Travel Worry-Free: 10 Ways To Protect Your Home When You're On Vacation

Vacations are a time to relax and unwind, but the thought of leaving your home unattended can be stressful. Whether it's burglars, power outages, or weather-related issues, your property is vulnerable while you're away. Fortunately, there are several smart steps you can take to ensure your home stays safe and sound. Below are 10 in-depth strategies to protect your home while you're off enjoying your well-deserved break.

Install a Home Security System

A home security system is one of the best investments you can make before going on vacation. Modern systems come with 24/7 monitoring, motion sensors, glass-break detectors, and door/window sensors that notify you and the authorities instantly if there’s suspicious activity. Many systems now offer smart features, allowing you to view real-time footage from your smartphone and receive alerts wherever you are. If you don't already have a system, consider temporary security setups that can be installed and removed easily.

Not only do these systems serve as deterrents, but they also provide peace of mind. Displaying security signage—like window stickers or yard signs—can deter would-be intruders. Even if you're on a tight budget, a simple camera system connected to your Wi-Fi can be enough to keep an eye on your property. Be sure to test your system before leaving to ensure everything is functioning properly, from cameras to sensors to your backup power supply.

Use Smart Lighting for Illusion of Presence

Burglars typically look for signs that a home is unoccupied. One effective way to outsmart them is by using smart lighting. These systems allow you to set timers or use motion sensors so lights turn on and off at different times, mimicking your usual routine. This makes it harder for anyone to determine if the house is empty. Smart plugs or light bulbs can be controlled from anywhere using an app, and some systems even learn your habits to create a realistic lighting schedule. See More

Make sure to vary the lights being used, rotating between rooms such as the living room, kitchen, and bedroom. Avoid the common mistake of leaving the same light on 24/7—it’s an obvious sign that nobody's home. If possible, pair your lighting with automated blinds or shades to further simulate presence. The goal is to make your home appear lived in, not staged, which can make all the difference in deterring a break-in.

Have a Trusted Neighbor Keep Watch

Building a good relationship with your neighbors can be an incredible asset when you’re away. A trusted neighbor can serve as an extra pair of eyes, keeping an eye on your home for anything unusual. Ask them to collect your mail, packages, or newspapers, so these items don’t pile up and signal your absence. They can also take out your trash bins on collection day and bring them back in to maintain the illusion of occupancy.

If they’re comfortable, you might even give them a spare key in case of emergencies. Make sure they know how to contact you and provide them with the details of your security system if needed. Having a neighbor check in occasionally, even just walking around your property, can be enough to deter any lurking intruders. Just remember to return the favor when they go on vacation—it’s a mutual arrangement that builds community and safety.

Hold or Forward Your Mail and Deliveries

An overflowing mailbox or a pile of packages on your porch is a clear sign that no one is home. Before heading out on your trip, contact your local postal service and request a mail hold for the duration of your vacation. This service is typically free and can be scheduled online. Alternatively, you can ask a neighbor or friend to pick up your mail daily to keep things in order.

For packages, consider rescheduling deliveries or using Amazon lockers or other secure pickup options during your time away. You can also sign up for services that allow you to track your packages and make changes to the delivery schedule in real time. This avoids tempting porch pirates and reduces the risk of someone noticing your absence due to uncollected deliveries. Taking this simple step can help keep your property secure and give the impression you’re still around.

Secure All Windows and Doors

It might seem obvious, but many break-ins occur simply because a window or door was left unlocked. Before you leave, double-check all entry points including basement windows, garage doors, and sliding glass doors. Reinforce weak locks with deadbolts or additional security bars. You can also install sensors that alert you if any door or window is tampered with.

Don’t forget to lock interior doors too, especially those leading to high-value areas like home offices or storage rooms. Window pins or security film can make glass much harder to break through. If you have sliding doors, place a metal or wooden rod in the track to prevent it from being opened. These small steps might seem tedious, but they significantly reduce the chance of unauthorized entry and protect your most valuable assets while you're away.

