7 Ways To Keep Your Home Safe While You’re on Vacation

Vacations are supposed to be a break from everyday stress. But it’s hard to relax if you’re constantly wondering what’s happening back home. Is the house locked up? Did someone grab the mail? What if something goes wrong while you’re gone?

A little prep before you leave can go a long way. With a few easy steps, you can keep your place safe—and actually enjoy your time away without worrying the whole time. Here are seven ways to make sure your home stays secure while you’re off making memories.

Make it Look Like Someone’s Home

If your house looks empty, it becomes a target. Mail piling up, lights off every night, and packages on the porch are a dead giveaway.

Ask a neighbor or a friend to check in now and then. Have them bring in your mail, move any boxes, and just make it look like someone’s around. If they walk by with their dog anyway, even better.

Set a few lights on timers. You can grab basic plug-in ones for cheap or use smart bulbs that you control from your phone. Aim for normal hours—lights on for dinner, off around bedtime. Skip the 24/7 glow. That just looks fake.

Check All Doors and Windows

Before you leave, take five minutes to walk through your house. Lock every door and window—even the ones you rarely open. Don’t forget the garage. Even if it’s not attached to your house, it’s still a target.

If your locks are loose or worn out, swap them for something stronger. Deadbolts are a solid choice. For sliding glass doors, a bar in the track can keep them from being forced open.

Smart locks are also handy. You can double-check from your phone or let someone in without leaving a key.

Let a Neighbor Know You’re Leaving

You don’t need to be best friends with your neighbors to ask for help. Just let a few trusted folks know your plans. Give them your number in case anything comes up.

Some areas even have neighborhood group texts or Facebook pages. A quick heads-up there can make a difference. People tend to look out for each other when they know someone’s away.

If you’re gone for more than a week, consider a house-sitter. It doesn’t need to be formal. Maybe a friend, a college student on break, or a neighbor could stay over. Having someone come and go is a simple way to keep things in check.

Use Home Cameras if You’ve Got Them

Home security gear has gotten way more affordable. You don’t need anything fancy—just a few cameras near doors or low windows. Most work with your phone and alert you if there’s movement.

You can even buy fake ones. Just having a camera visible makes people think twice.

If you already have a security system, tell the company you’ll be out of town. They’ll know how to handle alerts while you’re away. And if you don’t have a system, even just a sign in the yard can help.

Don’t Leave Valuables in Plain Sight

Jewelry, cash, laptops—these shouldn’t be sitting out while you’re gone. If someone breaks in, that’s the first stuff they’ll grab.

Use a small safe if you’ve got one. Stick it somewhere out of sight, like in a closet. A desk drawer or under the bed isn’t as secure. For really valuable stuff, a safety deposit box is even better.

Take a few photos of your valuables and jot down serial numbers. If anything does go missing, it’ll help when you deal with insurance.

Wait To Post Vacation Pics

We all love to share a great beach shot, but posting while you’re away basically tells people your house is empty.

Hold off until you get back. You’ll still get to show off the trip—and you’ll know your house stayed private while you were gone.

If you’re worried about missing messages, set up an out-of-office reply. It lets people know you’re away without giving too much detail.

Check Your Insurance Before You Go

It’s not fun to think about what could go wrong, but it’s smart to be covered just in case. Take a few minutes to review your home insurance before you leave.

Make sure it covers things like theft or damage. If it’s been a few years since you updated your policy, now’s a good time to make changes. It’s also a good idea to make sure you’ve documented your stuff—just in case you need to file a claim.

Leave With Peace of Mind

Vacations should be relaxing, not stressful. By knocking out a few simple tasks—like setting timers, locking up tight, asking for help, and holding off on posting—you can enjoy your time away without constantly checking your phone.

So take a deep breath, double-check your doors, and get ready for a break. Your house will be just fine—and right how you left it when you come back.