You’ve booked the flight, packed your bags, and checked your travel plans twice. But what about the house you’re leaving behind?
Locking the doors and telling a neighbor you’re away may not be enough. An empty home can look different to someone watching for an easy target.
The good news is that securing your home before a trip doesn’t have to take much time or money. A few simple steps, some free and others worth the cost, can make your home look lived in and help reduce the risks that come with leaving it empty.
Why Burglars Target Empty Homes
More than 1.2 million burglaries were reported across the U.S. over the past two years, according to FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. An empty home becomes an easier target when clear signs show no one is around.
A full mailbox, flyers by the door, closed blinds, or a car that hasn’t moved in days can make a home look vacant. Even leaving a porch light on all day can send the wrong signal. These details are easy to spot from the street.
You can reduce these signs before leaving and add another layer of protection while you’re away. Professional monitoring gives your home someone watching for security alerts when you can’t. SafeStreets, an ADT-authorized provider, offers 24/7 professional monitoring with real-time alerts when an alarm is triggered.
Free Ways to Make Your Home Look Occupied While You’re Away
You can do a lot to make your home look occupied without spending anything. Add these steps to your pre-trip routine:
- Put lights on timers. Use timers or smart plugs to turn lights on after dark. A dark house every night can make it obvious that no one is home.
- Pause mail and deliveries. Use the USPS mail hold service and pause package deliveries when possible. This keeps packages and mail from piling up outside.
- Ask a neighbor to check in. Have someone collect packages, move a car into the driveway, or check the house every few days.
- Keep travel plans private. Don’t post your exact departure or return dates. Wait until you’re home to share vacation photos or location tags.
- Use a visible camera. A video doorbell or outdoor camera can discourage unwanted attention. A security sign near the entrance can add another visible warning.
These steps take little time and can make an empty home less obvious while you’re away.
Why DIY Security Can’t Replace 24/7 Professional Monitoring
The steps above can make your home look less empty, but they can’t respond to an emergency. A light timer can’t call for help, and a neighbor may not notice a break-in until much later.
That’s where 24/7 professional monitoring adds another layer of protection. When a system with professional monitoring detects an alarm, a monitoring center receives the alert even if no one is home. SafeStreets pairs this service with an app that lets you arm or disarm your system remotely. Its monitoring plans also include a theft protection guarantee.
Not every monitoring service works the same way. Self-monitoring still depends on you seeing an app alert and deciding what to do. Professional monitoring puts someone else between the alarm and the response, so your home has coverage even when you’re away.
What a Home Break-In Actually Costs Beyond Stolen Items
A break-in can leave you dealing with more than missing belongings. You may need to file an insurance claim, call a locksmith, repair damage, and deal with the stress of returning to a home that no longer feels secure.
That’s why a few minutes of preparation before a trip can make a difference. Hold your mail, ask a neighbor to check in, set your lights on timers, and avoid sharing your travel dates publicly. If you want more protection while you’re away, consider whether professional monitoring fits your needs and budget.
Securing your home works the same way packing does. A short checklist helps you handle small tasks before you leave instead of remembering them at the airport. The same approach can make packing easier too, and Joe’s Daily’s solo cruiser packing list covers the essentials for your trip.
Take five minutes to check the basics before heading to the airport. A locked door is a start, but a prepared home gives you more peace of mind while you’re away.
