How To Protect Your Home While On Vacation

Leaving for a vacation brings excitement, but it also calls for safeguarding your home while you're away. We've all heard the saying "better safe than sorry," and when it comes to protecting our homes, that wisdom holds true.

Whether you're setting off to explore new horizons or simply taking a breather, here are some practical tips to ensure your home stays secure during your absence.

Notify Trusted Neighbors: A Little Help Goes a Long Way

Your neighbor can keep an eye out for anything strange around your place. You could also share a key with them, just in case they need to get inside for any reason. It's like having an extra set of eyes and hands nearby.

Notify Security Company and Police: An Underrated Service

When it comes to looking out for our home while we're away, it's nice to have a little help from our local security company and police department. They've got services designed to keep an eye on things when we're not around.

Here's how teaming up with them can make a difference:

• Vacation Note: Give your nearby police station a shout and ask about their vacation notification service. This lets them know your home will be empty for a bit. They might ask when you're going and coming back, plus who to contact in an emergency.

• Patrol Check-ins: Some police folks do rounds in the neighborhood, and they can swing by your place too. While they can't be glued to your door, just having them around can make those thinking of breaking in think twice.

• Peace of Mind: It's not just about stopping bad stuff. Knowing the police are giving your place a look now and then can help you relax about leaving your home behind.

Install Security Systems: Peace of Mind on All Fronts

Installing security systems can greatly enhance the safety of your home while you're away. These systems offer a range of features designed to deter intruders and provide you with peace of mind.

Have a Front Door Camera: Your Watchful Sentry

A front door camera is an invaluable addition to your security setup, whether you're at home or not. This device offers real-time alerts when someone approaches your door, notifies you when packages are delivered, and monitors activities in front of your house.

Many modern front door cameras also include facial recognition technology, instantly alerting you when human presence or movement is detected.

Here are a few popular brands of front door cameras along with their pros and cons:

1. Ring:

   • Pros: Ring offers various features including motion detection, two-way audio, and cloud storage for recorded footage. Integration with other Ring products is seamless, and the app is user-friendly.
   • Cons: Recurring costs for cloud storage can add up over time, potentially making it a pricier option in the long run. Video quality might be dependent on Wi-Fi signal strength.

2. Nest Hello:

   • Pros: Nest Hello provides high-quality video, advanced facial recognition, and continuous recording with a Nest Aware subscription. Works well with Google Nest devices.
   • Cons: The upfront cost is higher compared to other options, and the subscription fees for advanced features can be quite expensive. Initial setup might be slightly more complex.

3. Arlo Video Doorbell:

   • Pros: Arlo offers a sleek design, clear video quality, and wide viewing angle. It includes advanced features like person and package detection, along with options for local storage.
   • Cons: Recurring subscription fees are required for cloud storage and certain advanced features. Initial setup could be a bit more involved.

4. Eufy Security Video Doorbell:

   • Pros: Eufy offers a one-time purchase model with no subscription fees for basic features. It provides local storage via a microSD card, AI-based person detection, and customizable motion zones.
   • Cons: The user interface might not be as polished as other brands, and compatibility with smart home devices could be limited.

5. August Doorbell Cam Pro:

   • Pros: August's integration with its Smart Lock system is a standout feature. It includes HindSight, capturing video before motion-triggered events, and a relatively straightforward installation process.
   • Cons: Some users have reported issues with motion detection accuracy. While there are no mandatory subscription costs, certain features might require a subscription.

6. Wyze Video Doorbell:

   • Pros: Wyze offers affordability with features like local storage, motion detection, and two-way audio. It's a budget-friendly option.
   • Cons: The video quality might not be as high as more premium options, and customer support experiences can vary. There could also be potential limitations in terms of advanced features.

When picking a front door camera, weigh upfront costs against potential subscriptions. Some affordable options may require added fees, while higher-priced ones might offer more without extra charges. Your decision depends on budget, desired features, and willingness to pay for ongoing services.

Set Up an Internal Camera: Keeping a Virtual Eye Indoors

Internal cameras placed strategically inside your home can provide an extra layer of security. These cameras allow you to remotely monitor the interior, ensuring that everything is as it should be. They are particularly useful for keeping an eye on pets, checking for potential leaks or malfunctions, and receiving alerts if unexpected movements are detected.

Keep Faucet Dripping during Winter Freezing Season: Wise Winter Practice

Taking care of your home during different seasons is essential. In winter, leaving faucets dripping slightly can prevent pipes from freezing and bursting, which could lead to significant water damage. This simple step can save you from costly repairs and maintain the integrity of your home's plumbing system.

In the winter of 2022, it was freezing cold in our state, while we were traveling in Mexico. This simple measure spared us from water pipes cracking. Sadly, many of our neighbors who remained home weren't as fortunate – their pipes suffered bursts.

This experience taught us a valuable lesson: even when we're home, extreme winter weather demands that we let faucets drip as a preventive measure.

Landscaping Maintenance: Beyond Beauty

Taking care of your yard while you're off on vacation isn't just about looks – it keeps things safe too. If your lawn looks neglected, it might scream "empty house" to passersby. If you're in an HOA, arranging for someone to tend to your yard while you're away can keep things shipshape and in line with their rules.

When we're away, we make sure our landscaping service comes by. This stops the grass from going wild by the time we return. Gotta keep things tidy, or our HOA won't be pleased.

