The Home Security Vacation Reminder Checklist

Some of this will be obvious, but maybe you can use the reminder. Some items on this list may not be applicable for short trips, but any vacation longer than 3 days qualifies. So, here we go!

13 Household Security measures to take before you lock the door and drive away

DAYS OR WEEKS IN ADVANCE

days or weeks In Advance

Arrange for these things a few days or weeks before you leave:

1.    Have a trusted friend drop by every few days to take newspapers and flyers away from the door, and to pick up your mail. Nothing screams "vacant" more than these things building up on your doorstep. If you don't have anyone to remove papers and mail, place a temporary hold on them so they're not delivered.

2.    If you're expecting packages, arrange for a neighbor to collect them, or have the packages dropped at someone else's house. If you have Ring or similar, you will know when a package is delivered, and you can call the neighbor.

3.    If you're leaving pets behind, including fish, reptiles, and mammals, provide for their care well in advance. Many vacations are thrown into chaos because no one planned for the pets until the last minute, and the pet sitter isn't available.

4.    Lock away or remove valuables from the home while you're away. Even a long weekend away. As a trusted friend to hold onto them or put them into a safe.

5.    Arrange for lawn care in summer or snow removal in winter.

6.    Buy a light timer, so that you can make it look like you're home. If you have smart bulbs, you can turn lights on and off from your phone.

7.    If you have a monitored security system, let them know you'll be gone. If you don't, consider getting one, or at least getting a Ring or similar property monitoring system.

The Day of…

Before you drive away, do these things:

1.    Remove the spare key from anyplace you've secreted it outside. (Give it personally to anyone who's allowed to go in and out of the house.) Thieves are excellent at finding hidden keys.

2.    Before you walk out of the house, go around and make sure all doors and windows are locked. Sometimes we forget the random window at the back of the house.

3.    Unplug kitchen appliances, TVs, and computers, not just turn them off. You'll save on electricity, plus avoid potential power surges that could damage equipment.

4.    Set the thermostat at a reasonable temperature for an empty house. Not so cold in winter that could freeze pipes. If you're leaving animals, not too hot or cold for them, including fish.

5.    If you don’t have a living room full of priceless antiques, consider keeping curtains open in the main living area of the home. It'll look less like you're away. If someone else is looking after your home, ask if they'll open and close the drapes in the morning and evening.

6.    Keep a lamp or two on a timer, and if possible, your exterior lights. If you don't have exteriors on a timer, leave them on. If you have smart bulbs or a smart electrical system, you can use your phone to turn lights on and off. 

As always, if you’re planning a move, let us know how our team can help with the real estate side of things.