So, you’re slowly packing your bags for your next big trip. If you plan to go somewhere sunny to escape a cold Christmas, you are probably focused on figuring out what you might need to do to protect yourself from the sun and the heat that awaits you. Or, you might be excited about your field trip to Florida with your kids. Whatever your destination may be, it is essential to consider the safety of your home and your possessions while you are away. That is why we will discuss how to protect your home while traveling so that you do not leave anything to chance.

Why you need to protect your home while traveling

You might feel like nothing could surprise you when you prepare thoroughly for the journey. And you are not alone. Interestingly, most people tend to worry about the safety of the belongings they bring with them on the trip. This is because people usually associate the very feeling of safety with being at home. As a result, their caution is usually focused on avoiding pickpockets and frauds in a foreign country or state. 

However, eagerness to finally sit on the plane or the bus taking you to your vacation may distort your judgment. Just take note of the fact that most break-ins and burglaries happen during the holiday season. And of course, we are not saying it is not important to determine what you should not travel without. But, it is equally important to think about safety precautions you ought to make to ensure your home and your belongings are safe and secure. In that sense, a few things can help you deter criminals while you are traveling. 

Create an illusion that someone is at home

Certainly, the last thing you would want to happen to you during your holiday is a burglary. All of the lovely memories you make on your trip could be outright tainted by such an awful experience. So, instead of becoming a crime statistic, you should do everything in your power to outsmart burglars. 

The first step toward fortifying your home is to make it seem like someone is there all the time. You can set up an automatic timer on radios, TVs, and even lights to give away a false impression you are at home. Just make sure you set the timer to turn off the lights during the day. It will be incredibly suspicious if your porch light is turned on in broad daylight. When it comes to curtains and blinds, the best strategy is to position them to look like everything is normal, but don’t allow the possibility for someone to examine what is inside. 

Ask a friend, neighbor, or relative to check up on your home

If you have a backyard, you should tidy it up and mow it before leaving your home. This way, the grass will take longer to grow out and show that no one is actually there. Also, if you are traveling in your car, ask a friend or a neighbor to park theirs in your driveway. 

In addition, you can ask someone you trust to check the house from time to time and collect mail, packages, and newspapers. A single stray furniture catalog on your doorstep or a promotional flyer on your doorknob could be a sign that the property is vacant. If you are going away for more than a week, you should consider canceling your subscriptions for the time being. 

Lock all doors and windows

This might sound like unnecessary advice. But you would be surprised how many break-ins happen due to this kind of oversight. Be sure to double-check if all possible entrances are safely locked. The same goes for pet doors and mail slots. Burglars can make use of these kinds of openings to insert tools that can help them break into your house. Also, be sure to disconnect any doors that can be opened automatically. For example, you should turn off the electronic opener in your garage and place a padlock on the doors instead. 

Remove all valuables from your home

If you have money, artwork, or jewelry that you cannot afford to lose, do not keep them inside your home. You should consider taking your valuables to a safe storage unit while you are traveling. This way, you will ensure the safety of the most important items as well as your peace of mind. Moreover, it is not only the promise of luxury items that might instigate a burglary. Even newer appliances might provoke someone to try to break into your home. So, if you have state-of-the-art technology such as TVs or sound systems, it might be a good idea to lock them up while you are away.

Be careful about your social media posts

During the holiday season, many homes are targeted by criminal organizations for weeks. So much so that they might even follow you on social media to see if you are traveling. In that sense, as much as it might be tempting to share photos and live videos of your holiday, it is better if you restrain yourself. 

Of course, we are not saying you must not indulge in sharing your experiences with your followers. But it is wiser if you postpone posting on your social media until you return from your vacation. You can also lock your profiles or switch to ‘Private’ for the time being if you cannot resist the urge to post. Also, if you decide to share a photo, make sure you remove the geotags. Just think about it. Abstinence from posting on social media is another way to protect your home while traveling. And – it is free and effortless. So, if you observe it from that perspective, you might be able to acknowledge how important it is.