Timers for Lights and Electronics: A Pretend Presence

Creating the illusion that your home is occupied is a key strategy for deterring potential burglars. Timers for indoor lights, TVs, and radios can mimic your daily routines, making it seem as though someone is home. This added layer of security can dissuade criminals who might be observing your property.

Motion-Activated Lights: Light Up the Night

Set timers for indoor lights, TVs, and radios to give the illusion that someone is home. This can help deter burglars who might be monitoring your property.

Hold Mail and Deliveries

When your mailbox is overflowing and newspapers pile up, it's like a neon sign saying "Nobody's Home," which isn't great for security. To keep up appearances, you can pause mail and paper deliveries, or have a friendly neighbor lend a hand.

By the way, I've got more tips on staying in the loop with your mail in my post "How to Get Mails While Traveling: Tips and Strategies."

Secure Your Car

When you're off on vacation and your car stays home, don't forget about its safety. Make sure it's locked up tight, and don't leave any spare keys behind. A lonely car sitting around for a while can catch the eye of thieves, so better be cautious.

Avoid Social Media Posts

Hold back from spreading the word about your vacation on social media. Blabbing about it out there can tip off possible thieves that your place is empty. Keep the excitement offline for now!

Secure Valuables

Before you take off on your vacation, give your precious stuff some extra protection. Think about tucking away important papers, jewelry, and valuable things in a safe or another secure spot. These steps make it less likely that you'll lose those irreplaceable items if things go sideways with a break-in.

Unplug Electronics: Smart Energy and Safety

Unplugging non-essential electronics before leaving serves multiple purposes. It protects your devices from potential power surges or electrical issues while reducing energy consumption. Additionally, it eliminates the risk of electronic devices malfunctioning and causing a fire in your absence.

Here are a few examples of electronics you might want to consider unplugging when you're away:

1. Television and Audio Systems: Unplug your TV, soundbar, or home theater system to prevent energy consumption and potential electrical issues.

2. Chargers: Disconnect chargers for devices like smartphones, laptops, and tablets to prevent phantom energy usage.

3. Kitchen Appliances: Unplug appliances like the toaster, coffee maker, and microwave to save energy and minimize risks.

4. Computer Equipment: Turn off and unplug your computer, monitor, printer, and peripherals to protect them from power fluctuations.

5. Small Kitchen Appliances: Unplug blenders, food processors, and slow cookers to prevent unnecessary power usage.

6. Gaming Consoles: If not gaming, unplug gaming consoles to conserve power.

7. Wi-Fi Router: Temporarily disconnect the Wi-Fi router to save energy, but be aware that devices relying on the internet will lose connectivity.

8. Lamps and Lighting: Unplug lamps and lighting fixtures to reduce energy consumption and fire risks.

Keep HVAC Running: Climate Care

Maintaining the proper climate inside your home is crucial, especially during extreme weather conditions.

In winter, ensure your heating system is functioning and set to a temperature that prevents freezing pipes.

In summer, keep your air conditioning system running to prevent excessive heat and humidity that could potentially damage your belongings.

Special: Take care of your Tesla

If you have a Tesla car, don't forget to do some preparation before you leave for vacation.

Taking care of your Tesla while you're away requires a few simple steps to ensure it remains in good condition. Whether you're going on a short trip or an extended vacation, here's how to keep your Tesla safe and ready for your return:

1. Park Indoors if Possible: If you have access to a garage or covered parking, it's ideal to park your Tesla indoors. This provides protection from the elements and reduces the risk of any external damage.

2. Charge to the Desired Level: Before leaving, ensure your Tesla is adequately charged to the desired level. Tesla recommends leaving your car plugged in and setting the charge limit to around 50% if you plan to be away for an extended period. This helps preserve battery health.

3. Enable Sentry Mode: If your Tesla is equipped with Sentry Mode, activate it before leaving. Sentry Mode uses the car's cameras to monitor and record its surroundings, providing added security in your absence.

4. Turn Off Cabin Overheat Protection: If you're in a relatively mild climate, consider turning off Cabin Overheat Protection. This feature helps keep the interior cool when the car is parked, but disabling it can help save energy while you're away.

5. Disable Smart Summon and Autopilot: If you have Smart Summon or Autopilot features enabled, it's a good idea to disable them before leaving. This prevents any accidental activation or unintended actions while your car is parked.

6. Check Tire Pressure: Ensure that your Tesla's tire pressure is within the recommended range before you leave. Proper tire pressure contributes to better energy efficiency and handling.

7. Secure Storage: If you have valuables or personal items in your car, make sure they're out of sight or store them securely. This minimizes the risk of theft or any damage to your belongings.

8. Notify Tesla: In some cases, you might want to notify Tesla's customer support about your plans. This can be especially useful if you'll be away for an extended period, as they can provide guidance or assistance if needed.

9. Remote Monitoring: If you have the Tesla app, you can remotely monitor your car's status and location. This allows you to check its charge level, location, and even pre-condition the cabin if necessary.

10. Regular Software Updates: Make sure your Tesla is up to date with the latest software updates before you leave. This ensures that your car benefits from any improvements or bug fixes released by Tesla.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your Tesla remains safe, well-maintained, and ready for your return.

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I hope these tips are helpful and leave you peace of mind as you embark on your travels!