Leaving for vacation? Don’t skip these 4 crucial steps to keep your home safe from burglars!
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Summer is calling, and whether you’re packing your bags for a cross-country adventure, a cozy cabin retreat, or just a few days at the beach, there’s nothing quite like the anticipation of a well-deserved getaway.
But before you slip into vacation mode, there’s one thing you shouldn’t leave behind: peace of mind about your home’s security.
Here at The GrayVine, we know that a relaxing trip starts with knowing your home is safe and sound.
After all, an empty house can be a tempting target for would-be burglars and porch pirates. But don’t worry—securing your home doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With a few smart moves, you can leave your worries at the door and focus on making memories.
Let’s dive into the four essential steps you should always take before heading out on vacation, plus a few bonus tips to keep your castle secure.
1. Automate Your Lights to Outsmart Intruders
A dark, quiet house is like a neon sign for burglars: “Nobody’s home!”
The good news? Technology is on your side. Smart lighting systems let you schedule lights to turn on and off at different times, making it look like someone’s home even when you’re miles away.
You don’t need to go all-in with a fancy system, either. Even a few smart bulbs in rooms visible from the street can make a big difference.
Many options work with Alexa, Google Home, or even simple timers. Set your living room lamp to flicker on in the evening, or your porch light to glow at dusk. The goal is to create the illusion of activity—without running up your electric bill.
Pro tip: Vary the schedule each day if possible. Predictable patterns can be spotted by savvy thieves, so a little randomness goes a long way.
Also read: Just for fun (and function): 4 gadgets that make home life a breeze
2. Double-Check (and Triple-Check) Doors and Windows
It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many break-ins happen through an unlocked window or a rarely used side door. Before you leave, do a thorough walk-through of your home.
Check every window, door, and even the garage. Don’t forget those basement windows or the sliding glass door out back!
For extra peace of mind, consider installing smart sensors on your doors and windows.
These handy gadgets can alert you if something’s left open, and some systems even let you check the status from your phone. If you’re not ready for a full smart home setup, a simple checklist can help ensure nothing gets overlooked.
Remember: It’s the little things—like locking that bathroom window you never open—that can make all the difference.
3. Ditch the Spare Key—Go Smart (or Go Old School)
We’ve all done it: tucked a spare key under the mat, in a fake rock, or behind a flowerpot. Unfortunately, burglars know all the hiding spots, too.
Instead, upgrade to a smart lock that lets you control access remotely. You can give a trusted neighbor or family member a temporary code, and even get notifications when they come and go.
If a smart lock isn’t in the cards before your trip, hand a spare key directly to someone you trust.
Never leave it outside, no matter how clever your hiding spot seems. And if you have a house sitter or someone checking in, make sure they know how to lock up securely when they leave.
Also read: Looking for a simpler way to live? This $30K tiny home with a porch might be just what you need
4. Plan Ahead for Packages and Mail
Nothing says “nobody’s home” like a pile of packages or an overflowing mailbox. Porch pirates are always on the lookout for unattended deliveries, and a stack of boxes is an open invitation.
Before you leave, pause any regular deliveries or subscriptions, and reschedule packages to arrive before or after your trip. If something must be delivered while you’re away, ask a neighbor to pick it up or use a doorbell camera to keep an eye on your porch.
Many post offices and delivery services will hold your mail or packages upon request—just be sure to set this up in advance.
Bonus: Offer to return the favor for your neighbors when they travel. A little community spirit goes a long way in keeping everyone’s home safe.
Extra Tips for a Worry-Free Vacation
- Don’t broadcast your plans on social media. Save the vacation photos for when you’re back home.
- Unplug non-essential electronics to prevent power surges and save energy.
- Set your thermostat to an energy-saving temperature, but not so low that it risks pipes freezing (if you’re traveling in winter).
- Let your alarm company know you’ll be away, and provide emergency contact info.
- If you have a trusted neighbor, ask them to park in your driveway occasionally or move your trash cans—anything to make your home look lived-in.
Read next: Stop overpaying! 3 simple tricks could cut $605 from your summer energy bill
Have you ever had a close call with home security while traveling? Do you have your own tried-and-true tips for keeping your house safe? Share your stories and advice in the comments below!
But before you slip into vacation mode, there’s one thing you shouldn’t leave behind: peace of mind about your home’s security.
