4 minute read

Are you confident your home will be secure when you’re out of town traveling? When you’re on the go for vacation or work travel, you want to know that your home won’t be a target for break-ins. 

Fortunately, you can take a few small steps to make your home less vulnerable when you’re away. Read on as we outline a helpful pre-trip home safety checklist.

Test Every Window and Door

Before leaving for a business trip or weekend getaway, make sure you’ve done a walkthrough in your home. Check all the windows and doors to confirm they are locked. Window latches should be secure, and any sliding doors to a back patio or deck need to have security bars in place. 

If anything jiggles, you may need to tighten some screws or even upgrade your hardware. And don’t forget about your basement windows or other less frequently used entrances to your home. 

Verify That Smart Locks and Security Systems Work

Don’t assume your security system or smart locks are working as they should. An old battery can cause these systems to malfunction, leaving your home less secure. Or there could be software glitches or problems with your Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connections. 

Check all cameras within and outside your home. You want to be confident that they connect well to your security app. Likewise, make sure mobile alerts from your app or security system are functioning properly. 

Additionally, make sure your systems have undergone the most recent software updates. When you’re hundreds or thousands of miles away from home, you want to be able to check in easily. 

Use Timers

One of the easiest ways to convince people that you’re home is through light timers. When you add timers to lamps in your main living spaces or bedrooms, you’ll create the illusion that you’re home. 

If possible, set timers to go on and off at different times. If someone is casing your neighborhood, varied on-off times can look more natural. At the same time, don’t keep outdoor lights on all the time, as doing so can actually suggest that you are not home. 

Be Careful with Spare Keys

Resist the temptation to hide spare keys beneath your doormat or within other decorative items on your front porch. Instead, give a key to a neighbor or friend you trust. Alternatively, you can use a secure lockbox with an access code.

Be especially careful with keys if you just moved into your home. It’s smart to reach out to 24/7 residential locksmith services for rekeying, plus recommendations on new locks. They can also help if you’re in a bind and need access to your home. 

Pause Mail Deliveries

If someone sees a sprawling collection of mail at your doorstep, they’re going to know you’re not home. Make a point of holding your mail and other anticipated deliveries while you’re done. You could also ask a neighbor to stop by and gather mail and packages from your front porch. 

Similarly, you can have a neighbor roll your trash bins to the curb if you’re away during normal pickup days. Simple actions can help keep your home from becoming a target for theft.

Keep Your Home Secure

While traveling can be enjoyable, don’t forget to secure your home before you leave town. Ask a neighbor to pick up your mail and give them a spare key. Check to ensure your security system works, and test all locks on doors and windows. 

When you’re diligent, you can keep your home safe and focus on making the most of your travel experience.