Taking a vacation is all about relaxation, but concerns about your home’s safety can sometimes add unnecessary stress. Before you embark on your journey, there are steps you can take to ensure that your home remains secure, giving you peace of mind. Here are ten effective ways to protect your home while you’re away.

1. Install a Smart Security System
Investing in a reliable home security system is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your home. Today’s smart systems offer real-time alerts, video monitoring, and remote access, allowing you to check on your property from anywhere. Many systems can also be connected to other smart devices, such as lights and alarms, adding layers of protection against intruders. With a professional monitoring service, you can be sure your home is being watched 24/7, even while you’re away.

2. Use Timers for Lights and Electronics
Setting timers on your lights, TVs, or radios can create the illusion that someone is home. Place these devices on staggered schedules, so they mimic the normal patterns of your household. Many smart plugs and lighting systems offer the convenience of app-based control, allowing you to adjust the schedule from wherever you are. With lights turning on and off unpredictably, potential intruders are less likely to risk entering an active-looking home.

3. Enlist a Trusted Neighbor
Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to keep an eye on your property. They can pick up your mail, bring in any packages, and generally monitor the house for anything unusual. If they’re willing, give them a spare key to check on the interior periodically. Having someone you trust nearby not only helps deter criminal activity but also allows them to address any unexpected issues, such as a water leak or an unlocked door.

4. Hold Mail and Package Deliveries
An overflowing mailbox or packages piling up on the porch are clear signs that nobody is home. Before you leave, contact your post office and place a hold on your mail. Many postal services offer online requests for mail holds, making it easy to pause deliveries for up to a month. For any packages you’re expecting, either reschedule delivery or arrange for a neighbor to bring them in.

5. Keep Your Social Media Activity Discreet
As tempting as it might be to share photos from your vacation, broadcasting your absence on social media can make your home a target. Avoid posting updates about your travel plans or current location until after you return. Likewise, keep your vacation details discreet among only a few trusted individuals and avoid publicly tagging locations while you’re away.

6. Secure Windows and Doors
Double-checking that all windows and doors are locked might sound obvious, but it’s an essential step. Inspect each entry point in your home, especially those that may not be used often, like basement or attic windows. For added security, install window locks and deadbolts on doors. If you have sliding doors, placing a dowel or rod in the track can prevent them from being forced open.

7. Store Valuables in a Safe Place
Before leaving, secure any valuables, such as jewelry, important documents, or expensive electronics, in a home safe or a concealed area. A good-quality safe can protect these items not only from theft but also from fires or other damage. If you don’t have a safe, consider storing valuables in unusual places that are less likely to be noticed, such as a hollowed-out book or behind larger items in closets.

8. Avoid Leaving Spare Keys Outside
While hiding a spare key under the doormat or in a flowerpot might seem convenient, these are the first places a burglar will check. Instead, give a spare key to a trusted neighbor or family member. Better yet, consider installing a smart lock that allows you to create temporary access codes for trusted people to enter your home if necessary.

9. Set Up Motion-Sensor Lights
Installing motion-sensor lights around your property can be a strong deterrent for anyone lurking around. Place these lights in vulnerable areas such as entrances, walkways, and near garage doors. When someone approaches, the sudden illumination can startle potential intruders, often discouraging them from proceeding further. Solar-powered motion-sensor lights are an eco-friendly option and won’t run up your energy bill.

10. Maintain Your Yard and Exterior
If you’re going to be gone for an extended period, an unkempt lawn or piled-up leaves can signal an empty home. Arrange for someone to mow the lawn, water plants, and remove any fallen branches. If you have automated sprinklers, ensure they’re set to water regularly. For a quick upgrade, installing fake security cameras can also be a helpful visual deterrent; even if they aren’t functional, their presence alone can discourage potential thieves.

Final Thoughts
Taking these precautions can help safeguard your home, allowing you to enjoy your vacation without constant worry. Securing your property before you leave not only helps prevent theft but also provides you with peace of mind, knowing your belongings and personal space are safe. From setting up smart systems to enlisting a neighbor’s help, a few proactive steps can make a significant difference. Enjoy your time away knowing that your home is protected and waiting for your return.

See more: https://www.portugalresidencyadvisors.com/10-ways-to-protect-your-home-when-youre-on-vacation/