Tag: How To Protect Your Home When On Vacation

In part one of our blog, we discussed some general things you can do to protect your home when you’re on vacation. If you missed it, catch up here! In part 2, we are continuing that topic with ways you can protect your home from actual damage from water, pipes, electricity, etc. Read on!

Lights

Despite what you might have heard or even done in the past, it is not wise to keep lights on while you’re on vacation. First of all, it will run up your utility bill and waste energy. But having lights on throughout the night and all during the day looks a little suspicious. No one keeps the same lights on all the time! Instead, invest in a light switch timer that turns lights on and off according to a programmed schedule. If a burglar is keeping an eye on your house, he will probably assume someone is home flipping the light switches.

Water

If you’re going to be gone longer than a week or so, you should consider shutting off your water. Either way, you should show your house sitter (tip number one from our first blog) where the water main shut-off is just in case of a water emergency.

Unplug

According to the Consumer Energy Center, many appliances use power even when they’re turned off. Before you leave town, you should unplug your television, computer, toaster oven, chargers, etc. to protect them from power surges. This saves power as well!

Curtains & Blinds

You would probably expect us to tell you to keep your curtains or blinds shut to keep your home cool, but that’s actually not our recommendation. Keep your curtains and blinds the way you would have them if you were at home. If you usually leave them open during the day, leave them that way. Noticeable changes like this could tip off a burglar.

There you have it…8 simple ways to protect your home while you’re on vacation! With these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your vacation, not worrying about what’s going on at home. For other home tips and insight, follow our boards on Pinterest!

Happy travels!

Coming back from a vacation is always tough…back to reality! However, coming home to realize that something has happened while you were gone can be downright devastating. There are certain precautions you can take to be sure a disaster like that doesn’t happen. In our two-part series, find out how to protect your home when on vacation!

House-Sitter

A couple of weeks before you leave on vacation, ask a trusted friend or neighbor to keep an eye on things while you are gone. This will not only help you be alerted if anything bad were to happen, but it will also give you peace of mind. Make sure they have a key to your house and at least one phone number where you can be contacted. In addition to keeping an eye on your home, ask if they will check your mail and pick up any newspapers, flyers, etc. Burglars will know if someone is out of town if newspapers start to stack up. Be sure to bring your house sitter back something special from your trip as a thank you!

Social Media

As tempting as it may be to post your incredible vacation pictures, or tell all your friends/followers how amazing ____________ was…don’t. The Internet does not consist of only your friends and family. Even burglars can see what you post. So avoid posting on social media during your vacation…you can do that when you get back!

Jewelry & Valuables

If you aren’t taking your jewelry or valuables with you, then be sure they are out of sight and in a secure place. Make especially certain they are not visible from a door or window.

Spare Key

That fake rock isn’t fooling anyone…certainly not burglars! Pick up your spare key from its “hiding place” and give your house sitter one of your own keys. You don’t want to risk someone else knowing the location of your spare key and letting themselves into your home.

But wait, there’s more! Stay tuned for part 2 of our “How To Protect Your Home When On Vacation” series.