Traveling can be a lot of fun, but it can also be hectic and stressful. One thing that can make your trip a lot easier is knowing that your home is secure. Unfortunately, it can be challenging to secure your home when traveling abroad. Here are five tips that will help you keep your house safe while you’re away:
1. Make sure windows and doors are locked before you leave
This may seem like an obvious step, but it’s essential to ensure all potential entry points are closed. If you have a home security system, be sure to activate it before you leave because an extra layer of protection is always a good idea.
So, if your locks are broken, this will be the best time to replace them with rekeyable padlock cylinders. This way, you can come home to a secure home without worrying about lost keys or calling a locksmith.
You should also consider getting window bars or grilles for your ground-floor windows. This will make it much more difficult for someone to break in, especially when you’re not home to keep an eye on things.
2. Have a friend or neighbor keep an eye on your house
If possible, have someone you trust check on your home while you’re away. This could involve taking in the mail, watering plants, or simply keeping an eye on the property. Although it may not seem like a big deal, having someone keep an eye on things can help.
This is because most burglaries happen when no one is home. So, if there’s someone around to watch the house, it’s less likely that a burglar will attempt to break in. You should also consider stopping your mail and paper delivery while you’re away. This way, there won’t be any telling signs that you’re not home.
3. Put lights on timers
Timers can be a great way to make it look like someone is home, even when you’re not. This can be especially helpful if you’re going to be gone for an extended period, such as a week or more. Having lights turned on and off at different times will make it much more difficult for someone to know when you’re actually home.
You can do this by buying a few cheap lamps and plugging them into timers. Then, set the timers so that the lights turn on and off at different times throughout the day and night. This will give the illusion that someone is home while you’re abroad.
If you have the money to spend, you can also get smart lights that you can control remotely. This way, you can turn the lights on and off no matter where you are in the world. And the best part is that you can control it through your smartphone.
4. Invest in a home security system
A home security system can give you peace of mind while you’re away because you’ll know that your home is being monitored. Even if you’re only gone for a few days, it’s worth the investment. You can choose from various home security systems, so be sure to do your research before making a purchase.
It can also deter potential burglars from targeting your home. That’s because most burglars will target homes that don’t have security systems. After all, they’re easier to break into. So, if you want to make your home a less attractive target, a security system is a good idea.
5. Be smart about social media
If you’re going to be posting about your trip on social media, be careful not to give away too much information. For example, avoid posting your exact location or travel dates because this can make it easy for someone to figure out when you’ll be away from home.
You should also avoid posting pictures of your valuables because this can make your home a target for burglars. And if you’re going to be away for an extended period, it’s a good idea to put your social media accounts on private. This way, only people you know and trust will be able to see your posts.
Also, don’t post about how your house will be empty while you’re away. This is a surefire way to attract burglars because they’ll know there’s no one home to stop them. That’s why it’s essential to be careful about what you post on social media.
Following these simple tips can help you keep your home secure while you’re away. So, if you’re planning a trip, be sure to put these into action to ensure your home is well taken care of and protected. And most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy your trip!
