How to Protect Your Home While You're on Vacation

An Empty Home Is a Target

Burglars look for signs that nobody's home: piled-up mail, dark windows every night, untouched snow or overgrown lawns. A vacation means your home sits unoccupied for days or weeks, but smart preparation makes it look and function as if you never left. These strategies range from free common-sense moves to affordable technology solutions.

Before You Leave

Handle the basics before you walk out the door. Hold your mail and package deliveries or arrange for a neighbor to collect them daily. Set multiple interior lights on randomized timers—not just one lamp on a predictable schedule. Adjust your thermostat to a reasonable range (not off) to prevent pipe issues and maintain the appearance of occupancy. Lock all doors, windows, and the garage. Don't hide a spare key outside. Unplug unnecessary electronics to prevent fire risk and save energy. If you have a security system, ensure it's armed and your monitoring service has your current contact information.

Technology That Helps

Smart home devices are excellent vacation security tools. Smart plugs on lamps and a TV simulate normal activity patterns. Video doorbells let you see and speak to anyone who approaches your door from anywhere in the world. Outdoor cameras with motion alerts notify you of activity on your property. Smart lighting that mimics your normal patterns (different rooms at different times) is far more convincing than a single light on a timer. Water leak sensors alert you to plumbing problems before they become disasters. All of these can be monitored from your phone while you're on the beach.

The Human Element

Technology supplements but doesn't replace human presence. Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to check on your home every day or two—varying the time they visit. Have someone park in your driveway occasionally. If you're gone for an extended period, arrange for lawn care and snow removal to continue on schedule. Let one trusted neighbor know your travel dates so they can watch for unusual activity. Don't announce your vacation on social media until after you return—broadcasting an empty home to hundreds of connections is an unnecessary risk.

When You Return

If you arrive home and something seems wrong—an open door, broken window, or signs of entry—don't go inside. Call police from outside and wait for them to clear the house. Assuming everything is normal, walk through your home checking for any issues: water leaks, unusual odors, or anything out of place. Reset your timers, resume mail delivery, and check your security camera footage for anything noteworthy during your absence. A smooth return means your preparation worked exactly as intended.