You’re all set to go for your much-awaited vacation. 

Your OOTDs are ready. 

You’ve also made sure your pets are in good hands while you’re gone and your plants are watered when you’re away. 

In short, as John Denver sings: “all your bags are packed and ready to go”.

Whether it's an overnight or a weekend getaway or a week-long or even much longer trip, it's important to take extra security measures to secure your home's safety.

Here are some tips to help keep your abode safe before going on a vacation:

Install or set timers on interior lights 

You have to give the impression that someone else is still in the house while you are away. Turning timers for interior lights, television, and radios will confuse burglars who always look for opportunities to initiate crimes. 

Test smoke alarms

Make sure that all alarms are working and the batteries are all replaced. It is also best to put a fire extinguisher on hand in case it will be needed.

Unplug appliances to avoid power surge

Anything can happen and you never know when a power surge may occur, so it’s good to be prepared. Unplug all unnecessary non-timed appliances to make sure that they will not cause an accident while you’re away. You can also consider plugging them safely into a surge protector. 

Alert the alarm company

Getting a security system makes your home much safer and gives you peace of mind. If you have an automatic security system, you may call the in-charge representative to let them know you’ll be away from home for a couple of days. Make sure to check the alarm and that it is set properly when you leave. As everything can be accessible, consider using remote monitoring with your smartphone or putting a video doorbell for some added protection in your home.

Securing your valuables 

Before your getaway, make sure to put all your valuables like cash and jewelry in a safe place you only know. You can also put them in a home safe and avoid leaving them in plain sight where thieves and burglars can see them. 

Set HVAC 

Program your thermostat to lower the heat or air conditioning usage to your desired temperature. Also, don’t forget to change the battery. 

Protect your pipes

Check your pipes if they are insulated, especially in vulnerable areas like basements. Setting your thermostat can help if you’re in a cold area. You may also ask a neighbor to turn on the faucet from time to time to avoid pipes freezing. 

Consider a house sitter 

You may also have the option to hire a house sitter that will look after your home while you’re away. They can also take care of your plants to water them and your pets in case you can’t bring them with you on your trip. 

If you’re a social person, it’s enticing to share your adventure and travel on social media. However, posting too much information can lead to thieves knowing you’re not home. Hold back from publicly sharing any details of your trip until you have returned. Showing and sharing your vacation plans or location out loud leaves an opening for potential burglars. 

If you like to post, remove geotags from your socials by turning them off on your phone’s settings. Switch your account exclusively to your friends only and not to the public.

Lock up doors, windows, and garage 

Take time to install the best door lock that will provide the first line of protection for your home and secure other openings to prevent burglars from unlocking the door. Before you leave your home, see that all windows and doors are locked. In the garage area, disconnect the electric opener (for the automatic garage door) and place securely a padlock on the garage door track. 

Garden care

To avoid any burglars from thinking there is no one in your home, think about having a local service to arrange lawn care while you’re away. While you’re at it, you may also ask to trim some of the branches. Don’t give them a chance to access your home by climbing onto the tree branches so you might want to consider pruning them.

Enlist your neighbor

If you have a trusted neighbor, tell them that you’ll be away for a vacation and ask them to keep an eye on your home. You may ask them to have their vehicle parked in your garage to keep burglars at bay. You may also request them to call the authorities if anything happens while you’re away. 

Stop delivery of newspapers and mail

Request to have your mail deliveries on hold while you’re away. If you can’t make it, you can ask a neighbor to collect your mail and newspaper delivery on your behalf so it won't look like nobody’s around your home. Again, you don't want burglars to easily have a clue about your absence by the mounting newspapers on your doorstep.

Secure the outside of your home

Keep your grills and trash cans inside to avoid any accidents and damage to your home and property in case there would be severe weather like hurricanes and tornadoes. 

Remove your spare keys

Don’t leave any spare keys behind when you take your vacation. It is best to leave it on your neighbor instead of hiding it in places you think are safe. Burglars nowadays will take it to the extent of searching long and hard until they find the keys and easily enter your home. 

Check outside lighting

Invest in lights by buying and utilizing motion detector lights. Install and set timers for outdoor security lights. Keeping your lights turned on at night will make your home easily seen by burglars breaking into your home.

Additional tip: You may also consider purchasing the appropriate amount of home insurance for your needs, such as the renter's home insurance.

To make the most of your well-earned vacation, make sure you have enough systems in place to care for your home while you are gone. Whether you simply ask a neighbor to come in and pick up your newspaper or consider a home sitter, a few easy steps before you leave can allow you to return home the way you want it to be.