Nothing should dampen the excitement of your upcoming vacation—especially worries about your home’s security. Every year, millions of homeowners face the challenge of protecting their property while they’re miles away, enjoying well-deserved time off.
The statistics tell a sobering story: according to the FBI, a burglary occurs every 25.7 seconds in the United States. While you can’t control crime rates, you can take decisive action to protect your most valuable asset. The good news? With proper preparation and the right strategies, you can significantly reduce your risk and enjoy peace of mind throughout your trip.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through proven methods to secure your home before you leave, leverage technology for remote monitoring, and avoid common mistakes that inadvertently signal to criminals that your house is empty. By implementing these strategies, you’ll return to find everything exactly as you left it.
Essential Pre-Departure Security Checklist
Your vacation security starts with a systematic approach to preparing your home. These fundamental steps create the foundation of an effective security plan.
Lock Down All Entry Points 
Walk through your entire property and secure every possible entry point. This means more than just your front door. Check sliding doors, basement entrances, garage doors, and any ground-level windows. Install deadbolts on doors that don’t have them, and consider upgrading to smart locks that allow you to monitor access remotely.
Don’t overlook less obvious entry points like doggie doors, which can provide access to determined intruders. If possible, seal these temporarily while you’re away.
Secure Your Mail and Deliveries
Nothing screams “nobody’s home” quite like an overflowing mailbox or packages piling up on your doorstep. Contact your local post office to place a hold on mail delivery, or arrange for a trusted neighbor to collect it daily. Don’t forget about newspaper deliveries, package shipments, and any regular service deliveries you might receive.
For online orders, consider having them delivered to your workplace or a trusted friend’s address instead. If you’re expecting important packages, reschedule delivery dates to after your return.
Set Up Lighting Controls
Consistent lighting patterns help maintain the illusion that someone is home. Set interior lights on timers to turn on and off at realistic times—not just when it gets dark, but throughout the evening as someone would naturally move through the house. Vary the pattern slightly each day to avoid predictable schedules that observant criminals might notice.
Leverage Technology for Remote Home Protection
Smart home technology has revolutionized vacation security, giving homeowners unprecedented control and visibility over their properties from anywhere in the world.
Smart Security Systems
Modern security systems offer far more than traditional alarm setups. Look for systems that provide real-time alerts to your smartphone, allowing you to receive immediate notifications of any suspicious activity. Many systems include door and window sensors, motion detectors, and glass break sensors that work together to create comprehensive coverage.
Consider systems that integrate with local emergency services to enable automatic response when you are unable to personally address an alert. Research shows that homes with visible security systems are 300% less likely to be targeted by burglars.
Video Surveillance Solutions
Security cameras serve dual purposes: they deter criminal activity and provide valuable evidence in the event of an incident. Modern camera systems offer features like night vision, motion-activated recording, and smartphone connectivity that lets you check on your property anytime.
Position cameras strategically at main entry points, covering driveways, front and back doors, and any side entrances. Visible cameras act as deterrents, while well-hidden ones can capture evidence of any criminal activity.
Automated Home Controls
Smart home automation extends beyond security to create realistic occupancy patterns. Program smart thermostats to maintain normal temperature schedules, use automated window coverings to open and close at regular times, and set smart speakers to play music or television sounds at appropriate intervals.
These technologies work together to create the most convincing impression that your home remains occupied throughout your absence.
Build Your Support Network
Technology is powerful, but human oversight remains irreplaceable for comprehensive home security.
Engage Trusted Neighbors
Your neighbors are your best allies in home security. Inform trusted neighbors about your travel dates and provide them with your contact information. Ask them to keep an eye out for suspicious activity, collect any unexpected deliveries, and generally maintain awareness of your property.
Consider reciprocating this arrangement when they travel—community security networks benefit everyone involved.
Professional House-Sitting Services
For extended vacations, professional house-sitting services provide the highest level of security. These services ensure someone is physically present in your home, maintaining normal activity patterns while providing real-time security monitoring.
Research house-sitting services thoroughly, checking references and insurance coverage. The investment often pays for itself through enhanced security and additional services like plant care and mail collection.
Local Security Patrols
Many communities offer security patrol services that can include your home in regular check-ups during your absence. These services provide professional security oversight and can respond quickly to any issues that arise.
Avoid Social Media Security Mistakes
Your excitement about upcoming travel can inadvertently compromise your home’s security through social media activity.
Keep Travel Plans Private
Resist the urge to share travel countdown posts, boarding pass photos, or real-time vacation updates. This information essentially announces to your entire social network—and potentially criminals—that your home is unoccupied.
Save the vacation photos for after you return home safely. Your friends will still appreciate seeing your adventures, and you’ll avoid broadcasting your absence to potential burglars.
Review Privacy Settings
Examine your social media privacy settings to ensure your posts aren’t visible to unintended audiences. Even with privacy controls, be cautious about sharing travel information online—data breaches and privacy violations can expose this information to criminal networks.
Your Peace of Mind Starts With Action
Protecting your home during vacation requires planning, but the investment in time and resources pays dividends in security and peace of mind. By implementing comprehensive pre-departure preparations, leveraging smart technology, building support networks, and avoiding social media mistakes, you create multiple layers of protection for your property.
The most effective home security strategy combines several of these approaches rather than relying on any single method. Start planning your security measures as soon as you book your trip—proper preparation takes time, but it’s the foundation of effective protection.
Ready to take your home security to the next level? Contact our security experts today for a complimentary home security assessment. We’ll evaluate your property’s unique vulnerabilities and design a customized protection plan that fits your budget and lifestyle. Don’t leave your home’s security to chance—take action now and enjoy your vacation with complete confidence.