How to Keep Your House Safe While You're Away

Keeping your house looking lived-in is key. A house wth all the blinds down, no cars in the driveway, and mail piling up is a dead giveaway to potential thieves. Make sure to stop mail delivery, or have a neighbor collect your mail while you’re away. Invest in timers for your lights, smart lights, or smart plugs so that the lights can turn on and off as if someone were home.

I have been using Hue lights for years, and I love that I can set timers, as well as control the lights from anywhere. If you have a garage, it can’t hurt to put one of your cars in the driveway while you’re gone, and if you plan on being away for longer than a week, have a friend or neighbor move your car every once in a while to make it look like it’s being used.

It’s tempting to share your vacation in real time, but announcing to everyone that you’re away is like putting a flashing “Not Home!” sign on your house. Instead, wait to post until you’re back, or adjust your privacy settings so only close friends can see your updates while you’re gone.

Double-check all of your locks before you go. Don’t forget to check bulkheads, windows, and all doors. Pick up any spare keys you typically hide outside.

Install a security camera or a video doorbell, and you will receive an alert whenever someone is at your house, making monitoring your home easier than ever before. Installing smart locks on your doors will give you an added layer of convenience, as you can check to ensure they are locked from anywhere, giving you peace of mind that you haven’t forgotten to lock up.

Motion-sensored lighting can also help deter any intruders, and like other security items, is easier to install than ever. You can even find security cameras with motion-detected lights. If you’re leaving your pet at home while you’re away, investing in a Furbo adds yet another layer of security to your house. Not only will you get to say hi to your furry family member (and give them treats), but it also records whenever there is motion in the room, so if there is an unwanted guest, you’ll be alerted to their presence.

Enlisting friends or neighbors (or family members who aren’t going on vacation with you) can be a huge deterrent to potential thieves. If you’re going to be away for longer than a week or two, be sure to arrange for someone to mow your lawn, and if you are away during the winter, make sure you have someone shovel your driveway and walkways. Have someone pick up your mail (if you don’t want to stop deliveries through the post office). They can water plants, switch things up in your driveway, and just make your house look lived in.

Theft isn’t the only thing to think about before you head to the airport. You also need to protect your house from any sort of hazards that could potentially arise. Unplug appliances and electronics to avoid electrical fires. Set your thermostat to a safe level to avoid freezing pipes in the winter or overheating your house during the summer months.