Planning a big trip can be exciting, but it’s easy to get swept up in the fun and overlook what you’re leaving behind. Follow these practical home security tips to safeguard your space so that you can fully enjoy your time away.
1. Make your home look lived-in.
When a house looks unoccupied for an extended period of time, thieves start to take notice—and your house can quickly become a target. Fortunately, there are several easy ways to keep your place looking lived-in while you’re away.
- Request a USPS Hold Mail to stop deliveries while you’re gone. It’s easy to do online and prevents an overflowing mailbox from advertising your absence.
- Ask a neighbor to park their car in your driveway occasionally so that it looks like someone is coming and going.
- Use automatic timers for lights and electronics, ideally those that randomize activity to mimic real routines.
- Arrange for lawn care (or snow removal, depending on the season) to keep the exterior maintained.
- Take out the trash—or ask someone to roll your bins to and from the curb on collection day. An empty driveway with no bin activity can signal that no one's home.
An alarm system is a smart investment, especially when considering the statistics. According to the FBI, residential properties are a prime target for burglaries, and homes without security systems may be as much as 300 percent more likely to be victimized.
When you’re on a trip, you don’t want to spend precious time worrying about such statistics. Installing a monitored security system is a wise move for protection and peace of mind.
Also, hold off on posting vacation photos to social media until you get back. Sharing your adventures in real time also advertises your absence from home.
2. Stop leaks and freezes before they start.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, water damage and freezing account for more than 25 percent of home insurance claims, making them the second most common cause after wind and hail.
Even a small leak or slow drip can lead to major damage over time—and it’s something you can check before you leave town. In the days leading up to your trip, do a quick walkthrough to check for signs of moisture, corrosion, or plumbing issues. If anything looks off, have it checked out by a professional before you go.
Frozen pipes are another big concern, especially when temperatures drop below 32 degrees. The resulting pressure buildup can lead to a burst pipe and major flooding. To avoid this, keep your house at a moderate temperature while you’re away.
The Department of Energy recommends setting the thermostat as follows:
- Winter: 7 to 10 degrees cooler than if you were at home (with recommended at-home temps of 68 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during waking hours)
- Summer: Slightly warmer than you would keep it if you were at home
The slight bump in your utility bill is a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes with returning to a house in the same condition as you left it.
3. Unplug energy wasters.
You might expect your energy bill to go down while you’re away—but many travelers return home to find a bill that’s barely changed. The culprit: vampire energy.
Many electronics continue to draw power even when switched off. This idle or “vampire” energy quietly adds up, especially when devices remain plugged in for days or weeks. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, vampire energy may account for up to 23 percent of annual energy use in some homes.
Before you leave, take a quick pass through your home and unplug any nonessential devices—such as televisions, lamps, printers, and chargers. It’s a small step that can help keep your costs down, especially if you’re away for an extended period.
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By following these expert home security tips, you’ll be able to rest easy on your big trip and focus on what really matters: having fun and getting some R&R. Life will be busy enough once you’re back home, so set yourself up for a smooth return later with a little planning now.