Traveling comes with plenty of perks, but it also has its downsides—one of the biggest being home security. While financial costs and trip planning are common concerns, the risk of leaving your home unprotected is often overlooked.

Unless you have roommates or family members staying behind, your home may be vulnerable to break-ins and other threats.

Before you set off on your journey, take a few simple precautions to ensure your home remains safe and secure. The last thing you want is to spend your trip worrying about what’s happening back home.

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7 Ways to Increase Your Home Security While Traveling

Here’s what the experts recommend…

Home Security Tips While Traveling

Hire a House Sitter

One of the best ways to protect your home while traveling is to hire a house sitter. This is especially common for pet owners, but anyone can benefit from having someone check in on their home.

Depending on your home’s needs and the length of your trip, you can have the sitter stay overnight or simply stop by daily to check on things. A house sitter can:
✔️ Care for pets
✔️ Water plants or gardens
✔️ Bring in mail & take out trash
✔️ Monitor home security

Ask a Friend to Check In

If hiring a house sitter isn’t an option, ask a trusted friend or family member to stop by a few times during your trip. Give them a spare key and a checklist of things to inspect, such as:
🔹 Heating & air conditioning
🔹 Plumbing & potential leaks
🔹 Unplugging unnecessary devices

If anything seems off, they can notify you immediately so you can address the issue before returning home.

Alert Your Neighbors

If you prefer not to hire a sitter but still want extra eyes on your home, inform your trusted neighbors that you’ll be away. Ask them to report any suspicious activity.

Many communities also have neighborhood watch programs that work with law enforcement to keep homes safe. If available, consider joining before your trip for added security and peace of mind.

Essential Home Security Tips Before Traveling

Install a Security System

A reliable home security system provides peace of mind while you’re away. There are two main types:

✔️ Unmonitored Systems – Sound an alarm when an intruder is detected but do not contact authorities.
✔️ Monitored Systems – Use sensors, cameras, and remote alerts to notify you or law enforcement of any issues.

If you’re planning to sell your home, installing a security system can also increase its value and appeal to potential buyers.

Ensure Your Home is Well-Maintained

Before you leave, take care of any necessary home maintenance to avoid unexpected issues, especially if you’re managing a buy-and-sell situation. Prioritize:

🔹 Electrical & HVAC checks
🔹 Plumbing inspections
🔹 Roof, window, and structural repairs

Create a pre-travel maintenance checklist so you won’t have to worry about potential breakdowns while you’re away.

Use Light Timers for Added Security

Burglars often target vacant homes, but you can deter them by making it look like someone is home. Set timers for your lights to turn on and off at different times, mimicking a natural routine.

💡 Pro tip: Stagger lighting across different rooms to make your home appear occupied.

Check Locks, Alarms & Detectors

In the days leading up to your trip, perform a security sweep:

✔️ Test fire alarms & smoke detectors
✔️ Ensure doors & windows are locked
✔️ Verify that security cameras & alarms are functional
✔️ Unplug electronics like TVs & computers to prevent fire hazards

Final step: Before heading out, do a last-minute walkthrough to double-check everything is secure. A few extra minutes of preparation can save you from major headaches later!

The Bottom Line: Keep Your Home Safe While Traveling

Don’t let home security concerns overshadow your travel experience. With modern security technology and smart planning, you can protect your home while you’re away.

Key Steps to Secure Your Home Before Traveling:
✔️ Install a security system to deter intruders.
✔️ Enlist help from trusted friends, family, or neighbors to check in periodically.
✔️ Prevent disasters like fires, floods, or frozen pipes by keeping up with maintenance and testing alarms.
✔️ Consider hiring a house sitter to monitor your property and handle unexpected issues.

By taking proactive security measures, you can increase your home’s protection and enjoy a worry-free vacation. Follow these steps to safeguard your home and travel with peace of mind!