available for under $15.00, to simulate activity and arranging for yard maintenance to avoid an unkempt appearance. Truman Homes emphasizes that refraining from advertising one's absence on social media is a crucial step to prevent alerting potential burglars. Additionally, ensuring all doors, windows, and gates are locked, and considering a house sitter, further enhances security and peace of mind during extended trips.

5 TIPS TO KEEP YOUR HOME SAFE WHILE ON VACATION

Spring and summer are soon approaching which means you may have a trip or two planned for summer getaways and adventures. Whether you’re leaving for a short weekend trip, or a month in Europe, a little extra vigilance will help keep your home, property, and belongings safe which means you can spend your time relaxing instead of worrying. After all, we follow the “better safe than sorry!” philosophy.

1. Consider hiring a house sitter

One way to keep your home safe while away on vacation is to have someone living in it. If you’re lucky enough, you may have a relative or friend who can stay at your house while you’re on vacation. They may even keep your plants watered, feed your cat, and keep your place tidy so you don’t come back to a dusty home. Bonus!

2. Create the illusion that you’re home

Investing in timers that turn on lights for a few hours during the evenings/mornings will help create the illusion that someone is home. Don’t worry about having to fork out a bunch of cash for these, most timers are under $15.00.

3. Arrange for yard maintenance

If you are on an extended trip, consider the weather conditions while you’re away. Should you need, hire someone to mow or water your lawn if it’s going to be hot and sunny. If it’s cold and snowy, consider hiring someone to shovel your sidewalk. This will help hide the fact that your home is currently vacant.

4. Lock Up

We don’t just mean your doors. Remember to lock your windows and gate before leaving on a trip.

5. Don’t advertise that you’re away

This one is probably our most important tip. We get it, you love to share your trip on social media outlets. Why go on vacation if you can’t make everyone back home jealous? Just be weary of what you’re posting on social media. Advertising to everyone that you’re not home could be an accidental invitation to burglars.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1 How can I make my home appear occupied while I'm on vacation?

To create the illusion that your home is occupied, consider using timers for your lights to turn them on and off during the evenings and mornings. For extended trips, arrange for yard maintenance like mowing or snow shoveling to prevent an unkempt appearance that could signal vacancy.

2 What basic security measures should I take before leaving for a trip?

Before leaving for your trip, ensure all doors, windows, and gates are securely locked. This simple yet crucial step adds an essential layer of protection to your home while you are away.

3 Is it safe to post about my vacation on social media?

The article advises against advertising your absence on social media. Sharing your trip details publicly could inadvertently alert potential burglars that your home is vacant, making it a target. It's best to be cautious about what you post while away.

4 Should I consider hiring a house sitter for my home while I'm away?

Hiring a house sitter, or having a trusted friend or relative stay, is an effective way to keep your home safe. They can create the impression of occupancy and also help with tasks like watering plants or feeding pets, ensuring your home is looked after.