Going on vacation or a short weekend trip is exciting. After all, everyone needs to get away once in awhile. But how can you really relax if you’re worried about your home and your belongings? You can’t. That’s why it’s important to prepare your home before you go. You need to take precautions to make sure your house and everything in it remains safe while you’re gone. Fortunately, it’s easier than you might think. Check out these tips to learn what you need to do to prepare your home for a trip.
Photo by: Michael GilInstall a Home Security System
Installing a home security system – and activating it while you’re away – is the best way to protect your home. Different types of home security systems are available, but because you’ll be traveling, it’s important to choose a system that’s constantly monitored, such as the systems featured at https://home-security.co/.
You should make sure the system you choose has sensors for both your windows and your doors. It’s also a good idea to choose a system with cameras. That way, if someone does break into your home or vandalize it, you’ll be able to give the recording to the proper authorities.
Lock It Up Tight
Your new home security system won’t do much good if you happen to leave a door or window unlocked. So before you leave, walk through your home, double checking to make sure every window and door is locked up tight.
Have Someone Check On Your House
While you’re away, have a trusted friend, relative, or neighbor check on your house to ensure everything is okay. Also, let your neighbors know that you’ll be out of town. This way, if they see anyone coming and going from your home, they can report the suspicious activity to the local authorities — just make sure you let them know if you have someone stopping by to check on your house or care for your pets.
Check In Frequently
When planning your trip, make sure you plan it so that you have time to check in with the person or people you have keeping an eye on your house. For example, if you’re taking a road trip from Victoria to Tofino, consider making a few stops along the way. This way, you can check on your home and see a few cool sites such as Qualicum Beach and Cathedral Grove at the same time.
Stage Your House
Before you leave for your trip, take the time to stage your house to make it appear that someone is home. You can do this by putting a few of your inside and outside lights on a timer so they turn on and off at specific times during the night.
Make sure you stop your mail and newspaper delivery, too. If they pile up, people will know you aren’t home. You should also ask a neighbor to keep an eye out for random fliers or packages that may get delivered while you’re away.
If you’re traveling for a long period of time, pay someone to cut the grass and tend to your yard. Homes that look occupied are less of a target so it’s important to keep up appearances while you’re gone.
Avoid Social Media
Wait until you’re back home to post your vacation photos on the social media platforms you use. Even if your profiles are private and you’ve chosen your online friends carefully, you shouldn’t assume that someone without the best of intentions won’t see your vacation pictures. Remember, you want your house to seem like it’s occupied, so don’t make a point to tell everyone you know that you’re gone by posting your daily activities and photos online.
Get Rid of the Hide-a-Key
If you keep a spare key outside your home, bring it in before you leave. You want to keep your house safe while you're gone, not make access to your house easy — and chances are, even if you think you’ve hidden the key well, your hiding place is a place that thieves know to check.
Don't spend your entire trip worrying about your house. Take the necessary steps before you go to make sure your home is safe while you travel.
