When it comes to planning a holiday, most people aim to tick off the essentials – tickets, accommodation, and itinerary. However, unless you’re a digital nomad who moves from one place to the next without a fixed address, you also need to take precautions to secure your home.
Things like holding your mail to avoid an overflowing mailbox and scattered subscription magazines at your doorstep, securing your windows and doors, and double checking security alarms to make sure they are turned on and really working.
Basically, going through the steps to not attract attention and say to the world that no one is home. You could even look into organizing a house sitter if you’re traveling for a long period of time and it would make you feel more secure.
To help you out, here are some tips for things you need to do to keep your house safe while going away on holiday. If you find it useful, you can download this infographic for later use.
INFOGRAPHIC: How to Keep your House Safe When Going Away on Holiday
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22 Comments
I’ve always felt lucky to live in an apartment building with security because we are gone so often and it’s better protected from break ins. But we still run through the checklist anyway and make sure the windows and doors are secure. We also try to remember to unplug things.
Apartment buildings definitely have that going for them :) But yes, definitely still important to run through a checklist and unplug unnecessary devices, make sure the doors are locked and everything is turned off :)
We are really lucky that we know both neighbours well, and always leave the key with one of them to move the mail from inside the door so it doesn’t stack up. They also keep an eye open for unfamiliar lurkers. We have a fair few people who work from home so it’s not a stretch of street that’s likely to be targeted so much as some others where virtually everyone is at work during the day, so at least we have that. The loading the car thing is always tricky but as you say, quickly is best. Luckily we don’t take a tonne of luggage so it doesn’t take long!
Sounds like you’ve got everything down pat! Nice to be in a tight knit street who look out for each other, especially when a lot of your neighbors work from home. That’s a nice sense of security to have :)
We’re fortunate that we have a garage, so we load our luggage within the privacy of the house. But quickly is definitely best if you have street parking outside.
Happy travels!
What town is in the picture? Beautiful
Unfortunately not sure – a stock image I found which worked nicely for the header … My guess would be the US somewhere :)
I never think about that when I travel, well maybe because my current home is Dubai and there is literally no crime and I could even leave the door wide open for 2 weeks and nothing would happen.
But that’s an exception of course. Great points to consider for sure :)
Wow Dubai sounds incredible to be that safe!
I get really nervous about leaving for extended periods of time, especially since I am often ‘advertising’ in social media that I’m not home. A house sitter is actually a good idea, at least to lower my anxiety about it!
It’s definitely something we’re always concerned about too – especially when you’re in this line of work and as you said, promoting to the world that you’re away. But we’ve had great experiences using house sitters, and it does keep that anxiety at bay knowing that someone is there taking care of the house :)
This is a very useful guide, although I am not afraid of intruders. Probably because I dont have too many things that people can still from my flat.
Thanks Barb :) Glad to hear that you’re not afraid of intruders – yes, minimalist living does keep a lot of that anxiety at bay!!
Nowadays, social media is a big part of keeping your home safe while away (aka: DON’T be posting that you are on holiday!!) Even if you have your profiles locked down, who knows who might actually see something and then take advantage of that info
Absolutely – and this can be quite difficult when you’re in our line of work, paid to promote the trips you take live as you’re away. I usually try to delay my social media updates for that added bit of security :)
Great practical tips for keeping your house safe. Tons of apps these days. Interesting infographic and one other thing I’d add is limiting what you post on social media. !
Cheers,
Thanks Mark-Anthony :) Yes, so many apps these days! And absolutely re limiting your postings on social media – always a difficult balance for us personally when we’re paid to update social media about our experiences – we usually try to delay coverage of our trips just so we’re not advertising open season for thieves on our home!
It is indeed important to think about your house and ensure it is taken care of before you embark on your travel. Travel is such an intoxicant that you forget your all about your home till it is time to head back. It is prudent to take necessary steps so that you find your house in order. This looks like a great option to step out without worries.
Absolutely Sandy & Vyjay – the excitement of travel can often distract us from the important steps we need to take before we leave. So I find a reminder helps every now and then :)
Very useful tips to keep your home safe.One must not leave a message on the answering machine about your vacations trip.
Great tip, yes we keep our normal message on the answering machine :)
Having sitters helps a ton, Meg. Nomads here but folks on extended leave find trusted sitters ease their peace of mind. Folks we sat for in Fiji said their house woulda been cleaned out, during our 4 month sit. Locals believe if people are away and not using stuff, they better use it. Different view of robbery there LOL.
Oh wow interesting cultural perspective from Fiji! There was a similar (ish) mindset in Kenya after we finished up on a 2 week international camp. Kids from all over the world, and as soon as the last day came about, we had to hold onto our things because people assumed we didn’t need our tents and our camping equipment anymore because the camp had ended, so they would take it for themselves.
Housesitters can definitely bring a lot of peace of mind in that respect … and what a good gig for a traveler visiting!