Vacations are a fantastic time to let all your worries about the world simply dissolve and enjoy some much earned and much needed TLC. However, the smartest way to actually allow yourself to enjoy your vacation is by ensuring that your home is protected while you are away – because, the fact is, that unoccupied and unguarded homes are at risk for burglary. Here’s a guide from the 24 hour locksmith service experts here at Top Locksmith on the best ways to ensure your home is protected while you are on your vacation.
Make your Home Appear Occupied
Burglars often look for homes without occupants – so regardless of if you’re going to simply be away for a couple of days, weeks, or even months, it’s essential to make it look like your home is still occupied.
- Make sure that your yard is landscaped throughout the time you are away.
- Have somebody pick up your mail or packages so that they don’t pile up in the mailbox or front step – a friend or a neighbor is a good bed.
- Put lights inside your home on timers to make it appear like there’s activity inside different rooms of your house.
- Ask a trusted friend or family member to keep watch over your home and inform you if they notice anything suspicious.
Remote Surveillance
Install a smart home security system with remote video surveillance capabilities. Using this technology, you can view your home from any location in the world by simply logging into a website or application on your desktop. Home security systems are also a good bed, as they often come packaged with monitoring services and motion detectors that automatically contact local authorities if a threat or burglar is detected.
Renting your Home
Many homeowners decide to sublet or rent out their home when they are away through websites like Airbnb or Vacation Rentals by Owner. This is a fantastic way to make some money on the side and ensure that at the very least that your apartment won’t be left vulnerable and unoccupied when you are gone, especially if you can’t get a friend or neighbor to check up on your property for you when you are away. It’s important to keep in mind:
- Make sure to get to know the renters, at least meeting them in person before giving them the keys. It’s essential to get an idea of whether they seem trustworthy.
- Place all valuables in a highly secure and hidden safe, or take them with you.
- Document the condition of your home with a time stamped photo before you leave in order to provide insurance in the event of having to file a damages or theft claim when you return (although we hope you won’t have to do this at all.)