Most of us look forward to vacations for an opportunity to enjoy a few stress-free days away from the pressures of work and life. You’ll want to make sure that while you’re away, your home is safe and secure.
The most obvious option is to invest in a high-end home security camera or a top home security company. However, those can be very pricy, and wouldn’t you rather put that money toward your getaway instead? Here are five tips to increase the security of your home while you’re on your next vacation.
1. Set Your Lights on a Timer
Having lights on in your home is one of the most obvious indicators that the home is not empty. If you are planning to go away for several days, or several weeks at a time, keeping the lights on for the entire time is not only going to drive your electric bill, but it’s also dangerous as it poses a risk for fires.
That said, connecting your lights to a timer is a great option, and you may already have one lying around.
Light timers are a great and cost-effective way to increase the security of your home while you’re away on vacation. You can set the timers to turn your lights on and off the same times that you typically would be at home. Set up a few on different floors of your home so it appears that people are occupying both the upstairs and downstairs.
2. Have a Friend Check in on Your Home
If you’re going to be away for more than a day or so, a smart idea is to have a trusted neighbor come by to check up on your home. This ensures that everything is right within your home, while bringing some motion and human presence to your house.
Meet up with this individual before you leave for your trip, and hand-deliver them your key.
PRO TIP: It’s never a good idea to hide a key under a mat or a rock
Additionally, while they’re already there checking up on things, you should have them pick up your mail. An overflowing mailbox or unattended package are a sure indication to thieves that no one is home. Keep the number of people that know you’re going away to a minimum.
3. Keep a Car in the Driveway
Unless you have to use your car to get to your vacation destination, leaving it parked in the driveway can be a great option for increasing your home’s security. Creating the illusion that someone is home, even when that’s not the case.
You might be planning to use your car to drive to where you’re going. If that’s the case, ask a nearby friend or neighbor if they would be willing to park their car in your driveway while you’re away. To sweeten the deal, offer to pay for their next carwash when you get back.
4. Be Mindful of Your Curtains and Blinds
Most are tempted to completely close all the curtains and blinds in your home before you leave unfortunately, this could draw more attention to your absence.
To generate the impression that you’re still home, consider leaving your curtains and blinds in a position that is more like how they are on a normal daily basis.
If you typically keep your blinds closed throughout the day, keep them closed while you’re away. If you to leave them open for the majority of the day, mimic this while you’re gone.
5. Create a Security System
Security systems, while effective, can be awfully expensive. However, you may not need a security system as long as you can create the impression that you have one.
By putting up decoy security signs, or imitation cameras in plain sight, you are deterring trespassers from entering your home.
We don’t recommend this as your only means of protecting your home, by creating a decoy security system. If you follow the other tips on this list, your home should be plenty secure while you’re away. This should give you peace of mind in order to enjoy your vacation knowing that your home will be adequately safe and secure.
PRO TIP: Installing a hidden camera can be a less expensive option to consider if a decoy system seems too risky
For more information, please contact us.