Vacations are magic. A break from the daily grind, a change of scenery, a chance to breathe. But there’s always that one nagging thought before you leave: is my house going to be okay? You lock the doors, set the alarm, and maybe even ask your neighbour to keep an eye out—but is that enough? You don’t want to spend your whole trip worrying about what’s happening back home. So let’s talk about ways to actually make sure your house stays safe while you’re off making memories.
Via Pixabay
Make It Look Lived-In (But Not in the Obvious Ways)
A porch light that stays on for a week straight isn’t fooling anyone. In fact, it’s doing the exact opposite. A better move? Set your indoor lights on timers—but mix it up. Different rooms, different times, different days. A house that always looks exactly the same at night? Suspicious. A house with a glow that shifts? That’s normal. If you’ve got smart blinds, use those too. Anything that gives the illusion of movement.
The Social Media Blackout
Tempting, isn’t it? To post that ocean sunset with the caption “Finally made it!” Or a selfie in front of a famous landmark. But let’s be real—if someone shady is paying attention, they now know your house is empty. And not just empty—empty for a while. That’s gold to anyone looking for an easy target.
Befriend the Tech That Never Sleeps
A security camera is great. A security camera that talks back? Even better. If someone’s lurking, a simple “Hey, can I help you?” coming from a speaker can be enough to make them second-guess everything. Motion-activated lights? Non-negotiable. Smart locks? Worth every penny. And if you’ve got a video doorbell, check in on it while you’re away. Just knowing they’re being watched can send trouble in the other direction.
Don’t Let Pests Move in While You’re Gone
Humans leave, and pests move in. It’s as simple as that. A forgotten crumb, an unsealed bag of rice, a few dirty dishes in the sink—it’s all an open invitation. Cockroaches, ants, mice. None of them care that you’re supposed to have a relaxing return home. Before you leave, take out the trash, wipe down the counters, and seal every bit of food. And have you ever had a problem before? Call in a professional like Terminix to make sure you don’t come back to an infestation.
Water, Power, and the Unexpected
Water damage? It’s the silent vacation ruiner. A tiny leak can turn into a flood. If you’re going to be gone for a while, consider shutting off the main valve. At the very least, check for any slow drips before you leave. As for electronics—unplug them. Not just to save energy but to prevent any surprise power surges. The only thing worse than coming home to a break-in is coming home to a fire.
Safe Travels, Safe Home
A little planning goes a long way. A few small moves before you leave can mean the difference between coming home to comfort or catastrophe. Make it look lived in. Use technology. Don’t make it easy for anyone—or anything—to move in while you’re away. Now go enjoy your trip. Your home will be just fine.