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Disconnect Unnecessary Electronics

Unplugging non-essential electronics before you leave isn’t just about saving energy—it’s also a smart safety move. Power surges, lightning strikes, or faulty wiring can spark electrical fires, especially when you’re not around to react. Unplug TVs, computers, gaming systems, coffee makers, and other appliances that don’t need to stay on while you're gone. This not only protects your electronics but also lowers your electricity bill during your vacation.

If you’re worried about certain devices, consider using surge protectors with timers or smart plugs that let you control power remotely. It's a small precaution that can make a huge difference. For essential appliances like your refrigerator or security system, ensure they’re connected to a surge protector as well. Taking this extra step reduces the risk of electrical issues, giving you more peace of mind while you’re away enjoying your time off.

Don’t Advertise Your Vacation on Social Media

While it’s tempting to share your excitement or beautiful travel photos in real-time, doing so can be a serious risk to your home’s security. Publicly announcing that you’re away—even unintentionally—can alert potential burglars that your house is empty. Even with private accounts, information can spread or be seen by someone you don’t fully trust. It's better to wait until you return to post photos and updates.

Additionally, avoid using out-of-office replies that give away too much detail about your absence. If you’re a frequent poster, take a break from location-tagging or sharing specific travel plans. Ask friends and family not to post about your trip either until you’re back. Social media oversharing is one of the easiest ways thieves identify targets, so staying quiet online is one of the smartest ways to protect your home during a vacation.

Use Timers for More Than Just Lights

Smart timers aren’t just for lighting—you can use them for TVs, radios, or even automated blinds to create the appearance of an occupied home. Setting a TV or radio to turn on for a few hours in the evening mimics the sounds of someone being home. The goal is to simulate your daily routine as closely as possible, creating confusion for anyone who might be watching your property.

Automated blinds or curtains that open in the morning and close at night add an extra layer of realism. These tools are inexpensive and easy to program with a smartphone or a central smart home hub. The more your home mimics a normal routine, the less likely it is to be targeted. Combining multiple timed elements makes your house seem lived in, even if you’re hundreds or thousands of miles away.

Hide or Lock Up Valuables

Before you leave, take time to hide or secure high-value items like jewelry, cash, passports, and important documents. Leaving these out in the open can turn a minor break-in into a major loss. Use a home safe that’s fireproof and bolted to the floor for best results. If you don’t have a safe, find creative hiding spots that aren’t obvious—avoid bedrooms and nightstands, which are usually the first places burglars check.

For extra precaution, consider taking photos of your valuables and storing them in the cloud. This makes insurance claims easier in the unfortunate event something is stolen or damaged. You can also consider temporarily moving some high-value items to a safety deposit box while you’re away. The fewer temptations visible in your home, the less appealing it becomes to potential intruders.

Perform a Final Walkthrough Before You Leave

Before locking the door for good, do a complete walkthrough of your home. Check that all doors and windows are locked, alarms are armed, lights are on timers, and electronics are unplugged. Inspect outdoor areas as well—ensure the garage is secure, tools are locked away, and no ladders or objects that could be used to gain entry are left outside.

It’s helpful to use a checklist to ensure you don’t forget anything in the rush of preparing for your trip. Double-check your thermostat settings, water sources (especially if you’re traveling in winter), and that your security cameras are working. This final routine only takes a few minutes but can save you from major problems while you're gone. Once everything is in place, you can lock up and head out knowing you’ve taken smart steps to protect your home.

Conclusion

Taking a vacation should be about relaxing and recharging—not worrying about what’s happening back home. By taking these proactive steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of burglary, damage, or other unexpected issues while you're away. From installing a reliable security system and using smart home technology to asking a neighbor for help and managing your digital footprint, each measure adds a critical layer of protection to your home.

Peace of mind is priceless when you’re miles away from home. So before you zip up your suitcase and head to the airport, invest a little time into safeguarding your space. The right precautions don’t have to be expensive or complicated—they just need to be thoughtful and thorough. That way, you can truly enjoy your trip, knowing your home is secure and waiting for you just as you left it.