Prior to your vacation, there are a lot of things that you need to get in order. If you’re traveling with family, you have to make sure that everyone’s bags are packed and they all have the essentials. Understandably, unless you have a detailed checklist of things that need to get done, you’re bound to forget some things along the way.
Don’t beat yourself up though because it’s totally normal! What isn’t normal is forgetting to make sure your home is locked up tight when you leave. Here are five more things to add to your ever-growing to-do list, because when it comes to home security, you can never be too safe.
1. Double check sliding doors and windows
Whenever you leave the house, you probably just close the windows because you know that you’re going to be back in a few hours. Yet, when we leave for vacation, it’s always a good idea to double check all of your windows and doors to make sure they’re locked tight. If you have sliding doors, put a piece of wood in the tracks so that the door can’t slide open should a determined burglar bust the glass.
2. Pause deliveries and mail
Even amateur burglars know that if there’s a pile of newspapers in the driveway or the mailbox is stuffed, no one is home. You don’t want to be the home that burglars target because you forgot to stop deliveries. You can contact the post office and ask to put a hold on mail service while you’re away.
3. Give the illusion that someone is home
Burglars that have been doing it for a while are in the habit of scoping out their target to get an idea of the daily routine of the inhabitants. So when they notice the house is completely dark for days on end, they know no one is home and it’s the best time to make their move.
You can throw them off by using smart devices to turn on the lights, televisions, and even radios while you’re away. Even if you don’t have a smart kitchen, you can buy smart outlets and create a schedule that mimics your routine.
4. Refrain from gushing about your travel plans
More than half of all break-ins are perpetrated by someone the homeowner knows. That’s pretty alarming because now you don’t know who to trust! So with that in mind, do yourself a favor and keep your travel plans off of social media! You can bombard your friends with photos of your adventure once you get back, but until then, say nothing. Or, if you absolutely have to say something because you can’t contain your excitement, keep details vague – especially when it comes to your departure date.
5. Don’t leave the hide-a-key outside
A hide-a-key can be a lifesaver when you realize that you locked your keys in the house. However, when you’re going on vacation, a hide-a-key is an easy way inside for burglars. They know the usual hiding spots (under the welcome mat, tucked behind a cushion on a patio chair, under a potted plant, etc.) and when they find someone’s house key… JACKPOT!
Home security should be priority #1
As the start of your vacation draws near, you’re going to be inundated with things that need to get done and a checklist is incredibly useful. These are just a few tips for securing your home while you’re away. If you’re going to be hiring a realtor before then, make sure you let them know that you’ll be away and ask that they double check that the house is locked up after showings – you can never be too safe!
Great post! I love the way you’ve covered 5 Ways to Increase Your Home Security Before Vacation
. Your insights are always valuable and I always look forward to reading your blog. Keep up the good work!”