Leaving for vacation is definitely something to look forward to. And for many of us, coming back home can be just as rewarding…unless you return to a home that has been burglarized and/or damaged.
As much as we all love to go on vacation and take a break from our daily routines, leaving our homes unattended can also make us feel uneasy. It is important to take precautions and ensure that your most important investment is safe and secure while you are away.
By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your home is safe and secure, giving you the peace of mind you need to enjoy your vacation to the fullest. Always err on the side of caution and take every measure to keep your home protected.
- Lock all doors and windows. This may seem like an obvious one, but it is crucial to ensure that all doors and windows in your home and garage are securely locked before you leave for your trip. Double-check all the locks and consider adding deadbolts or additional security measures if necessary.
- Install a security system. A home security system can give you peace of mind while you are away. Make sure your security system is armed and that all sensors and cameras are in working order. Call your representative, announcing you’ll be away from home for an extended period of time. Some security systems even allow you to monitor your home remotely through a mobile app, which can be very helpful.
- Notify a trusted neighbor or friend. Let a neighbor or friend know that you will be away and ask them to keep an eye on your home. Give them a spare key in case of an emergency, and ask them to collect your mail or any packages that are delivered while you are away. A home that looks lived-in is less likely to be targeted by burglars.
- Consider hiring a house sitter. If you are going away for an extended period and a friend or neighbor isn’t available, consider hiring a house sitter. A house sitter can keep an eye on your home, take care of your pets, and even maintain your garden while you are away.
- Don’t leave spare keys outdoors. Burglars know the most popular hiding places for spare keys, like beneath mats and in potted plants, so collect any that are hidden around your home.
- Use timers for lights. Set up timers for your lights to come on and off at different times throughout the day and night. This will give the impression that someone is home, even if you are away. You can also use timers for your TV or radio. Install motion detector lighting on the exterior of your home. Don’t allow your house to appear as if no one is home.
- Hold your mail and newspaper delivery. A buildup of mail or newspapers can be a telltale sign that you are away on vacation. If no one is housesitting for you, be sure to contact your local post office and newspaper delivery service to put a hold on your deliveries until you return home. A hold can easily be placed on mail and newspaper services online.
- Avoid posting about your vacation on social media. As tempting as it may be to share your travel plans and vacation photos on social media, it is best to wait until you return home. Posting about your vacation can let people know that your home is unoccupied, making it a target for burglars. Even if you think that it’s only your friends or colleagues viewing your online profiles, it’s safest not to leave any sort of opening for a possible burglar.
- Keep valuables out of sight. Make sure all valuable items such as jewelry, cash, and electronics are kept out of sight. Consider storing them in a safe or secure location that is not easily accessible. If you don’t already have your jewelry or other valuables in a safe deposit box, now might be the time to do so. Doing this also ensures that you don’t leave out anything valuable in plain sight that a burglar might be able to see from a window.
- Unplug appliances. You never know when a power surge may occur, so be prepared. Disconnect the computer, TV, stereo, coffee maker, toaster, and other electronics, or make sure they are plugged safely into a surge protector. Unplugging will help save energy and reduce the risk of electrical fires.
- Check your smoke detectors. Before leaving for vacation, make sure that all smoke detectors in your home are in working order. Replace batteries if necessary.
- Inform your insurance provider that you will be away on vacation. Some insurance policies may require you to take certain precautions to ensure that your home is covered in the event of a break-in or other types of damage.
- Arrange for lawn care. Have your landscaping tended to by a friendly neighbor or local service. Before you leave, trim tree branches that might allow access to a climbing burglar.
For all of the latest information on our local real estate market in Southwestern Indiana and Northwestern Kentucky, you can always trust the professionals at F.C. Tucker Emge and F.C. Tucker/Collier. Our agents have superior training and resources at their disposal to better educate you about the road to homeownership. Even if you are 6-12 months (or more!) out from making a change, there is a lot to learn about the home buying and selling process, and our agents can help you learn what you need to know so that you can be confident in your decision and have a smooth experience when the time comes. Let’s Talk!
