Tips for Securing Your Home While Traveling

With the world starting to get back into traveling again, there is a lot of talk among homeowners, buyers, and real estate agents about whether it’s worth the investment to get a home security system. If you are going to be away from home for a week or longer, then it’s always a good idea to take some steps to keep your home safe while you are gone. Adding a home security system, however, is just one of a few updates that can make sure that your home is safe and sound when you get back. 

Install a smart home device

Smart home devices are nothing new — Google Home came out in 2016, Amazon’s Alexa was released in 2014, and Apple’s Nest came out in 2011— but these types of devices have gained in popularity recently. A smart home device means that you can control everything about your home from lights to the temperature and electronic devices from anywhere. The advantage of these while you are traveling is that you can create the appearance that you are home, even when you aren’t. You can even go so far as to install smart locks on your home. Some smart home devices can be paired with a home security company that can watch your home for any foul play and notify you. Another advantage of adding a smart home device is that this can be a top home selling feature to potential buyers.

Give your yard some TLC

Another way to make it seem like you are home when you aren’t, and to therefore protect your home from being a target for thieves, is to make sure your yard is in check while you are gone. The most important step is to make sure your yard maintenance is up to date before you leave. A weekend spent weeding might do the job but If you are going to be gone for more than a week, having a gardener come and do basic yard maintenance at least once a week can keep your yard from looking unruly.

Stop your mail and newspaper service

A pile of mail and newspapers is a definite no-no while traveling away from home. For trips longer than a week you’ll also want to put a hold on your mail and newspapers or have a neighbor stop by to pick them up for you. While it requires some advanced planning, this can provide a lot of peace of mind to be sure your home and your mail are safe.

Have a friend or neighbor be your eyes while you are away from home

Probably the best safeguard for your home while you are traveling, is to have a friend or neighbor who you trust stop by to make sure everything is going smoothly. This person can stop in once a week or more to check on your yard, collect mail, and generally make sure that there are no issues. While hiring someone to do this is one option, if you have a trusted friend who lives close by you can have that extra peace of mind.

There’s no doubt that traveling can be exciting, but it can also be a source of worry if you will be away from home for more than a few nights. Taking steps to have some security measures in place can help ease some of that anxiety.