Here at The GrayVine, we know that a relaxing trip starts with knowing your home is safe and sound.
After all, an empty house can be a tempting target for would-be burglars and porch pirates. But don’t worry—securing your home doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With a few smart moves, you can leave your worries at the door and focus on making memories.
Let’s dive into the four essential steps you should always take before heading out on vacation, plus a few bonus tips to keep your castle secure.
1. Automate Your Lights to Outsmart Intruders
A dark, quiet house is like a neon sign for burglars: “Nobody’s home!”
The good news? Technology is on your side. Smart lighting systems let you schedule lights to turn on and off at different times, making it look like someone’s home even when you’re miles away.
Automate your lights with smart bulbs to make it look like someone’s home, deterring potential burglars while you’re away. Image source: Chen Mizrach / Unsplash.
You don’t need to go all-in with a fancy system, either. Even a few smart bulbs in rooms visible from the street can make a big difference.
Many options work with Alexa, Google Home, or even simple timers. Set your living room lamp to flicker on in the evening, or your porch light to glow at dusk. The goal is to create the illusion of activity—without running up your electric bill.
Pro tip: Vary the schedule each day if possible. Predictable patterns can be spotted by savvy thieves, so a little randomness goes a long way.
Also read: Just for fun (and function): 4 gadgets that make home life a breeze
2. Double-Check (and Triple-Check) Doors and Windows
It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many break-ins happen through an unlocked window or a rarely used side door. Before you leave, do a thorough walk-through of your home.
Check every window, door, and even the garage. Don’t forget those basement windows or the sliding glass door out back!
For extra peace of mind, consider installing smart sensors on your doors and windows.
These handy gadgets can alert you if something’s left open, and some systems even let you check the status from your phone. If you’re not ready for a full smart home setup, a simple checklist can help ensure nothing gets overlooked.
Remember: It’s the little things—like locking that bathroom window you never open—that can make all the difference.
Double-check and securely lock all doors and windows, and consider installing smart sensors to monitor access points before heading off on holiday. Image source: Mantas Hesthaven / Unsplash.
3. Ditch the Spare Key—Go Smart (or Go Old School)
We’ve all done it: tucked a spare key under the mat, in a fake rock, or behind a flowerpot. Unfortunately, burglars know all the hiding spots, too.
Instead, upgrade to a smart lock that lets you control access remotely. You can give a trusted neighbor or family member a temporary code, and even get notifications when they come and go.
If a smart lock isn’t in the cards before your trip, hand a spare key directly to someone you trust.
Never leave it outside, no matter how clever your hiding spot seems. And if you have a house sitter or someone checking in, make sure they know how to lock up securely when they leave.
Also read: Looking for a simpler way to live? This $30K tiny home with a porch might be just what you need
4. Plan Ahead for Packages and Mail
Nothing says “nobody’s home” like a pile of packages or an overflowing mailbox. Porch pirates are always on the lookout for unattended deliveries, and a stack of boxes is an open invitation.
Before you leave, pause any regular deliveries or subscriptions, and reschedule packages to arrive before or after your trip. If something must be delivered while you’re away, ask a neighbor to pick it up or use a doorbell camera to keep an eye on your porch.
Many post offices and delivery services will hold your mail or packages upon request—just be sure to set this up in advance.
Bonus: Offer to return the favor for your neighbors when they travel. A little community spirit goes a long way in keeping everyone’s home safe.
Swap out spare keys hidden outside for smart locks, letting you control access remotely or give trusted mates a code instead of risking an easily found spare. Image source: Upgraded Points / Unsplash.
Extra Tips for a Worry-Free Vacation
- Don’t broadcast your plans on social media. Save the vacation photos for when you’re back home.
- Unplug non-essential electronics to prevent power surges and save energy.
- Set your thermostat to an energy-saving temperature, but not so low that it risks pipes freezing (if you’re traveling in winter).
- Let your alarm company know you’ll be away, and provide emergency contact info.
- If you have a trusted neighbor, ask them to park in your driveway occasionally or move your trash cans—anything to make your home look lived-in.
Read next: Stop overpaying! 3 simple tricks could cut $605 from your summer energy bill
Have you ever had a close call with home security while traveling? Do you have your own tried-and-true tips for keeping your house safe? Share your stories and advice in the comments below!
