Getting ready for vacation can be very exciting. You get to go out, buy some nice clothes, plan which activities you’re going to take part in and so much more.
In fact, people get so caught up in the hype of going on holiday that they forget to take the necessary steps needed to keep their homes safe while they are away!
Remember, you’re going to be coming back home at some point and the last thing you want to come back to is an empty home with half your possessions missing!
To help keep your home safe while on vacation, we have put together a list of six smart things you can to do reduce the chances of your home being targeted by burglars and you losing out. Let’s get started.
1) Get Someone to Watch Over your Home While you’re Away
This is a great way to keep your home safe will you’re not around. It can be your parents, one of your family members, a relative, a friend or even a neighbour. The important thing here is to pick someone you trust and know will take some time out to check up on your house here and there.
If you really can’t find anyone who will do this for you, consider hiring a professional house sitter while you’re away. This can be pricey but it will definitely keep your mind at ease while you’re away. Be sure to do your due diligence on the house sitter you pick and don’t forget to ask for references and experience of previous work.
Even if you’re in the middle of a divorce and cannot afford to hire a sitter, try to convince your ex to come check things out here and there, somebody is better than nobody!
2) Try to Make it Look Like Someone is Living in your Home
If your house looks like it’s still being lived in while you’re away, it’s much less likely to be targeted by burglars. The thing about being away is everything involving your house comes to a stop – cars stop going in and out, lights stop going on and off and so on. One way make it seem like your house is still occupied is to set timers on lights (both inside and outside if you can) to come on and off so it looks like there is some activity.
In addition, you can ask someone you trust to visit the house in the morning and do little things like opening the blinds and turning the lights on. Then in the evening they should come back to re-do the blinds and switch the lights off. This is great way to show everything in and around your house is normal.
3) Hold or Stop your Mail
Mail piling up outside your house is a big indication to burglars that nobody is currently living there, more-so if you have packages being delivered that are not being picked up.
If you can’t get someone to pick up your mail on a daily basis then contact your local post office and ask them if they can hold your mail until you get back. Furthermore, organise your deliveries so that any packages are delivered after you get back. This way, nothing is being left outside on your porch.
4) Make Sure you Lock up Properly Before Leaving
Don’t be one of them families who get so hyped up about going on vacation that you forget to lock up and secure your home properly before you leave. Remember you’re going to be coming back home and you don’t want to return to an empty property!
Check every window and door and make sure they are sealed and locked. Don’t forget to do this for other entry points or storage areas like your garage and shed as well! Also be sure to set your alarm and enable any other security features you may have before you head out.
If you plan on selling your home on the market when you get back, having good security features is a big plus for potential home buyers. Too many homes lack basic security these days which results in their house not selling. Call a professional and get advice on lock upgrades and home security services.
5) Be Careful with your Social Media
It’s normal to take photos these days while on vacation, I mean who doesn’t want to show off their fancy new summer clothes to their friends while relaxing in the sun right?
That said, think twice before sharing your images on social media. If someone knows you’re leaving valuables in your home while you’re not there it can become an easy target. Be smart about who you tell and share pictures with and don’t broadcast it to the world – you never know who may be listening and waiting to take advantage.
6) Don’t leave out any spare keys
Honestly, if you leave out spare keys in ‘hidden’ spots then you’re asking for trouble. If a burglar sets his sights on your house and knows you leave out spare keys then it’s very likely that they will be found. There are only so much hiding spots and a veteran burglar wouldn’t have too much trouble finding something if they really tried.
However, if you still feel the need to leave out keys that’s fine. Just make sure to gather them together before leaving for vacation!
Vacations are supposed to be fun and relaxing. The last thing you want to be worrying about is if your home and possessions will still be there when you return. Be smart and take the necessary precautions that will keep your home safe before leaving so you can enjoy vacation to the fullest!
