Ways to Safeguard your Home While on Vacation

When you are planning your perfect getaway in the sand, the last thing you want to worry about is something disastrous happening to your beloved home. It can be hard to pinpoint what needs to be done and prepared before you hit the road. Luckily, we have compiled a list of the most important key items that should be done to protect your home and your belongings.

Keep your Landlord Informed – It can be a great thing to make sure you inform your landlord when you will be away from your home for an extended amount of time. This way, they can keep an eye on your property and keep you informed if anything major is happening that would affect your property.
Make your Home Appear Lived In – The last thing you want to happen is a passerby to see mail piled up, or your grass overgrown. These visuals give very clear clues to criminals that your house is not being occupied for the moment. Taking the simple initiative to ensure that your grass is still being mowed, and going to the post office to place a temporary vacation hold on your mail can protect your home from unwanted guests.
Contact your Local Police Department – You may even want to consider reaching out to your local police department to keep them in the loop as well. Some police departments even have vacation watch lists. This ensures that the police patrol the street where you live, to keep a visual on any suspicious activity that could occur.
Invest in Home Surveillance – If you have the means, it could be a great idea to invest in a good security company. There are many different options when it comes to surveillance of your home. You can get the works, such as security cameras surrounding your home, spotlights and alarm systems that will automatically alert the police or you could just get a simple doorbell camera that records when motion is detected.
Spare Keys – If you typically leave a spare key outside, it is highly recommended that you remove that while you are away for an extended period. You can give it to your family member that is nearby or a highly trusted neighbor so that the key is still accessible if needed.
Check your windows – It is just as important to ensure that your windows are locked and secured as well. Especially if they are on the 1^st floor. It is just as likely that someone will attempt to break in through the windows as well as the door. You should also keep your blinds closed from onlookers.

We discussed outside protection for your house but what should you do for the inside of the property to prepare for your departure?

Clean out the Fridge – If you have food that is perishable, you may want to take out the trash. Not only will this prevent your home from being smelly, but you will have a nice fresh fridge to stock up when you get home.
Unplug Unnecessary Electronics – When you are away for vacation you may want to unplug electronics that won’t be used, such as the computer, chargers, tv. This will just save you money on your electric bill and safeguard your electronics in case a power outage occurs that could damage your electronics.
Pets – If you have fur friends that will not be travelling with you. You have to take the extra steps to either board them at a pet boarding facility or have them stay at home with a pet sitter. If you opt for a pet sitter, it is important to put together a little guide on how to feed and care for your pet. The last thing you want to do when soaking up the sun, is to worry about if Fido is getting good care while you are away. There are plenty of tools online that give examples of a guide that you can print out and fill out for your pet sitter.

Whether you are travelling 2 hours away or 10 hours away, these steps are important in keeping your home and belongings safe. Taking the few extra moments to put together these things can do wonders for your stress levels and allow you to actually relax on your vacation!