We do these things to keep our home safe when we travel and want to share our tips with you! Going on vacation takes a little planning. Securing your home should be a top priority. We want to share some of the things we do to prepare our house for the times we’ll be away.
The most important thing to know is that creating the appearance of someone being home is the most important thing you can do. By making it look as though you’re home, you can deter break-ins a lot of the time. Here’s how we do it.
Arrange trash pickup
Even though your trash can will be empty, ask one of your neighbors to pull it down to the curb and return it to your home on trash pickup days. This creates the appearance of your normal routine.
Video doorbells can save your home
Video doorbells are commonplace now. While they are a small upfront investment, they can save your home from a break-in. We have actually caught someone shaking our door in an attempt to get inside. Luckily, the attempt was thwarted when we spoke over the doorbell app and notified the person that the police had been called.
Not only can the doorbell be good for deterring theft, it can also give you a general overview the front of your property while you’re away.
You might also consider installing a few of the small security cameras in other areas of the outside of your home as well. They are easy to install and relatively inexpensive.
Unplug electronics and appliances
Electronics and appliances are expensive investments. Protect them! We suggest unplugging things. Not only does this protect your items, it also saves you a little on your electric bill.
Put some lights on timer
You want to make it look as though you’re home. Think about the Home Alone movie. No, you don’t need a cutout of Michael Jordan on a track or a mannequin rotating on a record player. A couple of simple timers for your lamps will do the trick.
Clean out fridge and cabinets
Make sure you clean out any food that will expire while you’re away. Coming home to expired food would not be pleasant.
Lock your doors and windows
Yes, you would think this would be something that you just do out of habit. However, when you are rushing around getting ready to leave for vacation, you are often not thinking of everyday routines. It is very easy to forget to do something as simple as locking the door to the garage. A trick that we use is to snap a picture on our phone as we complete each task. This is also a great way to remember if you unplugged a small appliance such as a hair straightener or an iron.
Don’t post on socials
Yes, you want to share your travel adventures. However, there are many “unsavory characters” on the internet. That means someone can see that you’re away and take the opportunity to break into your home. Save the social media posts until you’re home.
You can still send the pictures to close friends and family via text, just wait to share them with the world.
Adjust ac or heater
Are you vacationing in the summer? Bump your thermostat up a couple of degrees. Traveling in the winter? Turn the temperature down a few degrees. Just be mindful if your fur babies will be staying behind (with a pet sitter, of course).
Pet sitter
Fur babies are family members. The give us unconditional love. We would do the same in return. Make sure you have a pet sitter or a good boarding facility.
Want more tips for making sure your home is safe while you travel? Check out this week’s podcast We do These Things to Keep Our Home Safe When we Travel.
Are you looking for tips on saving money when traveling abroad? Check out our post We Tried These International Money-Saving Travel Hacks So You Don’t Have To.
Remember, break the monotony, not the bank.
–Jeff and Marnie
